Transportation · critical
Why can't I book on 12306 with my foreign card?
Last updated:
⚠️ SYMPTOM
You tried to book a high-speed rail ticket on 12306.cn and your foreign Visa/Mastercard is rejected at checkout.
🔍 MOST LIKELY CAUSE
12306.cn accepts only UnionPay cards, Chinese bank cards, and Alipay/WeChat Pay. Foreign Visa/Mastercard/AmEx are NOT supported on the official site.
✓ HOW TO FIX
Use Trip.com (English, accepts all major foreign cards, 24/7 English support) instead — same prices as 12306 plus a small service fee. Alternatively, book at any train station kiosk or counter with cash/passport.
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