Bank of China leveraged its expertise in cross-border finance to ensure the delivery of smooth financial services at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, which took place in Tianjin from Aug 31 to Sept 1.

One-stop, convenient services for international guests

"We provided efficient and convenient financial services for international guests," a BOC’s Tianjin branch official said, noting that BOC ensured smooth and accessible payment experiences throughout the summit.

BOC's Tianjin branch set up a Cross-Border Financial Service Center at the summit’s media center to assist foreign journalists with payments, with onsite ATMs supporting both domestic and international cards.

Besides, BOC provides English- and Russian-speaking staff members to assist visitors with financial inquiries including card binding and cross-border transfers. To further enhance convenience, the bank developed its BOC Compass app that offers translation, AR navigation, and lifestyle information for international guests.

Seamless payments across Tianjin

The SCO Summit drives upgrades to Tianjin's metro ticket payment systems.

BOC partnered with Tianjin Rail Transit to ensure 69 stations accept Visa and Mastercard, providing international visitors with convenient access.

Beyond the metro, BOC also enhanced foreign exchange services at major hotels. Staff members received specialized training on currency handling and foreign exchange regulations. Together, these efforts ensured a seamless and convenient payment experience for international visitors during the summit.

Currently, BOC has set up foreign currency exchange points at 44 hotels and 196 branches across the city. It has installed 443 ATMs at airports, commercial areas, and tourist sites that accept international cards, making currency exchange and payments easier for visitors.

Citywide service excellence

The high-level service standards extend across key sectors including transport, hotels, healthcare and retail. These measures ensure that international guests can enjoy barrier-free, convenient financial services throughout Tianjin.

By serving the SCO Summit, BOC continues to strengthen cross-border financial connectivity and support China's high-quality economic development.