Ultimate Guide! How to Enjoy a 10-Day Stay in China Without WeChat Pay or Alipay?

Since China’s National Immigration Administration fully relaxed and optimized its transit visa-free policy—extending the permitted stay from the original 72 or 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days)—it has also added 21 new ports for transit visa-free entry and exit, further expanding the permitted activity areas. Eligible travelers from 54 countries, including Russia, Brazil, the UK, the US, and Canada, can now transit through China to a third country (or region) and enter visa-free through any of the 60 open ports across 24 provinces (or autonomous regions/municipalities), staying for up to 240 hours within designated zones.

But in China, buying high-speed rail tickets, attraction tickets, or even dining often requires QR code payments.

While mobile QR code payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonplace in China, they’re not so simple for foreigners visiting or working there. Over the past year, Zhou Hanmin, Standing Committee Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and President of the Shanghai Public Diplomacy Association, found in his research that these seemingly convenient "small things" in Chinese payment methods have left many foreign friends "stuck."

During discussions with businesses, Zhou Hanmin discovered that many raised the issue of "payment inconveniences for foreigners in China, including expatriate workers." One executive remarked, "Don’t underestimate this problem. When foreigners arrive in China, they want to make calls but can’t access local networks. When they try to pay, they’re told only WeChat Pay or Alipay is accepted."

This isn’t an isolated issue. Some reported that even after downloading WeChat Pay or Alipay before arriving, they couldn’t order food delivery or hail rides online because real-name verification and credit card binding were required. Meanwhile, foreigners face hurdles opening Chinese bank accounts, as a residence visa is mandatory.

To address this, China’s Ministry of Commerce released the 2024 edition of the Guide for Foreign Business Professionals Working and Living in China in April, dedicating significant space to explaining Chinese payment methods. However, the guide lacks recommendations for payment apps tailored to the Americas.

So, how can those living abroad long-term without WeChat Pay or Alipay make payments in China?

The iTalkBB UnionPay Card Prepaid Card is designed for overseas Chinese! iTalkBB has partnered with UnionPay International and East West Bank to launch the first QR code payment feature in the iTalkBB Prime App, tailored for Chinese returning home!

As North America’s leading telecom provider for the Chinese community, iTalkBB is committed to solving the pain point of inconvenient payments when returning to China. Through this collaboration with UnionPay and East West Bank (Member FDIC), iTalkBB Prime App users can now enjoy seamless cross-border UnionPay QR code payments and online payments integrated into the app via the new iTalkBB UnionPay Card plan.

The iTalkBB UnionPay Card is a virtual card. For payments in China, wherever the UnionPay logo is displayed, it can be used! Many stores in China only accept UnionPay, so the iTalkBB UnionPay Card works even where Visa/Mastercard isn’t accepted!

Register for the iTalkBB UnionPay Prepaid Card, and you can return to China with peace of mind—even without WeChat Pay or Alipay!

How to Register for the iTalkBB UnionPay Prepaid Card

Step 1: Purchase the Prime App and tap the wallet icon in the bottom-right corner.

Step 2: Click "Learn More & Apply" to view offer details, then tap "Apply Now" to begin.

Step 3: Provide personal details (e.g., name, phone number, email) and ID documents.

Step 4: Review and accept terms and conditions, then click "Submit" and await approval.

Step 5: Once approved, register for East West Bank’s online banking to deposit funds into your new checking account. Then use their transfer/payment options to reload your iTalkBB UnionPay Prepaid Card.

Step 6: Use the Prime App’s QR code payment feature to start making UnionPay payments with your virtual iTalkBB UnionPay Prepaid Card.

Apply Now: https://www.italkbb.com/us/en/UnionPayCard

Call for inquiries: 877-482-5522 or scan the QR code above to add our WeChat客服 (WeChat customer service) for more details.

Three Key Features of iTalkBB UnionPay Payments

QR Code Payments in ChinaActivate the UnionPay Prepaid Card plan in the iTalkBB Prime App to use QR code payments at merchants displaying the UnionPay logo.

Online Overseas PaymentsThe upgraded iTalkBB Prime App not only supports QR code payments but also online payments, compatible with popular platforms like Taobao, Meituan, Pinduoduo, DiDi, Ctrip, and 12306 for hassle-free cross-border shopping.

Cross-Border China-US Global CallingPrime App users can leverage its communication features, including dual numbers for instant cross-border calls and SMS between China, the US, Canada, and Hong Kong. The app also supports number porting, one-tap call recording, and exclusive family groups for comprehensive connectivity.

Four Major Benefits of the iTalkBB UnionPay Card

UnionPay QR Payments with USD Top-UpsWith the iTalkBB UnionPay Prepaid Card and Prime App’s QR payment feature, users can top up in USD and pay in CNY, avoiding foreign exchange fees.Simply deposit USD into your East West Bank checking account and transfer funds to the prepaid card via online banking.After topping up, scan the "UnionPay QuickPass" QR codes at merchants for instant forex settlement.

Exclusive iTalkBB Perks: No Minimum Deposit or Monthly FeesPrime App users enjoy waived minimum deposit requirements and no monthly maintenance fees for East West Bank accounts opened through the app.

Bind Local Apps, Avoid Foreign Card FeesUnlike US credit cards that incur 3% foreign transaction fees in China, the iTalkBB UnionPay Prepaid Card waives this charge during promotions—saving you money for travel and dining!

24/7 Chinese Customer Support: 877-482-5506

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