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This is anecdotal: here in Shanghai it's not uncommon that vendors(specifically street-side small vendors) will turn down customers paying with cash payments.
by jzchang 8y ago
This is anecdotal: here in Shanghai it's not uncommon that vendors(specifically street-side small vendors) will turn down customers paying with cash payments.
Those that do unwillingly sigh and look for change. Vendors all assume immediately they're going to scan your QR code or you will scan theirs. Even taxis have their QR Codes printed out on their dashboard somewhere. Subway systems and buses all use QR codes.
Recently in the Carrefour, they started implementing POS systems with facial scans for payment.
Funnily, there have even been occasions where foreign friends can't buy themselves quick street food as all the stands refuse to accept their 100 RMB cash for payment(no change, or digital only)
While I understand privacy is a strong concern(especially under our great leader Xi \s) there is no doubt that the convenience of buying and selling here is absolutely great. Sending money to friends is easy and painless. Makes using Zelle, Apple Pay, and especially Venmo feel cumbersome.
- cco 8y agoWhy does Venmo feel cumbersome in comparison? You scan a QR code, type in an amount and send; that sounds like what you're describing no?
- jzchang 8y agoWhen I mentioned cumbersome, I'm referring to these things: transferring cash between personal checking to and from Venmo balance, and the number of people who use Venmo. While both services offer immediate transfer(within an hour) from balance to bank account, Alipay's is free while Venmo asks for a small fee(or free for same/next day). Then, population usage. Cheap Hot dog stands in NYC only accept cash. Apple pay if they're trendy. All Dumpling/bun street stands in Shanghai use Alipay. Everyone in China uses Alipay. In America I’ve found it to be a "Venmo? Zelle? Cash?" charade when it comes to exchanging cash. Although don’t get me wrong Venmo has made splitting checks in America easier between friends - but it just feels like I only use Venmo for that purpose(splitting bills between friends) while Alipay I use everywhere. I realize now cumbersome wasn't the best word to use to differentiate Venmo and Alipay - the better word to describe the differences between these services is "usability". And of course, I should also mention that these two services are geared towards two different services, so its a bit unfair to compare.
- cco 8y agoGotcha, that makes sense. Though I work in fintech I'm soundly in the "keep cash alive" camp, cash has so many positives compared to other exchange methods that I think it is imperative that we keep it around.
- rmason 8y agoIs it possible for a foreign traveler to just download the software to his phone assuming there's an English version? Or must you open a Chinese bank account first? If that's the case there's a pretty huge opportunity for someone!
- jzchang 8y agoThere's a english verison, but as soon as you open any web portal for advanced settings it switches to Chinese. (think account management, etc...) I believe it's possible to open a bank account in China, aside from this I tell my friends to give me cash and I send them a 'red pocket'/transfer money to their wechat balance Would definitely be a interesting opportunity helping expats integrate easily into the system
- bussiere 8y agoDo you have any link on the carrefour facial recognition please ?
- jzchang 8y agoHere's a article(note that's in Chinese) http://www.sohu.com/a/232337523_610300 http://www.sohu.com/a/232337523_610300 Next time I have the opportunity I'll take a picture of it as well, and post it here
- bussiere 8y agothanks
- jzchang 8y agohttps://imgur.com/a/o8Gkkps https://imgur.com/a/o8Gkkps Here's a picture of the banner
- bussiere 8y agothanks