Chinese Think Tank Urges Rental 4G, 5G Phones for Tourists as 2 in 3 Face App Barriers
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 22
Chinese Think Tank Urges Rental 4G, 5G Phones for Tourists as 2 in 3 Face App Barriers
1 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 22
Summary
Low-end 4G or 5G handsets should be offered for rent near immigration checkpoints, the Straits Urban Research Institute said, so foreign visitors can access maps, e-payments, hotel bookings and emergency calling on arrival.
More than two in three independent travelers from outside China reported problems using mainstream domestic apps for booking and payment, the think tank said, while foreign tourists typically need to download at least six apps to meet basic travel needs.
The proposed devices would carry eSIM cards and pre-installed local apps, targeting short-term bottlenecks caused by overseas-made phones often lacking smooth access to Chinese digital services.
The institute said ready-to-use phones could both support China's recovering inbound tourism market and serve as a showcase for domestically made technology and the country's broader digital-services competitiveness.