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
Leaders of seven European countries on Tuesday reaffirmed that Greenland "belongs to its people," stressing that issues concerning Denmark and Greenland must be decided solely by Denmark and Greenland, according to a joint statement.
The statement, released by Denmark's Prime Minister's Office, was signed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," the statement said.
The leaders underscored that Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe and is critical for international and transatlantic security. They noted that NATO has made clear the Arctic region is a priority and that European allies are increasing their presence there.
The statement noted that the Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is part of NATO, and said security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively with NATO allies, including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.
Calling the United States an "essential partner," the leaders also referred to the 1951 defence agreement between Denmark and the United States.
The Prime Minister of Greenland Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Tuesday that Greenland is open to dialogue and discussions with the U.S., but "they must take place through the proper channels and in respect of international law."
The PM also urged respect from the U.S. side, saying "Our country is not an object in great power rhetoric." Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who was appointed by President Donald Trump last month as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, said that Trump "supports an independent Greenland with economic ties and trade opportunities for the United States," Reuters reported.
Trump said in a telephone interview on Sunday with The Atlantic that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland. He also discussed the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out using "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.
European leaders reaffirm Greenland sovereignty, stress Arctic security
European leaders reaffirm Greenland sovereignty, stress Arctic security
