Beijing continues to enhance the quality and efficiency of payment services for international travelers by launching a new foreign bankcard service, allowing passengers to enter and exit subway stations with just a quick tap.
The city's subway network has introduced point-of-sale (POS) machines and an innovative card-tap service specifically designed for international travelers. With just a quick tap of a bank card, the system automatically calculates and charges the fare, streamlining the process and making it more convenient than ever.
Currently, Beijing's rail transit network, consisting of 28 operational lines -- 27 subway lines and one suburban rail line -- offers POS machines for ticket purchases. These machines are compatible with financial IC cards and magnetic stripe cards issued by overseas banks, including six types of international cards such as Visa and MasterCard.
International visitors who prefer mobile payments can also link their international credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, to Alipay or WeChat Pay to buy tickets.
"It's lovely because I don't have to download any application, I don't have to deal with the service of subway. I just as I do in Paris with my credit card. I just by visa card, just pass by the counter and pass to the train," said an international traveler at a Beijing subway station.
Beijing Rail Transit is rolling out tap-and-go payments with foreign bank cards this year, in an effort to further enhance its payment services.
Once passengers enter, the payment is processed through the card issuer as the system verifies it in real-time.
In addition, Beijing has introduced a prepaid card, known as the "Beijing Pass," which allows foreign passengers to access over 1,700 bus routes, 28 rail lines, and more than 20,000 taxis.
China has upgraded its payment services nationwide to simplify travel for overseas visitors in various settings, including hotels, airports, banks, tourist attractions, and now subways.
With the rising popularity of China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy, a growing number of overseas travelers are visiting the country for up to six days.
The enhanced payment services are now making their travel experience more convenient and hassle-free.
Beijing subway enhances payment services for international travelers with new tap-and-go system
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
