By Kimberly Oropesa
Traveling to a new country is always an adventure, but it comes with its own set of challenges—one of the biggest being money. When I visited China recently, I found myself caught between my usual reliance on cash and China’s rapidly growing digital payment culture. Thankfully, ShipMoney saved me from having to carry large amounts of cash, and by the end of the trip, I appreciated even more the convenience of digital payments—especially being able to link my ShipMoney card to WeChat Pay and AliPay.
Like many travelers, I arrived in China with cash, thinking it would be the simplest way to manage expenses. However, carrying cash quickly became a hassle—worrying about having enough, not losing it, and needing exact change. I spent too much time searching for ATMs and managing my funds, which took away from the joy of exploring China. In a place where digital payments are the norm, using cash felt inefficient.
Fortunately, I soon realized that I could link my ShipMoney card directly to WeChat Pay and AliPay, the leading payment platforms in China. This quick setup allowed me to pay for everything—from food to transport—by scanning QR codes with my phone. I didn’t need to worry about carrying cash, and keeping track of my spending became effortless through the apps.
At first, I was hesitant about trying a new digital payment system in a foreign country. Was I nervous? Absolutely! But after linking my ShipMoney card to WeChat Pay, everything became so much simpler. I quickly realized that going cash-free was the best choice. Instead of managing cash and looking for ATMs, I was able to enjoy my trip with fewer worries. Paying with a simple QR scan felt incredibly freeing, allowing me to focus on the experiences that really mattered.
For anyone traveling to China, skip the hassle of cash. Link your ShipMoney card to WeChat Pay or AliPay right away. It’s fast, secure, and widely accepted. QR codes are used for nearly every transaction, and adopting this system will make your trip much more convenient.
Ultimately, the biggest takeaway is that time is your most valuable resource when traveling. Instead of worrying about cash, I was able to fully enjoy my trip by using ShipMoney’s integration with China’s digital payment platforms. If you’re visiting soon, take the plunge into digital payments—you won’t regret it!
Kimberly Oropesa is the ShipMoney Crew Liaison Lead, with extensive experience assisting crew members with their financial needs while traveling. In her recent trip to China, she discovered the power of digital payments and shares her insights to help others enjoy a smoother, more efficient travel experience.
