Chinese bankcard gave me more than cash Down Under

A Chinese bankcard isn't just an easy way to spend money in Australia. It's a bridge to international camaraderie among the Chinese with shops and souvenir stalls throughout the Antipodes.

Case in point: My first day of vacation didn't involve a visit to Sydney's iconic Opera House or cuddling a koala (these came later) but a hunt for an electric plug adapter for my smartphone. The concierge at the hotel suggested I head to Paddy's Markets, a short tram ride from the city center to the Haymarket neighborhood, right next door to Chinatown.

I was surprised to discover Paddy's ground floor is a scaled-down version of Beijing's Silk Market, complete with Chinese people hawking a variety of goods. Souvenirs, backpacks, luggage and clothes were piled up in flea market stalls. Just past a display of Ugg boots a Chinese woman sold electronics. She had the adapter I needed, and when I pulled out my Bank of China/Union Pay debit card, she hesitated.