■ Swiping overseas bank cards directly at scenic spots

■ Exchanging RMB at hotel lobbies

■ Withdrawing cash at ATMs in bank branches with foreign bank cards

…

By Zhang Shuilan and Li Xianju

Swiping overseas bank cards directly at scenic spots, exchanging RMB at hotel lobbies, withdrawing cash at ATMs in bank branches with foreign bank cards...the reporter visited places including Langshan Scenic Area, the Intercontinental Hotel, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Chengshan Road Branch and learnt that Nantong has launched multiple measures to make it more convenient for foreigners to consume in Nantong.

‘It is very convenient to swipe the card directly to buy a ticket!’ A foreign tourist gave a thumbs-up after using ‘Discover Card’ to complete ticket purchase quickly. Hang Yongkang, the vice president of Bank of China Nantong Branch, introduced that Bank of China supports payment of 6 types of foreign cards. Up to now, the bank provides foreign card swiping services for 742 merchants in Nantong. At the same time, all operating branches support foreign currency exchange. They can accept up to 25 kinds of currencies, and 12 foreign currency exchange stations have been set up over the city.

The convenience of withdrawing cash with foreign cards is an important aspect of payment service. At the ATM machine of Chengshan Road Branch of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the reporter saw that 6 types of foreign cards were supported for cash withdrawal. Yu Taoyuan, the person in charge of the branch, said, ‘up to now, ATM machines which support cash withdrawal with foreign cards have been put in all branches of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, which let foreign friends who come to Nantong withdraw cash anytime they arrive.’