📚 Blog Posts

China hotel deposits for foreigners: card holds, cash, Alipay and WeChat Pay limits, refund times, and what to do if your money doesn't come back.

Hang Seng, BoC Pay+, PayMe, AlipayHK, WeChat Pay HK or Octopus? Compare which QR codes each app can pay, plus fees, limits and what's coming with FPS and UnionPay.

TenPayGo is now officially live. Setup, supported cards and wallets, fees, limits and real user problems, checked against Tencent's official terms.

As of May 2026, US PayPal users can scan WeChat Pay QR codes across China — no Chinese wallet needed. How it works, who's eligible, the real fees & honest limits.

China's medical tourism is booming — 1.28M foreign patients in 2025. But how do you actually pay at a Chinese hospital? This guide covers Alipay, WeChat Pay, cash, insurance & real patient tips.

UnionPay's Nihao China app lets foreigners pay by QR code, ride metro in 43 cities & order food. Setup guide, supported cards, fees & honest review.

Your bank blocked your card on WeChat Pay? Here's why it happens and 10 proven fixes — from calling your bank to switching cards. Updated March 2026.

Alipay passport scan stuck in a loop? The dark background trick and 7 other proven fixes. Covers photo scan, NFC, facial recognition. Updated 2026.

Link your Wise card to Alipay & WeChat Pay in China. Step-by-step setup, fees, ATM tips, and the personal QR code problem most guides miss. Updated 2026.

Your bank — not Alipay — is blocking the transaction. Here are 5 proven fixes for Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay & fintech cards, including the personal QR code issue most guides miss.

Getting the dreaded "Card Declined" error on WeChat Pay? This guide walks you through every possible solution, from quick checks to contacting your bank. Updated 2026.

How foreigners get CNY refunds from Alipay back to overseas Visa/Mastercard cards – complete 2026 step-by-step guide.

Your complete step-by-step guide to buying high-speed train tickets in China. Learn to use the official 12306 app vs. Trip.com with a foreign passport and credit card.

A complete guide to using foreign credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) on major Chinese apps like Didi, Meituan, JD, and Trip.com. See which apps work, their fees, and how to set them up.

Complete 2026 comparison of China's payment giants. Compare fees (3% vs 0%), limits (¥60k+), setup guides & best strategy for tourists. Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay & Apple Pay analyzed.

The definitive guide for UK travellers. Pay in China with iFast's new Worldwide Scan & Pay (Alipay+), or link your Visa debit card to Alipay and WeChat Pay — step by step, fees & fixes.

Can you link your American Express card to Alipay or WeChat Pay? Here's the truth. We explain the issues and provide the best payment strategies for Amex cardholders in China.

Two ways to use Revolut with Alipay: link your card to pay in China, or send CNY straight to an Alipay wallet from the Revolut app. Fees, weekend FX and fixes.

A full comparison of Visa and Mastercard acceptance in China for 2026, including Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Will your Chase, BoA, or Citi card work with Alipay & WeChat Pay in China? This guide covers success rates, tips, and the best alternatives for US tourists.

The ultimate guide for tourists on how to set up and use the Digital Yuan (e-CNY) wallet. No Chinese bank account needed. Learn to top-up, pay, and see how it compares to Alipay & WeChat Pay.