Overseas Shopping Payment Guide

Overseas Shopping Payment Guide

1. Overview of Payment Methods for Overseas Shopping

1. Credit Card Payment (See common questions about credit cards below)
2. Supported major international credit card brands (e.g., Visa, MasterCard, American Express)

• Advantages: Globally accepted, clear transaction records
• Disadvantages: May incur currency conversion fees

1. PayPal

• Description: An online payment system
• Advantages: Convenient payment, secure accounts, recommended for high-security websites
• Disadvantages: Sometimes less successful than credit cards for payments

1. Alipay/WeChat Pay

• Supported: Accepted by some international merchants
• Advantages: Familiar to Chinese users
• Disadvantages: Limited acceptance

1. Bank Transfer

• Description: Direct transfer from a bank account
• Advantages: Safe and stable
• Disadvantages: Longer processing time, possibly higher fees

Additionally, there are other methods like gift cards (need to be purchased) and site-specific membership cards (which are generally unavailable to domestic users), but these are not recommended and will not be covered here.

2. Steps for Making Payments When Shopping Overseas

1. Choose a Payment Method
2. Confirm the payment methods accepted by the merchant and choose the one that suits you best.
3. Fill in Payment Information
4. Enter your credit card or PayPal account information, and confirm both your billing and shipping addresses.
5. Payment Confirmation
6. Verify the payment information, complete the payment, and save the payment receipt.

3. Common Issues and Solutions

• Payment Failure
• Reason: Possible incorrect card information or insufficient balance
• Solution: Check the information, contact your bank or payment platform
• Currency Conversion Issues
• Reason: Involves currency conversion during overseas shopping
• Solution: Understand the exchange rates and choose a payment method that supports currency conversion
• Additional Fees
• Possible Fees: International transaction fees, currency conversion fees
• Solution: Be aware of these fees and budget accordingly

4. Frequently Asked Questions about Credit Cards

1. What are the differences between Visa, MasterCard, and American Express?
2. There’s no real difference—it's like comparing China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. They are just different brands.
3. How do I apply for a credit card? Where can I apply?
4. You can apply through the official WeChat accounts or websites of major banks by filling out an online application.
5. Which credit card is good for overseas shopping?
6. Choose a card with an annual fee that offers more cashback for overseas purchases and has no currency conversion fees. Bank of China or multi-currency cards are recommended.
7. What credit card should students use for overseas shopping?
8. Students can apply for the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) Zodiac Card or the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Youth Card.
9. Is it safe to use a credit card for overseas shopping? Will it be subject to fraud?
10. Keep your card safe and don’t share your password. Credit cards do have a risk of fraud. To protect yourself, safeguard your card information and avoid being tempted by offers to activate cashback schemes.

5. List of Websites Supporting Alipay Payments

1. USA

• NetAPorter, Skinstore, Iherb, Estee Lauder, Babyhaven, FragranceNet, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Ashford, Shopbop, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger

1. Hong Kong

• StrawberryNet, Cosmede, Hong Kong SASA

1. Germany

• Kidsroom, BA Health Pharmacy, Windeln.de, Allyouneedfresh, Mytheresa, SSENSE, Spartoo CN, Luisaviaroma

1. UK

• The Hut, Lookfantastic, HQhair, Mankind, Iwoot, Unineed, Feelunique, Allbeauty, Selfridges, Burberry, Mulberry, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood

1. France

• Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Chloé

1. Italy

• Gucci, Prada, Versace, Bottega Veneta

1. Japan

• Dokodemo, Nissen, Rakuten, Shiseido, SK-II, Anello

1. Korea

• Laneige, Sulwhasoo, Innisfree

1. Australia + Spain

• Chemist Warehouse, PharmacyOnline, Amcal, Chemist Direct, Perfumes Club (Spain)

6. Overseas Shopping Payment Safety Tips

• Ensure Website Security
• Choose websites with SSL certificates
• Check for proper certifications on the website
• Protect Your Personal Information
• Don’t easily share your payment information
• Regularly check your account transaction records
• Use Security Tools
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Use virtual credit cards or prepaid cards for transactions