Hello Chengdu

🧰 Fix a problem

Something not working? Pick your problem.

💳 Alipay / WeChat won't accept my card
  1. Check your passport verification is complete (Me → Settings → Identity).
  2. Try a different card: credit cards work best; some prepaid/debit/business cards are refused.
  3. Check your bank app — approve the foreign charge or call the bank.
  4. Try the other app (WeChat Pay ↔ Alipay).
  5. Meanwhile pay cash: every shop must accept RMB cash by law.
🔒 My Alipay account got locked
  1. This is usually automatic risk control after a large first payment.
  2. Open Alipay → Me → Help Center → chat with support in English.
  3. Prepare a photo of your passport — you may need to re-verify.
  4. Often it unlocks after 24 hours. Use cash or WeChat Pay meanwhile.
  5. Next time start with small payments (under ¥200).
🚕 The taxi driver doesn't understand me
  1. Show the address in Chinese characters — open 'My trip' for your hotel, or a sight's 'Show to driver' button.
  2. Better: book DiDi inside Alipay — the destination is sent to the driver automatically.
  3. If the driver calls you, send a text instead or hand the phone to a local nearby.
  4. Ask for the meter: show the card '请打表'.
🚇 The metro gate won't scan my code
  1. Make sure you opened the Chengdu Metro code inside Alipay (search 'Chengdu Metro' / '天府通'), not the payment code.
  2. Turn up screen brightness and hold the code flat under the scanner.
  3. Still failing: buy a single ticket at the machine (cash or scan) or ask staff at the service centre.
📶 Google / WhatsApp / Instagram don't work
  1. On hotel or café Wi‑Fi foreign apps are blocked — switch Wi‑Fi off and use roaming / eSIM data.
  2. No roaming? Buy an international eSIM online (works within minutes).
  3. For maps use Amap or Apple Maps; for translation, use an offline pack.
🏨 Hotel says it can't accept foreigners
  1. Some small hotels and guesthouses are not licensed to register foreign guests.
  2. Before booking, filter on Trip.com for 'accepts foreign guests' or ask the hotel.
  3. If it happens on arrival: ask them to help you find a nearby licensed hotel; chain hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Atour, Ji Hotel, etc.) almost always accept passports.
🏧 I need cash / an ATM
  1. Look for Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank or Agricultural Bank ATMs — most accept Visa/Mastercard.
  2. Airports and big malls (Chunxi Road, Taikoo Li) have ATMs.
  3. Bank of China branches exchange USD/EUR/RUB etc. — bring your passport.
🚄 Problems with train tickets
  1. Your name on the ticket must exactly match your passport (surname + given names).
  2. You don't need a paper ticket — scan your passport at the manual lane.
  3. Missed your train? Go to the ticket office within the same day to rebook (a fee may apply).
🤒 I feel sick
  1. Emergency: call 120 (ambulance).
  2. Mild: go to a pharmacy (药店, green cross sign) and show a symptom card from 'Cards → Pharmacy'.
  3. Hospital: West China Hospital has an international department — bring your passport and pay first.
💬 Tell us what you need

➡️ What to do next

💳Pay in ChinaAlipay / WeChat Pay with a foreign card📶Internet & appsSIM, eSIM, apps that work🪧Show-me cardsTaxi, food, hotel, pharmacy🆘Emergency110 / 120, lost passport, hospital

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