The Travel Pass device, as light as a power bank, comes with a built-in display, camera, and card slots supporting both China Unicom SIM cards and physical bank cards. It functions as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, facilitates SMS communication, enables QR code payments, and offers photo translation. Developed through a partnership between China UnionPay, Bank of Beijing, and China Unicom Beijing, this device merges banking and communication services under the "Card-to-Code" innovation model. During its pilot phase, foreign visitors could obtain, rent, and return the device at service counters at Beijing Capital International Airport, Daxing International Airport, and the Ta Yuan China Unicom store in the embassy district.
The latest upgrade now integrates the Bank of Beijing's Travel Pass app directly into the device, eliminating the need for downloads. Tourists can apply for a card, top up funds, request refunds, and cancel services independently via the app, without being restricted by business hours or application channels. Tests show that from uploading passport information to successfully renting the device, the entire process takes less than five minutes.
A key advantage of the Travel Pass is its integration of banking and communication functions, offering foreign visitors not only a seamless payment solution but also Wi-Fi connectivity for their personal devices. It supports both QR code scanning and display-based transactions via UnionPay, enabling easy payments whether shopping at street stalls or dining in Beijing's traditional hutong restaurants. The device requires a deposit of RMB 400, with a single transaction limit of RMB 1,000 and a cumulative top-up limit of RMB 10,000.
In addition, contactless mobile payments via NFC, a preferred method for many foreign visitors, are now supported through the MiFang Card—a first-of-its-kind "three-in-one" service package jointly launched by the Bank of China, China Unicom Beijing, and Beijing Yikatong. This SIM card integrates payment, telecommunications, and public transportation services.
Foreign visitors can obtain the MiFang Card at China Unicom service counters at Beijing Capital International Airport, Daxing International Airport, and designated stores by presenting their passports. In addition to voice calls, 5G data, and SMS services, the card enables digital RMB payments via POS terminals, supports public transportation payments by tapping on metro and bus turnstiles, and allows direct ticket purchases at designated parks and tourist attractions in Beijing.
"The MiFang Card is ready for use once inserted into a mobile phone," said Li Feihu, head of the digital currency task force at Bank of China's Beijing branch. It requires no additional app downloads, registrations, or extra service activations. For visitors whose phones do not support SIM cards, service counters can provide alternative solutions. Users can check their balance and browse a list of digital RMB merchants via an H5 webpage linked in an SMS. The MiFang Card's single top-up limit has been increased to RMB 5,000, with a cumulative limit of RMB 10,000.
Both the Travel Pass device and MiFang Card are expected to officially launch in mid-to-late March.
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