China Is Making Payments More Convenient for Foreigners, Central Bank Official Says

China has been making it easier for foreigners to make payments inside the country by improving mobile solutions and increasing business and ATM acceptance of foreign bank cards, a central bank official said Thursday.

The move is widely seen as part of the country’s efforts to make it a more attractive destination for foreigners to visit, live or work.

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has been asking commercial banks and nonbank payment institutions to encourage more businesses — especially those at airports, train stations and major business districts — to accept foreign bank cards, Zhang Qingsong, a deputy governor of the central bank, said at a press briefing.