Foreigners Struggle to Spend Money in China: Social Media Debates Payment Methods and Cultural Adaptation

One user recounted their initial difficulties when returning to Shanghai from Hong Kong after a long hiatus due to the pandemic. They discovered that their bank accounts linked to Alipay and WeChat Pay had been frozen because of long periods of inactivity, leading to challenges in using POS machines. Some netizens defended the Chinese payment system and advised foreigners to adapt to local customs by carrying cash, which is widely accepted by vendors, including taxi drivers, who often prefer cash transactions.

They argued that foreigners should conduct proper research before visiting a country and learn about the prevalent payment methods, rather than expecting the host nation to cater to their individual needs. Others pointed out that the problem of foreigners struggling to spend money in China could be attributed to the high fees associated with international card transactions.

The average transaction fee for a foreign credit card ranges between 2.5% and 3.5%, while Alipay's transaction fee is much lower at just 0.038%. This fee disparity deters many merchants from accepting foreign cards, leading to a low foreign card usage rate of 23.19% in China. Some retail and foodservice businesses, in particular, have a strong aversion to foreign cards, creating challenges for foreigners wishing to spend money in the country. In response to this issue, one user suggested that foreigners should carry both Chinese and international payment methods to avoid inconvenience.

They advised visitors to embrace the principle of "entering a country and following local customs" (入乡随俗), a common phrase used to encourage cultural adaptation. Despite the challenges, several users pointed out that the high fees for international card transactions could be seen as a way to incentivize foreigners to use local payment methods, such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. This, they argued, not only benefits Chinese businesses but also promotes the use of domestic payment systems.

Some users took aim at the double standards of Chinese media outlets, accusing them of hypocrisy for advocating for cultural adaptation when Chinese citizens travel abroad while being critical of similar expectations placed on foreigners visiting China. One user noted that the insistence on foreigners adapting to local Chinese payment methods could be perceived as a form of xenophobia, and urged internet users to treat foreigners with respect and understanding.

Interestingly, the conversation on social media also highlighted the significant role played by Chinese influencers and internet celebrities, known as wanghong, who have a considerable impact on public opinion and attitudes towards foreigners. One user humorously commented that the government should employ wanghong to sway public opinion in favor of foreigners, suggesting that influencers could be a powerful force in promoting cultural exchange and understanding. Despite the controversy surrounding the issue of foreigners struggling to spend money in China, there was a general consensus that effective communication and cultural adaptation are essential for promoting harmonious relationships between local residents and international visitors.

As one user aptly put it, "It's not about who has to adapt, but about understanding and respecting each other's customs and practices." In conclusion, the recent social media storm over foreigners finding it difficult to spend money in China has highlighted the need for both local residents and international visitors to be more understanding and accommodating of each other's circumstances. A healthy exchange of opinions and experiences can foster improved mutual understanding, leading to more harmonious relationships between diverse cultures and nationalities.