Apple has announced expanded cross-border Apple Pay support for users in mainland China, allowing them to use Visa credit and debit cards issued by local banks to complete payments in stores and online that accept contactless payments, no matter where they are traveling.
“As Apple Pay expands its cross-border payment capabilities in mainland China, we are making the travel experience smoother and safer, allowing users to make payments with confidence anywhere in the world,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president in charge of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. “With the built-in security and privacy features of the iPhone and Apple Watch, Apple Pay provides a simple, secure, and private payment experience, no matter where your journey takes you—whether you’re taking public transport, buying dinner, or shopping in a new city.”
Visa credit cards issued by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of Communications, China Merchants Bank, CITIC Bank, Ping An Bank, and Industrial Bank, as well as Visa debit cards issued by CITIC Bank, can use Apple Pay for cross-border payments after adding their cards to the Apple Wallet app. These partners, along with China UnionPay, have provided support for Apple Pay cross-border payments.
Additional banks including Shanghai Pudong Development Bank and China Construction Bank will add support in the coming months. Mastercard is also preparing to launch similar support for select cardholders.
“With this expansion of cross-border Apple Pay capabilities in mainland China, we’re making travel more seamless and secure, giving users confidence in their payments wherever they go,” continued Bailey.
