Stores Accepting Foreign Credit Cards?

[urtica]

I’m looking for grocery stores that accept foreign-issued credit cards (specifically Mastercard) in Chengdu. Wal-Mart and Carrefour seem like the obvious choices, but in discussion forums for other Chinese cities those chains have had mixed reviews. Anyone with first-hand experience?

[Kim Duistermaat]

never tried but I think it is unlikely they will accept. Use a Chinese bank card, or draw money with your foreign bank card from an atm and pay cash.

[urtica]

My problem is that I foolishly sank a lot of money into paying off my credit cards, just assuming I would be able to use them, as I having in most (every?) other countries I’ve visited. I guess I may just have to live frugally until I get paid.

[SS]

No experience with Mastercard but used to use my foreign VISA all the time at Auchan and Ito Yokado.

[Charlie]

Mastercard might be a little tougher but VISA is taken at most larger stores that are international, including shopping malls and places like Treat, Carrefour, etc.

[urtica]

Thanks everyone. My grocery run to Ito Yokado went off without a hitch.

[squirrel suit]

Ikea and Decathlon are the only two that I’ve ever had success.

[Olsen]

You can add Visa and Mastercard to Alipay, but I think you’re only able to use them to pay for goods bought on Taobao, not withdraw or transfer.

[Author]

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