From now on, foreign tourists to Beijing will have access to even more convenient communication and payment options. Two products integrating the use of SIM cards and bank cards, namely "TRAVEL PASS" (畅游通) and "CUBe Card" (幂方卡), were introduced on March 1 at the launching ceremony of the "Visa - UnionPay Zone for Beijing Central Axis".

The TRAVEL PASS addresses the two major difficulties regarding communication and payment for overseas tourists in the Chinese mainland. By inserting a "TRAVEL PASS" UnionPay card issued by the Bank of Beijing and a SIM card issued by the China Unicom (Beijing) into this white device about the size of a power bank, foreign visitors can gain access to several services like portable Wi-Fi, UnionPay QR code payment, translation, and map navigation.

Regarding communication, the China Unicom (Beijing) has introduced communication card plans valid for 7, 10, 15, and 30 days respectively, with the associated fees less expensive than those of international roaming services. In addition, each "TRAVEL PASS" device will remain rent-free until June 30. In terms of payment services, the "TRAVEL PASS" UnionPay card in the device supports two payment methods: UnionPay QR code scanning and being scanned. With just a scan, any foreign tourist can enjoy the convenience of mobile payment in China.

The China Unicom's service hall at Beijing Capital International Airport, as well as the "Beijing Service" counter for mobile services and the China Unicom's service hall at Beijing Daxing International Airport currently offer services including SIM card issuance and rental and sale of the devices. Foreign tourists only need to provide their passports and visas to obtain any of these products, with each taking only 5 minutes to finish.

The TRAVEL PASS App also allows foreign tourists to apply for the "TRAVEL PASS" digital UnionPay cards. The App also enables the cardholders to top up their cards, apply for refunds, or cancel their cards anytime through any means. Tourists can return their devices after use at the service locations of the China Unicom (Beijing) or the company's service hall at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

The CUBe Card is China's first cutting-edge product to combine the three high-frequency services of "payment, communication and transportation". With their passports and visas, tourists can apply for the cards at the China Unicom's service counter at Beijing Capital International Airport or Beijing Daxing International Airport. Without the need to download or register any mobile payment App, a user can simply insert the card into his/her phone's SIM card slot to use it. Rent-free mobile phones are available to tourists whose phones cannot allow extra SIM cards.

Each CUBe Card supports 5G high-speed data services, voice calls, and SMS service. After tourists apply for the CUBe Cards, staff will top up different amounts of e-CNY according to their consumption needs and activate the BEIJING PASS transportation service of their cards. After that, visitors can use their mobile phones to swipe their cards to enter and exit public transportation stations and buy tickets straight at Beijing's designated parks and other tourist destinations.

Currently, the two products have started their batch trials and are expected to be officially launched on the market in mid to late March.

(Source: Beijing Youth Daily)