I’ve been finding it harder to use my UnionPay card in Shanghai this trip, as restaurants that previously had a terminal to process cards have removed them and only take a bar code. I see signs where a UnionPay barcode would be accepted but not sure how that would work?

I was able to activate Alipay since as of two weeks ago they accept foreign credit cards to fund a prepaid Bank of Shanghai debit card within the app. I used a Visa card but it was a pain to set up the app (spoke on phone to English speaking customer service agent) and I had to upload my passport details to unlock the account and again the verify identity once I completed my profile. The debit card expires in 90 days and any remaining balance goes back to your credit card.

WeChat pay also now takes foreign credit cards but I gave up as it kept failing.

Anyone else having difficulty using the physical UnionPay card, especially in Shanghai area?