Great Firewall of China and Facebook

[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.