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Since this is being used as a guide, it might be worth being pedantic and pointing out that it's the 'wrong' way of doing it. It definitely beats carrying cash
by xster 8y ago
Since this is being used as a guide, it might be worth being pedantic and pointing out that it's the 'wrong' way of doing it. It definitely beats carrying cash but it's a 'second class citizen'-ish way of using mobile payment.
The mechanism the OP used is the 'pocket change' system which, like its name suggest, can't be used everywhere. It's great for getting casual consummables, getting ice cream etc but doesn't work for services that requires more trust (since there is no credit system and they can't hold a charge on your credit card). For those (like rentals), you still need a local bank account.
Luckily, as others pointed out, it's fairly trivial to open a bank account with a foreign passport. The primary use method is also not to move money from your bank to your WeChat and then use it. People just leave their money in the bank draw from that via WeChat or AliPay directly.
As a random fun fact, you also don't need a local phone number to have a fully functional WeChat/AliPay account with bank linked. Though you do need a local phone number to open a bank account so it's a bit moot.
- atr_gz 8y agoI was under the impression that you need a residence permit of at least a year to open a bank account with a foreign passport. Have you had success with opening a bank account on a tourist visa?
- xster 8y agoCanadian passport, Q2 tourist visa, no address. Second day after landing. Though like many things in China YMMV.
- zavi 8y agoThis is false, you cannot open a bank account unless you live in China (work & residence proof required). Source: just came back from China, went to a few banks and tried to open an account. AliPay seems to now accept foreign debit cards though as a source of funding.
- em-bee 8y agowell, it obviously worked, so it can't be false. reality is: rules change. bank-clerks are not always up-to-date on rules. also, there are local variations. things that work in beijing or shanghai may not work in smaller cities, or vice versa. it also depends on the bank. all you can take is that: one person was able to open a bank account, another was not. when something doesn't work somethimes this means, other experiences are old, sometimes it means that it's worth trying a few places.
- jason_slack 8y ago> This is false, you cannot open a bank account unless you > live in China (work & residence proof required). This is completely false.
- zavi 8y agoI went to ICBC and ABC branches last week in Beijing near Tsinghua and they both told me no bank account on my tourist visa. What am I missing?
- jason_slack 8y agohmm, tourist visa. Perhaps this is the key. I have a work visa.