China has upgraded its digital renminbi payment services as part of the country’s efforts to improve the profile of its digital currency and make the payment process more user-friendly for foreigners.

The newly launched “recharge before use” feature on the e-CNY app allows foreigners to replenish the wallet of the app using online services of global payment networks Visa and Mastercard.

If there is a balance left in the digital wallet afterward, it can be returned to the foreign bank card or account that was used for topping up.

Previously, foreigners in China could not top up their e-CNY wallets in advance. They could only do so on the spot when making payments.