Kathmandu: Himalayan Bank Limited, in a strategic partnership with UnionPay International, has officially introduced the UnionPay RMB card service in Nepal.
This marks the first time a Renminbi-denominated card has been launched in the local market, specifically designed to make travel to China more accessible, affordable, and convenient for Nepali citizens. The service was jointly inaugurated at a special ceremony in Kathmandu by Ashok Shamsher Rana, Chief Executive Officer of Himalayan Bank, and Zhuang Bei, Vice President of UnionPay International.
The primary feature of this card is that it allows travellers to conduct transactions directly in Chinese Yuan (CNY) while visiting the northern neighbour. By using this card at ATMs, Point of Sale (POS) terminals, and various e-commerce platforms, customers can settle their bills in local currency, which the bank claims is significantly more cost-effective compared to other payment instruments currently available in the market. This direct currency settlement helps users avoid the double conversion fees often associated with standard international cards.
Targeted at a wide demographic, including students, business entrepreneurs, and tourists, the card can be loaded with funds up to the foreign exchange limits set by the Nepal Rastra Bank. Beyond traditional physical use, the UnionPay RMB card is fully integrated with China’s vast digital payment ecosystem. This allows Nepali users to make payments via popular QR-based services and platforms such as Alipay+, WeChat Pay, and the “Nihao China” network, ensuring a modern and hassle-free payment experience throughout their stay in China.
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