Going forward, foreign visitors to Beijing will have access to even more convenient communication and payment options. Two products that integrate 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 Bank of Beijing and a SIM card issued by 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.

For communication, China Unicom (Beijing) has introduced SIM card plans valid for 7, 10, 15, and 30 days respectively, with rates lower than those of international roaming services. In addition, each TRAVEL PASS device will remain rent-free until June 30. For payment, the TRAVEL PASS UnionPay card in the device supports two payment methods involving UnionPay QR codes: users can either scan businesses' QR codes or display payment code for scanning. With a quick scan, foreign tourists can enjoy the convenience of mobile payment in China.

Currently, visitors can apply for SIM cards and rent/purchase TRAVEL PASS devices at China Unicom's service hall at Beijing Capital International Airport, as well as the Beijing Service counter for mobile services and China Unicom's service hall at Beijing Daxing International Airport. They only need to present their passport and visa to obtain any of these products, and the entire process only takes 5 minutes.

Additionally, through the TRAVEL PASS application, users can enjoy card application, top-up, refund, and cancellation services for digital TRAVEL PASS UnionPay cards, without channel or time restrictions. After use, devices can be returned at any service outlets of 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 three most used services (payment, communication and transportation). Tourists can simply apply for a card with their passport and visa at China Unicom's service counter at Beijing Capital International Airport or Beijing Daxing International Airport, and then insert the card into their phone’s SIM card slot for immediate use—no mobile application download or registration required. Rent-free mobile phones are also available for tourists whose phones cannot accommodate extra SIM cards.

The CUBe Card supports 5G high-speed data, voice calls, and SMS services. Once the card is activated, staff will help visitors top up different amounts of e-CNY according to their needs and activate the BEIJING PASS transportation service. With the card, visitors can simply tap their phone to access public transport and buy tickets at designated parks and other tourist destinations in Beijing.

Currently, the two products have been in use on trial basis and are expected to be officially launched in mid to late March.

(Source: Beijing Youth Daily)