Originally Posted by
alphaod
Well technically, you have to pay with the local currency and AliPay system to accept UnionPay (local card network) doesn't work with Amex and only with Visa/MasterCard. I wouldn't exactly call it a Chinese government issue.
That said every time I've needed to pay with a foreign card, I just call the ticketing office to process the payment on the phone. And if you don't want to bring the card at check in, I believe there are two options: (1) photocopy front and back of the card with your ID and email that, (2) bring the card to a ticketing office and have it verified before the flight.
I think these limitations apply for a lot of airlines. For example when I tried to book JL on the Japanese site for someone else, they only accepted Visa, MasterCard, or JCB; only when booking tickets for myself that I could use an Amex.
I am only going by what the CS agent told me over the phone and it was a Visa card I was trying to use. That is the statement that the agent said to me. I also have Verified by Visa active on my account.
After thinking about it, the last time I was in Beijing trying to book flights on CX more or less the same happened. Wouldn't process the payment online and had to call CX.
Safe & Happy Travels
S