Getting caught traveling in any foreign country without access to money is my worst nightmare. Over the past few months, I’ve been testing out a new global payment solution that has not only saved me money, it’s also been more reliable than my debit card. Best of all? Because it’s based on UnionPay, it has a 100% acceptance rate at all ATMs and stores throughout China and pretty much all of Asia. Let me explain.
There’s a fundamental problem that every traveler faces when it comes to payments in China. It goes like this:
- China is rapidly moving toward a cashless society. Mobile payment systems like WeChat and Alipay have replaced cash as king.
- Tourists can’t use mobile payments because it now requires registration via a Chinese bank account (which tourists can’t open).
- Fewer and fewer shops are accepting cash and most don’t accept Visa® or MasterCard®.
Even many expats in China are finding themselves between this proverbial rock and a hard place. China is moving toward mobile payments without providing a global payment solution for foreigners.
Fortunately, I’ve come across a fix for the problem that might end up being a life-saver for any tourist and expat coming to China.
Allow me to share with you my experience with this a prepaid global payment solution for payments in China.
Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to apply for ECARD. I only recommend what I use personally, and I appreciate your support to make this website content free!
My Experience with ECARD (and how it fixes the problem)
Earlier this year, I applied for and received a UnionPay-branded ECARD.
This ECARD is a prepaid card, not a credit card, but it has quickly become the go-to card in my wallet while in Asia (and specifically China). I’m going to give you a quick ECARD review as well as share what I like and don’t like about it.
You see, if you’ve traveled anywhere in Asia, you might have noticed that while Visa® and MasterCard® are unreliable, UnionPay is different. You’ll find the logo everywhere you go.
And in case you don’t believe me, here’s an interesting fact you may not have known: UnionPay is bigger in terms of total transaction value than any other major credit or debit card network. Crazy, right?!
What’s more important to know, however, is that UnionPay is accepted in 100% of the ATMs in China, in any store that accepts card payments, and it’s also accepted everywhere else in Asia and eastern Europe.
In Asia, a UnionPay card is like gold.
The only way I’ve found to get a UnionPay card for foreigners outside of China is with the ECARD.
The process to obtain and use an ECARD was simple:
- Apply for the Card: I applied for the ECARD on their website. The application process by law required my social security number (so you have to be a legal US resident) and a copy of a government-issued ID, but since it’s not a credit card, there is no credit check that is done.
- Receive the Physical Card: Less than a week later, I received the physical card in the mail. It’s a sleek-looking gold card with both a magnetic strip and a chip. It’s the only UnionPay card for foreigners that’s in my wallet.
- Activate the Card: I activated my account online (they also have a mobile app) and added funds to the card. This can be done in multiple ways, but I chose to do direct transfer from my US bank account.
- Use the Card: I use the card by swiping it anywhere that UnionPay is accepted. In the United States, I can even use it through the Discover network.
It’s a simple enough process, but if you’re like me, you’re still a bit skeptical. Does having a UnionPay card for foreigners really make things better/easier when you’re in China?
Pros and Cons of Using ECARD in China
I’ve been using my debit or credit card at ATMs in China for years to pull out cash and it’s worked fine. Why change?
As I stated in the beginning, only a fraction of the ATMs in China accept Visa® or MasterCard® and even when they do, the exchange rate is terrible when pulling cash.
Also, many travelers want to use WeChat or Alipay, but the problem is that foreign travelers can’t use mobile payment platforms even though they advertise the use of foreign credit cards (spoiler: it doesn’t work).
Benefits of Using ECARD in China
This is where the ECARD tends to shine. I’m going to break down the pros of a global payment system like ECARD into three parts:
- Universal Acceptance at Asia ATMs: When you’re walking around any part of Asia, including China, Thailand, Vietnam, etc., every single ATM will accept the UnionPay ECARD. You may not realize it now, but that’s a huge obstacle that you no longer have to worry about.
- Better ATM Conversion Rates: Not only can you use any ATM you find, but you’ll also get the UnionPay conversion rates, which are much better than what you’ll get from your bank at home.
- Better Foreign Transaction Fees: While there are some travel credit cards that waive foreign transaction fees, most pre-paid cards I’m aware of have 3% foreign transaction fees. With ECARD, those fees are cut in half to only 1.49%.
- Online & App Tracking / Management: I really like this: I can log into my ECARD account on either my computer or on my phone to track my spending, top up the card, put a temporary hold on the card or even change my PIN number.
As an expat living abroad (both in China and Thailand), I have saved literally hundreds of dollars in ATM fees or bank wire fees. It’s awesome.
Apply for the UnionPay-branded ECARD
For travelers, it’s a way to mitigate risk (you don’t have to use your credit card overseas) and because it’s a UnionPay card for foreigners, you can be sure that you’ll be able to pay for things no matter where you travel in Asia.
Challenges of Using ECARD
There are a few cons to using the ECARD that I’ve realized the more I use it. These are pretty trivial, but I think they are worth mentioning.
First of all, I think I need to clearly state for the record that getting this UnionPay card does not mean you’ll be able to use it to open a WeChat Wallet. WeChat and Alipay require cards directly connected to a Chinese bank, which ECARD isn’t. Bummer.
My biggest gripe, though, has been the amount of time it takes to top up the ECARD. After connecting my bank, the transfer took a full 4 business days to complete. In the future, I’ll be able to take this into account as I plan my spending, but it does present problems if you’re in a bind and you need to add money fast.
While doing research for this ECARD review, I was told by company representatives that they’re working to get the transfer time down to 1-2 business days. This would be much better, but in a world that revolves around “instant”, a couple days still feels like a long time.
Is a Global Payment Solution Right for You? ECARD Review
I travel a lot all around Asia. I also live here. For this reason, as you can tell in this ECARD review, this solution makes a lot of sense for me.
Obviously, ECARD is not a solution for everybody, but considering the money challenges China presents, it’s definitely a good option worth exploring.
One thing is for sure: getting the card costs you nothing and it might end up saving you money (conversion rates) and headache (trying to pay for things). Go ahead and apply for your own ECARD to give it a try.
And once you’ve got this new UnionPay card for foreigners, email me or leave a comment below to let me know what you think. Have you enjoyed using the card?
The ECARD prepaid card is issued by Global Bank of New York (Member FDIC) pursuant to a license by UnionPay International Company, Ltd.
Brilliant, thanks for this! As an expat who lives in shanghai and constantly transferring between accounts and pulling cash from atms, this seems like a great solution for those moments I don’t have a alipay balance.
Great! Glad it was useful to you, Stephanie!
Josh: I bought your book, I have read your emails. The ecard is something new. You previously stated that visa/mastercard was accepted everywhere in china, Now you are telling me that they are not. please explain.
That’s a good question – I’ll have to ask them. For what it’s worth, I have used the card in the US (it runs on the Discover network) and it worked just fine.
Hey Roger, thanks for the question and giving me the opportunity to clarify. When I say that Visa/MC is accepted everywhere, I mean that no matter where you are in China, there is an ATM somewhere that will allow you to pull cash using a Visa/Mastercard. This hasn’t changed and you can still travel this way.
The problem, as I stated before, is that it’s not a truly “global payment solution”, which is why I’m giving this a try. UnionPay is accepted 100% of the places through Asia (not just China) that accept cards, including not just ATMs but also all stores that accept cards. It’s just a better solution and will eventually be incorporated into the book.
Does that make sense?
Hi Josh,
Thanks for the great review of the ecard payment solution which will benefit all china tRavellers Who can not open a chinese bank account. It still doesn’t provide solutions for those places that can accept NEITHER cards nor cash. Like you previously stated, Virtually everybodY accept WeChat/AliPay, but not necessarily cards or cash. although the latters are further between (at Least to my experience).
Getting a Chinese bank account is really The key to those of us who stay here vEry frequently. I had no problem getting one, but I Understand that it might depend on, not only the bank, but also the branch. If an Attempt at one bank fails, try another branch/bank. Bringing a good interpreter is also really useful. Preferably one w. Good connections at this particular bank/branch.
Very true, Soren. And unfortunately, China is continuing to make it harder and harder for foreigners to open a bank account here.
Awesome recommendation Josh. Thank you!!! applied. will see how it works.
thanks for all you do!
My pleasure, Mikes! I hope it works out for you. Best of luck!
HI Josh,
And for non-US residents (without an US social security number) what could be the solution?
At the moment, I don’t have one (unfortunately). I’m continue to research and keep my ears open for new solutions, and I’ll update this article or let you know once I find one.
i Just checked ECARD accept application for non ssn users too
Can you transfer cash out of this account to a foreign account?
I’m not sure what you mean. What I’ve done in the past is pull cash out of an ATM and then deposit it in my Chinese bank account. I get a better exchange rate and I don’t have to pay wire fees.
Once you top up / transfer into the account with RMB £ and Then leave China, how Easy would it Be to transFer what is left on the card to a uK account
What about options for Australians?
When I find one, I’ll update this article or find another way to let you know!
Does this card only work in USA?
Only U.S. citizens can apply for it, but it works anywhere in the world. Does that make sense?
they accept application for us residence ( with proof of address) Just checked.
Hi Natalie,
Thank you for your interest in ECARD. ECARD can be used in more than 170 countries in the world. You can also withdraw local currencies when traveling. Although it can only be shipped to an U.S. address, you don’t need to be U.S. citizen to be able to apply. You can use any non-u.s. passport to apply.
Sounds good! DoEs the ecard only work aT atms or can you use it where locals use wechat?
The card works at ATMs and anywhere that accepts UnionPay cards (which in Asia is pretty much everywhere).
Good idea if you are american. you may not believe it but there are foreigners from other countries. The application allows me to select other countries but will only accept usa states
Thanks for the comment, Darrell. I realize there are other countries in the world and I apologize if I haven’t made that clear in the article. I have no doubt the company is working to expand to different countries and I’ll update this article when they do (or if I find another solution that serves more countries).
Are travel cards loaded with chinese currency accepted in china these days.
Eg. casHpassport card ( a debit type card but with local currency pre loaded.) i assume this is similiar to Union card. Correct???
The cash passport card is issued through local banks via master card. Bendigo bank
Now has its own cash travellers card. We are in australia.
Your comments would be appreciated. BoB Logan. 20/8/2018.
Hey Bob, what’s important here is the network being used. Is the card a Visa? Mastercard? Discover? Something else?
What makes this eCard unique is that it uses UnionPay, which is accepted everywhere in China.
Unfortunately, at this time it’s not available for Australian citizens.
Living in Australia it seems I can’t apply for this card.
Unfortunately not. I’m sorry. When an Australian option (or alternative solution) becomes available, I’ll update this and try to let you know.
Hey Josh,
I’m glad to see you blogging about ECARD! I’m a fan.
As to the ergency funds loading, I highly recomend you to try Direct diposit (easy and automatic and fast) or Greendot moneypack (10 mins!). I’ve done both!
Love your work!
Mel
Thanks for the tips, Mel. Direct deposit is a good idea, but it doesn’t help with emergency funds, really. Same with Greendot…unless I’m in the US, that doesn’t help.
Is there anyway to use this to pay online for Chinese goods?
Since it uses the UnionPay network, you should be able to!
Hi! when i return to the usa and have a balance left on my card, how can i use the fund or remove from the card? can i use it to pay for items in the usa to clear off the balance? thank you!
Yes, you can! You can use the eCard on the Discover network in the U.S., which I’ve done before and it worked flawlessly.
What do you think about the icbc unionpay credit card? It seems it’s even better than ecard in that you don’t need to move money back and forth.
I’m not aware of this card although from what I see, it’s not necessarily better or worse. You still need to get money into the bank account, whether by direct deposit or transfer.
Do the funds on the card expire like some prepaid cards?
Definitely read the fine print. From what I’ve read, if you don’t use the card for 180 days, you will be charge an inactivity fee of $4.99/mo. If I were you, I would just pull the money out at an ATM before that happens.
I recently moved to Shanghai. I would like the ecard, but is it possible to have the card sent to my shanghai address? I’m not sure the mail system is reliable.
Also, What are the other options, besides direct transfer, to add funds to the ecard?
You can set up direct deposit, or you could use the Green Dot cash cards (or have family in the U.S. buy one for you).
Hey Lena, I think it will have to be sent to a US address and then forwarded on by a friend/family member. Shanghai is usually pretty good for mail delivery, although if you’re really worried, you can try asking your school or employer for their official address.
Finally, I’m curious why this is useful for you. (in the spirit of trying to figure out if this is useful for me) Are you experimenting with the product for the benefit of travelers? I assume you probably have a local bank account since you live in China, which gives you access to the same benefits of the ecard? Technically, couldn’t you do without the ecard, because you already have those benefits through your bank?
Again…great questions and I’m sorry it’s not clear in the article. In my opinion, this is more useful for expats as opposed to travelers. For me, the value is in moving money seamlessly from the U.S. to China. Previously, I had to wire the money ($25-$40 per wire) or pull from an ATM with my U.S. debit card (3% foreign conversion fee plus $5 ATM fee). I could then deposit that money into my Chinese bank account.
With eCard, I’m saving money and making things more convenient here in Asia. Money is direct deposited on the card (no wire fee) where I can pull from the ATM (only a 1.49% fee) and deposit it into my Chinese bank account. Similarly, I can use this card as I travel around Asia (I’ve used it in South Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, etc.). UnionPay is accepted in 99% of the ATMs throughout Asia, which is a lot better than my Visa card.
Can I make it work with my Visa card and my Chinese bank account? Absolutely. For me, the eCard is just a way to make it slightly cheaper and easier to use. I hope that makes sense!
Josh,
I need to give you epic big ups for this! My eCard is going to save my sanity when I go to Asia next. Again, thank for mentioning the above.
Bruce L.
So glad to hear that, Bruce! I hope you enjoy 🙂
What about if i lost the ECARD? IT work with a Pin #? How to load it? Will they send it unload and i finish the process from my bank account? thank for your advises
If you lose the eCard, you can report it as missing on the app or online. It works at an ATM with a PIN number but at a card reader as a credit card (you sign for it). You load it with your U.S. bank account. They send the card unloaded and you load it once you receive the card.
I also prefer to add money to the card with my canadian bank account instead of my U.S. since I don’t have much in my U.S one, that is why I am looking at other alternatives.
Thank you josh for your clarifications. i will take it in account in our next trip to china.
How long should I wait for the card? The email said my application was received August 30, and said I would receive it in 4-5 business days. There’s nowhere on the website to check the status.
Has anyone else had such a long delay?
I would reach out to them and ask about the status. It definitely shouldn’t take that long.
I see that it has a ‘inactivity fee’ of $5 if the card isn’t used in 180 days. If i clear out the balance by then, do they charge me the fee through my bank account? A little confused on that part.
They do not have the right to pull money from your bank account unless you set up a recurring transfer. So no, if you clear out the balance, there is no inactivity fee that can be levied. Great question!
JUST FINIShing my first stay in china and i find everything josh says in the article and in this forum to be 100% accurate. when i come back it will be with a unionpay ecard. i will also set up a bank account for wechat wallet. i will feel better having both.
Per news report, foreigners visiting china can now use alipay app without a china bank account or a china mobile number. You use your own country mobile number and bank debit/credit card.
Download alipay app, follow instructions to set up “tour pass” with your name (as in your passport), passport number, attach a photo, debit/credit card details, mobile phone number, etc. A prepaid card will be issued in your alipay app with the china currency amount you selected. You can use the app like a local in china. This card is valid for 90 days. Any unused amount will be credited back to your bank card.
I am in Malaysia and on Nov 7, 2019 successfully ADded alipay app to my phone. I will be in china in 2 weeks to test it out.
Fingers crossed!
Yep, I tested it out in China last month and it worked. Before that, I used theswapsy.com to load my alipay but now it’s much easier and quicker to load alipay with “tour pass”. Best of all, it’s free! i.e. no reduction of the exchange rate. make sure your credit card has free foreign transaction fees such as the costco’s citibank card.
Just tried it in China, It did not work… Alipay claimed it works but it doesn’t. I can not even find a customer service that knows about this . Tourpass doesn’t work.. very bad experience with it.
Hi guys,
these are good sugges, thanks. HOWEVER, i applied for an ecard and received the message :
“Hey, We would like to inform you that your application was not accepted because your information was unable to be verified or incomplete.
Sincerely, ECARD Customer Support”.
any ideas what to do?
thanks,
Bernhard
I would connect directly with eCard customer support and ask them. Are you a resident of the US?
They are now accepting non-us citizens applications. You might want to update your post.
You are correct, Andrew, but the key point is that the non-US citizens have to be legal US residents.
Josh – Would I be able to accept payments using the eCard? Scenario: I tutor Chinese children online. They are in China, I’m in the US. How to get paid? Bank transfers using the Swift Code has costly fees. Would this be a solution? Is the eCard usable in the US?
Hi Dena, no – the eCard would not help in this case, as you can only really deposit money from in the US. If you work with VIPKid, then they should be able to pay you directly. Otherwise, it’s going to be hard to accept payment outside of their system.