China Advice

[Ktan89]

Hey guys, I’m flying to China in a week. I’ll be using Vodafone roaming, so I'm assuming normal apps like Google, WhatsApp and Instagram will work.

I’ve already downloaded Alipay, WeChat, Amap, and Didi.. is there anything else I’m missing? I’m feeling a bit anxious right now.

Also, we couldn’t add the same credit card to both Alipay and WeChat, which was annoying. Is there any way around this?

And are there any good translation apps that can work offline? Thank you

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hey guys, I’m flying to China in a week. I’ll be using Vodafone roaming, so I'm assuming normal apps like Google, WhatsApp and Instagram will work.

I’ve already downloaded Alipay, WeChat, Amap, and Didi.. is there anything else I’m missing? I’m feeling a bit anxious right now.

Also, we couldn’t add the same credit card to both Alipay and WeChat, which was annoying. Is there any way around this?

And are there any good translation apps that can work offline? Thank you

Hmmm… I used the same credit card for wechat and alipay (28 degrees).

Didi is in the alipay app already… IIRC that’s the one you need to use, not the international version of didi (that’s available in Australia for example).

Otherwise, you should be good to go

 

[SYD]

Hey guys, I’m flying to China in a week. I’ll be using Vodafone roaming, so I'm assuming normal apps like Google, WhatsApp and Instagram will work.

Your Vodafone roaming should allow most things to work. However, Google Maps is unreliable in China.

I’ve already downloaded Alipay, WeChat, Amap, and Didi.. is there anything else I’m missing? I’m feeling a bit anxious right now.

We managed (mostly) with just AliPay. Didn’t bother with WeChat.

You might want to get a small amount of cash (ATMs are generally fee free), because sometime AliPay wants a 2FA text to approve the transaction and it just doesn’t arrive - which is very frustrating. A possible work around is to have a 2nd card loaded.

Also, we couldn’t add the same credit card to both Alipay and WeChat, which was annoying. Is there any way around this?

That’s weird. They’re seperate providers.

As above, if you have a fee free DC, it could be a useful backup in AliPay.

And are there any good translation apps that can work offline? Thank you

There are translation functions in AliPay.

Also, if you’re using metros, there are virtual travel cards in AliPay. They work very well and save you stuffing around with ticket machines.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I didn’t use wechat either, much, except needed it for baggage security clearance at Xiamen!

 

[SYD]

I didn’t use wechat either, much, except needed it for baggage security clearance at Xiamen!

From what I’ve read here and other threads, WeChat is essential for business travellers but on paper, as a tourist it’s one or the other should suffice. Eating out, I don’t recall seeing a place that didn’t take both.

I guess having the second is a possible backup plan if one isn’t working eg the 2FA issue I mentioned. Which can be a bit random. We were at a bar and our AP worked but an American trying to use AP had the 2FA problem. Sometimes mine would go into a death spiral but SYD+1’s worked. Both using 28° MC….

We both loaded our ING DCs as well and that did seem to help.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

From what I’ve read here and other threads, WeChat is essential for business travellers but on paper, as a tourist it’s one or the other should suffice. Eating out, I don’t recall seeing a place that didn’t take both.

I guess having the second is a possible backup plan if one isn’t working eg the 2FA issue I mentioned. Which can be a bit random. We were at a bar and our AP worked but an American trying to use AP had the 2FA problem. Sometimes mine would go into a death spiral but SYD+1’s worked. Both using 28° MC….

We both loaded our ING DCs as well and that did seem to help.

There was one instance in a convenience store where wechat w

Ar XMN we were in transit and had to wait at baggage reclaim until our bags were security cleared before being transferred to the domestic flight. We literally couldn't proceed until cleared.

Wechat was the only way to do that electronically. There must have been a manual way, but it wasn’t obvious.

 

[moa999]

Other good app for taking metro is MetroMan.
Google Translate works on roaming sim

 

[Ktan89]

Sorry, i should clarify that I tried to use the same cards to load into both my Alipay and my partners but it doesnt allow it. Now ive got my CC on mine and she's got DC (wise) on hers. I would prefer if we both are using the CC as primary though. .

There are translation functions in AliPay.

Also, if you’re using metros, there are virtual travel cards in AliPay. They work very well and save you stuffing around with ticket mamachines.

This is good to know thank you.

Other good app off taking metro is MetroMan.
Google Translate works on roaming sim

Will download this too. Cheers!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

For metro you can use alipay, at least in Shnaghai. Guess others might be the same. You just tap on and it gives you a code to tap off too.

With didi, remember to pay - or authorise payment - once you leave the car. If you forget don’t worry too much, you won’t be able to book another car until you’ve finalised the previous one

 

[SYD]

Sorry, i should clarify that I tried to use the same cards to load into both my Alipay and my partners but it doesnt allow it. Now ive got my CC on mine and she's got DC (wise) on hers. I would prefer if we both are using the CC as primary though.

Ah, that makes sense. It still might let you have the CC linked to AliPay on one device and linked to WeChat on another?

Having the DC as a backup is from wise (no pun intended)!

For metro you can use alipay, at least in Shnaghai. Guess others might be the same. You just tap on and it gives you a code to tap off too.

Pretty much every city metro is in there. It’s a little fiddly at first setting up as a novice but adding other cities is pretty straight forward if moving around. We used it a lot in Beijing and Shanghai.

Note with DiDi, if there’s a problem finding you the driver may try and call and invariably won’t be able to speak English. We generally gave up and just used the metro / walked.

For airport transfers, Trip.com is a good place to look. Cheap by Oz standards. Probably more than a DiDi but you get the meet and greet sign and car waiting.

Also, a lot of attractions and tickets can be bought online via Trip.com (as well as trains etc).

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Note with DiDi, if there’s a problem finding you the driver may try and call and invariably won’t be able to speak English. We generally gave up and just used the metro / walked.

This happens. Usually because you’re in a different place to the driver! You can ‘reply’ to the incoming call with a photo of where you are. You then see the car on the map moving towards you

You can take metro… but if there’s a couple of you the cost of a didi is a dollar or two more, and saves walking!

For airport transfers, Trip.com is a good place to look. Cheap by Oz standards. Probably more than a DiDi but you get the meet and greet sign and car waiting.

Trip.com is good, also Klook. Highly recommend having a car waiting for you if it’s your first time in China.

 

[Ktan89]

Ah, that makes sense. It still might let you have the CC linked to AliPay on one device and linked to WeChat on another?

Having the DC as a backup is from wise (no pun intended)!

Pretty much every city metro is in there. It’s a little fiddly at first setting up as a novice but adding other cities is pretty straight forward if moving around. We used it a lot in Beijing and Shanghai.

Note with DiDi, if there’s a problem finding you the driver may try and call and invariably won’t be able to speak English. We generally gave up and just used the metro / walked.

For airport transfers, Trip.com is a good place to look. Cheap by Oz standards. Probably more than a DiDi but you get the meet and greet sign and car waiting.

Also, a lot of attractions and tickets can be bought online via Trip.com (as well as trains etc).

Trip.com is so much easier to use compared to Alipay. We booked car transfers for Beijing (our first city) and Harbin (midnight arrival). By the time we reach Shanghai, I’m hoping we’ll be comfortable using the metro and can rely on that or DiDi.

Split the CC too.. I've linked it to my AP and it's on her Wechat. Vice versa for the Wise DC.

You can ‘reply’ to the incoming call with a photo of where you are. You then see the car on the map moving towards you

Good tip. Thank you

 

[SYD]

Trip.com is so much easier to use compared to Alipay. We booked car transfers for Beijing (our first city) and Harbin (midnight arrival). By the time we reach Shanghai, I’m hoping we’ll be comfortable using the metro and can rely on that or DiDi.

Split the CC too.. I've linked it to my AP and it's on her Wechat. Vice versa for the Wise DC.

Good tip. Thank you

In Shanghai, if departing / arriving at PVG and staying along the metro, it’s quite straightforward - if not a little long but you can get the Maglev part of the way - just because you can and it’s fun. Again, Maglev tickets can be bought online. Show the QR code at the station to get your actual Maglev entry ticket.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

In Shanghai, if departing / arriving at PVG and staying along the metro, it’s quite straightforward - if not a little long but you can get the Maglev part of the way - just because you can and it’s fun. Again, Maglev tickets can be bought online. Show the QR code at the station to get your actual Maglev entry ticket.

I would buy the maglev tickets at the airport… if you have a boarding pass you get 20% off!

Ktan89…do not get the metro all the way from PVG! lol. SHA is fine, but PVG you need either a car or the maglev.

 

[Ktan89]

I would buy the maglev tickets at the airport… if you have a boarding pass you get 20% off!

Ktan89…do not get the metro all the way from PVG! lol. SHA is fine, but PVG you need either a car or the maglev.

Noted! We'll do DiDi since the maglev is closed by the time we arrive.
Flying into PVG and flying out from SHA - will metro from peoples park station to SHA

quick update on my CC dilemma.. I was checking whether Samsung/Apple Pay could generate CC numbers and I found that I was able to create a virtual card through Bankwest cheering! I've linked that to my partners AP

 

[moa999]

All depends where you are going really. The Maglev end stop is in the middle of nowhere so you need to take the regular metro or taxi anyway and the frequency isn't great, so with the many stop metro you might already be halfway to the city

You've also got the new semi express Airport Link line that runs between both airport in 40min and provides some connections if on the south or west of the city.

 

[burneracc]

Hello! I just did 2 weeks in china, and I have 3 days more booked for next month in January and then another 10 days in Feb. Some tips I have;

Alipay and wechatpay - do the ID verification with your passport before you go there. You definitely can add the same card to both; ironically since they support amex I had better payment acceptance than I do even in Australia.

On didi -> I dont think the standalone app will work; you need to use "mini apps" for everything. The didi mini app within alipay will be your best friend.

I’ll be using Vodafone roaming

I highly, HIGHLY recommend not doing this. Instead, go on trip.com and get a HONG KONG e-sim. There are several reasons for this:

1. HK esims route you through to HK internet - this means no need for a VPN and is the sole reason I would recommend doing this even if cost of roaming is no issue for you
2. Buying a dedicated esim via trip.com is way cheaper than daily roaming if cost *is* an issue for you
3. The data will likely be faster since it's a dedicated product. Roaming tends to be handicapped.

And are there any good translation apps that can work offline?

Just be online all the time via your esim. The inbuilt Alipay translation mini app is sufficient.

On the high speed rail; this was quite scary / confusing the first time I ever did it but I got the hang of it quickly afterwards. Things to note:

• As a foreigner, you can't use the automated ticketing machines, you MUST go to a service desk.
• You will need your passport, or you will not be allowed to travel.
• Budget a minimum of 30 minutes to find your way and pass through security after you have your tickets sorted.
• Security: it's almost as stringent as an airport, very different to our concept of hopping onto the train.

Other tips:

• I would recommend keeping your passport on you at all times.
• Hotels: you can pay using foreign cards, including AMEX
  • You mention going to Shanghai; if you need a hotel recommendation, I highly recommend the Shanghai edition
• DONT MISS YOUR STOP ON THE HSR
  • I accidentally did this and ended up in Nantong as I wasn't paying attention when my train stopped in Shanghai as it was late at night. Cost me ~$300 to didi back all the way back as there were no more trains that night, plus there was a lot of questioning as to how it happened - they had to fill out some paper forms / movement records for me as I was logged in the system as getting off at Shanghai station.
• You CANNOT check batteries into your luggage. Caused a bit of drama as I was pulled aside and my bags got searched because I had a battery in my checkin on a flight (SHA -> SZX).
• Their coffee absolutely sucks, I think part of it is that they tend to use powdered milk everywhere. Ironically the best coffee / hot chocolate I had my entire time there was at a Starbucks.

Enjoy your trip! And safe flight tomorrow.

 

[moa999]

, HIGHLY recommend not doing this. Instead, go on trip.com and get a HONG KONG e-sim.

Voda Roaming will also exit outside of China,, back to Australia, so my slightly higher pings for WeChat/ AliPay payments.

Only real difference is cost - say $5 a day versus $1 day.. but possibly losing Aussie roaming.