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Answer
Stop retrying the same charge in a queue. Switch to your backup: another linked card in the same app, a different payment app, a physical bank card the merchant accepts, or RMB cash.
Shanghai’s official visitor payment guidance describes bank cards, RMB cash and supported mobile payments as options — not a guarantee that every issuer, account or merchant will accept every attempt. Check the amount and currency shown before you confirm again.
If the app asks for issuer authentication, complete it somewhere private. Do not share PINs, SMS codes or passwords with staff or strangers. Investigate declines with your card issuer and the official app help after you leave the counter.