Money & Payments
Paying for things in China changed completely after 2024. Alipay and WeChat Pay now link international Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Discover cards directly through the Tour Card feature, with a fee waiver under 200 RMB per transaction. Cash is still accepted but rare. ATMs, currency exchange at Bank of China, and what happens when your card "doesn't work" at the merchant.
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useful
Hong Kong
What is the most cost-effective method for topping up a Tourist Octopus card in Hong Kong to avoid hidden currency conversion fees?
Use the Octopus App for Tourists on iPhone X or later: zero top-up fee with foreign Mastercard, Visa, or UnionPay via Apple Pay.
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Hong Kong
What advice is available for purchasing gold jewelry while visiting Hong Kong?
Buy from Chow Tai Fook, Luk Fook, or Chow Sang Sang on Nathan Road or Queen's Road — all three carry QC hallmarks and chain receipts.