Guangzhou has become the first city in China to integrate entry and exit services into the "Nihao China" app, providing greater convenience for foreign nationals traveling, working, or living in the city.
With the new rollout, users can access a range of services through the app, including applications for a visa, a stay permit, a residence permit, permanent residence in China, loss of passport, no criminal record in China, self-service accommodation registration, as well as booking and cancellation of applications.
To use the services, users simply open the "Nihao China" app and select "Exit and Entry Services" under the "Services" section on the home page, where they can complete procedures by following clear on-screen instructions.
Developed by China UnionPay, the "Nihao China" app is a one-stop mobile application tailored specifically for overseas visitors to China. More than just a payment tool, it is designed to serve as a reliable companion for overseas visitors exploring China and enjoying convenient daily life. Its key features include:
Payments and transportation:
The app supports integrated payments through UnionPay, WeChat Pay, and Alipay, enabling smooth transactions across online and offline scenarios. It is accepted on metro systems nationwide and bus networks in more than 1,760 cities, and provides easy access to nearby ATMs and foreign currency exchange services.
Language and communication support:
The app supports real-time Chinese–English translation and intelligent recognition and translation of Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and Russian.
Travel and tax refund services:
The app offers real-time exchange rate conversion for more than 160 currencies and provides departure tax refund services in 29 major cities, supporting instant refunds, in-store tax rebates, OCR recognition, QR code interactions, and full English display.
Mobile connectivity:
Users can activate virtual mobile data services upon arrival in China, enabling immediate internet access without the need for a physical SIM card.
Author | He Fengyu
Photo | China UnionPay Guangdong Branch (银联广东)
Video | China UnionPay (中国银联)
Editor | Wei Shen, James Campion, Shen He
