One, How to Prevent Credit Card Fraud?

Credit card security is crucial when traveling in China. Here are some practical suggestions for international tourists:

1. Pre-trip Preparation

• Enable Chip Cards (EMV Technology): Ensure that your credit card has been upgraded to an EMV card with a chip. POS machines in China generally support chip technology, which is much safer than magnetic stripe cards.
• Set Up Transaction Alerts: Enable real-time transaction notifications via bank apps or text messages so that any consumption will be immediately alerted, making it easier to detect anomalies.
• Back Up Card Information: Record your credit card number, expiration date, and customer service phone number (take a photo or keep a paper backup), and store it separately from your wallet.

2. Points to Note During Use

• Prioritize Mobile Payment: Over 90% of consumption scenarios in China support WeChat Pay or Alipay. After binding your credit card, you can reduce the exposure risk of physical cards by scanning codes for payment (you need to activate the international card binding function in advance).
• Be Cautious of Non-standard POS Machines: Avoid swiping your card at street vendors or non-chain merchants; try to choose large shopping malls, hotels, or chain restaurants instead.
• Cover the CVV Code: Use stickers to cover the three-digit security code on the back of the card to prevent others from peeking.

3. ATM Operation Safety

• Choose ATMs at Bank Branches: Avoid using ATMs in remote locations or those not operated by banks. ATMs from mainstream Chinese banks (such as Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China) support cash withdrawals with international cards.
• Check the Card Slot and Keyboard: Beware of devices that may have been tampered with. If there is looseness or abnormalities, stop using it immediately.

4. Emergency Measures

• Freeze Account Permissions: Some bank apps offer a "one-click lock card" feature, allowing you to temporarily block overseas transaction permissions during nighttime or when not in use.
• Keep Consumption Receipts: Keep receipts until you leave the country to help verify statements or handle disputes.

Two, Is It Necessary to Activate Travel Notifications?

Strongly recommend activating travel notifications, this is a key step to prevent your credit card from being mistakenly flagged as stolen by the bank:

1. The Role of Travel Notifications

• Avoid Transaction Interruption: The bank's risk control system may trigger a security alarm due to overseas consumption, leading to the temporary freezing of the card.
• Cover the Trip Scope: In the notification, specify the travel dates and destinations (such as China), and some banks also require specific cities to be filled out.

2. How to Operate

• Online Channels: Log in to the bank's website or app, submit your travel plan under "Account Management" or "Security Settings" (for example, American Express card users can set it directly through the Amex App).
• Phone Notification: Call the international customer service hotline on the back of your credit card (+86 21-3856 8000, etc.), and provide your passport number and trip information.

3. Points to Note

• Apply 24-48 Hours in Advance: Some banks require processing time, so it's recommended to complete it before departure.
• Cover All Travel Cards: If you carry multiple cards, notify the bank for each one individually.

Three, Supplementary Suggestions

1. Carry Backup Payment Methods: In addition to credit cards, prepare a small amount of RMB cash (some attractions and taxis in China may only accept cash).
2. Activate Virtual Credit Cards: Some banks offer virtual card numbers with single-trip spending limits, reducing risks to the main card.
3. Emergency Contact Information: Save the international customer service phone number of your issuing bank (such as Visa Global Support +1-303-967-1096).