Can I apply for a UnionPay card while traveling in China?
I'm now in China and found that so many stores only accept UnionPay even if they insist on accepting credit cards. For example today I ate at a local shop in Shanghai, which I went to because I was told I can use a credit card, but when I checked the staff there said they can accept UnionPay only.
So I want to get a UnionPay card. But it seems that there doesn't exist any description on the official page. Also, according to Travel China Guide, it is too hard to create a credit card in China as a traveler.
Can I apply for a Chinese credit card?
Answer: Yes, you can, if you work in China or have steady income. But it is impossible for travelers. I don't know whether he or she talks about UnionPay nor what the "steady income" means.
Is it possible to create a UnionPay, and if so how can I do?
Notice: I know my home country issues it but I wouldn't open it since I had a history of too much overdue. In fact I failed to open Visa/MasterCard at all the applications I made after the overdue.
Best Answer
The answer by @mts gives a good guide on how to get a UnionPay card while inside China. However there's an easier alternative back if you live in the US: apply for a Discover card. Wiki mentions that:
In May 2005 Discover Network announced an alliance with China UnionPay Network. The two companies have signed a long-term agreement that allows acceptance of Discover Network brand cards at UnionPay ATMs and point-of-sale terminals in China and acceptance of China UnionPay cards on the PULSE network in the U.S.
You can also apply for a UnionPay credit card from ICBC's branch in the US. Both options require you to have an SSN and some credit history.
Some other banks outside the US are now starting to offer UnionPay cards too, for example this Russian bank can issue one.
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Can foreigners use UnionPay?
UnionPay is an international card network that offers secure, convenient and cost effective payment services for global customers. UnionPay cards are accepted in 160 countries and regions, and issued in over 40 countries and regions around the world.How do I get a UnionPay card?
To make things clear and for those who have heard about STICPAY before, they issue Unionpay Prepaid Cards that are accepted in various countries around the globe. Thus, it's not a MasterCard....To apply for a UnionPay Prepaid card, you need to provide the following:Can I use UnionPay in China?
It is also an electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) network, and the only interbank network in China that links all the automatic teller machine (ATMs) of all banks throughout the country. UnionPay cards can be used in 180 countries and regions around the world.How does UnionPay work in China?
China UnionPay is a cashless payment method in China using a debit or credit card. China UnionPay cardholders must be Chinese nationals and they can receive international payments sent directly to their cards.Mastercard, Visa suspend Russia operations; Russian banks turn to China's UnionPay
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