OREANDA-NEWS. January 3, 2013. ICBC Beijing Branch and American Express jointly launch AE Global Travel e-traveler cheque for Chinese customers to use overseas for payment, said in an recent announcement by the Branch.

AE Global Travel e-traveler cheque is a new payment product designed for those who travel abroad for leisure, business or study. It replaces paper traveler cheque and can be used worldwide for payment, cash advance, repeated top-up, a safe and easy way to carry around when traveling. There is no validity period.

Bringing large amount of cash when traveling abroad is very risky. Hence, traveler cheque is a good alternative. When buying electronic traveler cheques, users also get the principal card and standby card. In case the principal card is lost or stolen, users can activate the standby card immediately to continue using the balance in the account. e-Traveler cheques are very suitable for Chinese students studying abroad. Many countries require Chinese overseas students to supply a contact address before applying for residence permit and opening bank account. This usually takes several weeks. It will be very risky if carrying a large amount of cash around. Now with e-traveler cheques, the problem is solved.

At present, AE Global Travel e-traveler cheques are available in US dollar, Euro and British pound. Tourists are welcomed to buy or top-up the cards (up to USD 15,000 or equivalent) at the 61 Wealth centers or designated FX outlets of ICBC Beijing Branch. AE Global Travel e-traveler cheques can be used worldwide, including millions of merchants around the world accepting AE cards or cash advance at ATM with AE logo. Besides, the cheques can also be used to pay for goods bought online, by phone or mail-order from merchants outside China. American Express offers discounts in travel, leisure, restaurants or shopping around the world for Chinese users. Further, American Express also provides round-the-clock services worldwide for cardholders in case of emergency, such as reporting lost passport or luggage, legal or medical assistance, so that they can travel without worry.

At present, ICBC Beijing Branch offers 80% discount for those who buy AE Global Travel e-traveler cheques at the 61 Wealth centers and designated FX outlets of the Branch.