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My 21 year old son is an AU on my AMEX Blue account. He is leaving for Shanghai China in three weeks. I want him to be able to use the AMEX card if he needs to. I have some questions.
1. Will he be able to use the card in China?
2. Should I call AMEX to advise of his trip?
3. Will this freak out the already freaked out folks at AMEX?
I am in total paranoia with AMEX they really scare me.
GomerPyle wrote:
My 21 year old son is an AU on my AMEX Blue account. He is leaving for Shanghai China in three weeks. I want him to be able to use the AMEX card if he needs to. I have some questions.
1. Will he be able to use the card in China?
2. Should I call AMEX to advise of his trip?
3. Will this freak out the already freaked out folks at AMEX?
I am in total paranoia with AMEX they really scare me.
Because of the destination, I would call AMEX. They may very well give you some valuable info for the trip, and they also often give specific phone numbers to call on the road, just in case, so that you don't get caught waiting on the right person if you have a need to call.
Most important, I would call because it is an AU CARD. My SO uses a couple of our cards more than I do and AMEX recognizes us both without issue, but on such a long trip, I would want the security of talking to them.
They are really good to work with. I know others are having problems and I have tried to figure out what makes me different but I can't. Use it.
CI
Hi Gomer,
1. From my experience in Shanghai last year, many local merchants don't really take AMEX except for the usual starbucks, fine boutiques, and some restaurants. However, majority of the merchants take Visa, MC, and a particular Chinese network The only time AMEX benefited me was some stores in the mall and as said, starbucks. The Chinese are not really into CC's however they are continuously being exposed to it by the banks. They do use their debit card a lot though, thus why AMEX has not been greatly accepted.
2. Yes, definitely call AMEX otherwise there will be a red flag placed on the account, with an inevitable freeze.
3. The only thing that will freak out AMEX is a missed payment, maxed out limit, overall utilization on other various credit products, and anything slightly minor or major on the Experian report.
The fact is never leave AMEX without a back up. My best advice for your son is forget the AMEX and carry reasonable amount of Yuan and a Visa. As well, make sure he has the international # to the bank of the issuing card since there are a lot of pick pockets.
Local use of AMEX in all communist countries has not caught up yet.(obvious reasons , despite great progress)
The reason your son should have AMEX with him as well as VISA has nothing to do with shopping.
He will find AMEX offices in Shanghai, and both there and by electronic communications, he can rely on medical and legal help and no one can help with lost documents like AMEX.
Remember that AMEX has always been about travel. Having a cup of coffee is the last thing on your mind if your documents are stolen.
This is why I suggest calling. They can update you on all the resources that he should be aware of in case of the unexpected.
Best wishes,
CI