2,021 ATMs of 24 banks in Nantong support foreign card cash withdrawal. 2,194 key merchants can accept domestic and foreign bank cards.

By Zhang Shuilan

Since the start of this year, Nantong has focused on the diversified payment needs of groups such as foreigners who come to China and old people, enhanced the development of payment service scenarios, and enriched the supply of payment services.

Up to now, Nantong has built 5 payment facilitation service areas, and 10 payment facilitation service stations. 2,021 ATMs of 24 banks in the city support foreign card cash withdrawal. 2,194 key merchants can accept domestic and foreign bank cards.

‘Whether buying tickets at scenic spots or purchasing in shopping malls, basically you can pay directly with foreign cards. This made our travel experience wonderful.’ Not long ago, Kate, a student from Australia, travelled to China during the holiday. From checking in at the Intercontinental Hotel by the Yangtze River, to visiting Langshan Scenic Area, to eating and shopping at Zhongnancheng, Kate paid with foreign cards seamlessly. ‘It’s very city. I will often travel to Nantong in the future, to experience the convenient and rich city life.’

‘I did not expect that it would be so convenient and fast to apply and open a card!’ Recently, Mr. Dai who immigrated to Germany many years ago returned to his hometown Haimen, and applied and opened a card at Bank of Shanghai Haimen Branch with his Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, said. Meanwhile, the workers also provided a detailed explanation of the bank's convenient payment policies for foreigners visiting China.

Data shows that in the first half of the year Nantong opened in total 883 personal accounts for foreigners.