The verification code never arrived.
“It asks for a code from my bank, but no SMS ever comes.”
What to do now
Try these in order. Stop as soon as one works.
-
Look inside your bank app first
Most banks now push an approve-or-deny prompt inside their own app. Open it before waiting for an SMS.
About 2 min -
Retry without leaving the page
Start the payment again and stay on the screen. The 3D Secure window usually expires in two to three minutes.
About 3 min -
Switch networks and retry
Toggle airplane mode, move to Wi-Fi, or install a travel eSIM with local data. Then retry with a small amount.
About 10 min
Why this happens
Ranked by how often it is the cause.
Your bank sends the one-time code to a phone number you no longer have, or to an app notification you are not seeing.
Check your banking app for an in-app approval prompt, not just SMS.
Likelihood: high
SMS delivery is unreliable on a foreign SIM while roaming, especially on arrival day.
Try again on Wi-Fi with airplane mode toggled, or switch to a travel eSIM.
Likelihood: medium
The 3D Secure window timed out while you were switching apps.
Retry and keep the payment screen in the foreground.
Likelihood: medium
If that does not work
Get out of the queue first. Solve the payment later.
- Use a card that supports in-app approval
Cards with app-based confirmation avoid SMS entirely.
- Ask the cashier to accept cash
Fastest way out of a checkout queue.
- Pay for that one purchase with a physical card
Large hotels and chains accept physical Visa and Mastercard.
Setup guide: Alipay vs WeChat Pay for Foreigners: Which to Set Up First At this place: Paying at a Restaurant in China: QR Menus and Card Rules
Related problems
Independent guide. Not affiliated with Alipay, WeChat Pay, or any card network. Rules checked 2026-10-26 (version 2026-10). Found a different error message? Send it to us.