Unionpay Prepaid/Debit Card

GR_04

Hello everyone,
I plan to travel to China at the end of December for nearly a month. I have been advised that Unionpay is more available as a payment method than Visa & Mastercard.
Ideally I would prefer to obtain a prepaid "cash passport" but so far have not found any company which Issues one in the UK (I even emailed Travelex in Hong Kong to see if they could Issue one via a UK agent, but had no response), would anyone happen to know how I could obtain one before I left the UK, or even for when I arrive in Shanghai?

Failing that option, would be obtaining a debit card, in the UK I am aware that ICBC (London) and Bank Of China offer this facility, but I would have to travel hundreds of miles to set up the account, would anyone know of other financial institutions which may provide this facility ?

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Moto2

Absolutely no idea about it but it looks like it's available

http://www.unionpayintl.com/en/enproducts/encards/index.shtml?style=4

I'd do a lot more research though before abandoning paying with a regular Visa or MC

GR_04

Hello Moto2,
Thanks for your input!
I seen that to, but when you click on apply there is no UK companies on the issue list, and all of the companies require you to collect and show ID to get the card.

I'm aware of the typical cards recommend to take when travelling (thanks to this site), but would like ideally to have this payment method too.

Obviously_the_best

At the very least cashpoints will accept Visa/Mcard. Many places in China don't take card, other than large chains.

http://www.chinatourstailor.com/faq/money.htm

leadswire

Hello, wonder if anyone can help me? I have recently returned from working in China to the UK. Some of my wages are stuck in a Chinese bank account. I have the bank card and all the details but am unable to access my money. The card is a single-chip card and has no magnetic strip so is rejected in any UK cash machine. Have no telephone or internet facilities for this bank account so am also unable to transfer the money. Contacted the bank which is ICBC; who haven't been too helpful. They suggested on the phone that; I should return to China to withdraw the funds, even though there is an ICBC branch in London. I replied to their email but had no further response from them.
I was under the impression that; this card could be used in England, because it has the Unionpay logo. Surely there is some way I can access my money without travelling back to China, is there? Any ideas anyone?
Many thanks in advance,
Lee.

eDicky

leadswire wrote: »

I was under the impression that; this card could be used in England, because it has the Unionpay logo. Surely there is some way I can access my money without travelling back to China, is there? Any ideas anyone?
.

There's a lot of Chinese tourists in England but I've not noticed any putting their UnionPay cards in an ATM to draw pounds. Does it work for purchases even? I think I've seen signs up where it's accepted, places that Asian tourists go, Oxford etc. I have one from my Thai account but never tried using it elsewhere. Perhaps you need to visit or contact CIBC London, they are not such a obscure bank.

Oh hang on, is it ICBC - I'm thinking of CIBC Singapore maybe...

dj1471

Try a Barclays ATM.

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/China/comments/4st6dl/attention_uk_unionpay_users_information_about_atm/

leadswire

Thank you for the responses. I have tried Barclays cash point and spoke to the staff inside with no joy. They confirmed that it could not be used in a UK cash machine, as it has no magnetic strip. First Direct told me that I should be able to use it for purchases at certain stores, but all the ones I have tried; have declined it. Also, have tried other cashpoints displaying the Unionpay logo with no success either.

So it seems I definitely can't withdraw cash, but how can I access the funds? I have contacted ICBC bank but they tell told me they can't help and to get internet banking I would have to go back to China. Now I get no response from my emails to them. Does anyone know of any retailers in the UK that will accept this card for purchases and cash back, bearing in mind it is single chip only?

Find it hard to believe that my employer in China would give me a card that can only be used in China. Does the bank not have some kind of legal responsibility to enable me to get this money? They know they are talking to the account holder, but still won't transfer it to me or offer any help.

Thanks again in advance, Lee.

eDicky

leadswire wrote: »

Find it hard to believe that my employer in China would give me a card that can only be used in China.

This kind of very limited UnionPay account does exist in China, you can look up the info. If it was 'given' by your employer perhaps it was the only way for them to provide an account to a foreigner in the circumstances, or other reasons. You can double check with the ICBC branch in London but otherwise a trip to China looks like the only way forward. Obviously it would have been better to make your own banning arrangements or at least examine what was set up for you. There's a chance that if you post about this on the 'Banking' board someone with more experience will advise.

jaxomnia

According to ICBC London's website you should be able to withdraw from ICBC.
Sorry that I'm a new member and they won't let me post links.
Try searching for ICBC LONDON UNIONPAY on Google. Should be the first few links.

worried_jim

jaxomnia wrote: »

According to ICBC London's website you should be able to withdraw from ICBC.
Sorry that I'm a new member and they won't let me post links.
Try searching for ICBC LONDON UNIONPAY on Google. Should be the first few links.

I'm sure after three years the OP has resolved their issues.