The Bank of China (BOC) has started issuing a stored value bank card which can be used by visitors here during the Olympics. This new card called the “Great Wall Card” can be purchased at any BOC branch in Beijing and get a refund for any remaining value when they leave. The card is denominated in local currency. The cards will be issued from Friday till the end of the Games.
The holder can withdraw cash from any China Union pay automated teller machine or pay at point of sales (POS) terminals in retail shops that display the Unionpay sign.
According to the bank, foreign visitors need not carry a large sum of money around the city and don't need to sign when paying with card. In addition, the stored value card was not just a payment solution but could also be a good souvenir for visitors.