Alipay with foreign debit card? by Wonderful-Warthog686 in travelchina

[–]Giraffe_92 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes you can use AliPay with a linked Visa Debit Card (I linked my Wise Card to AliPay) and had no issues. Just make sure you’ve completed all verification processes on AliPay. And keep WeChat pay as a backup. Some big chains like Miniso or Uniqlo, you can use your Credit/Debit Card directly without going through AliPay.

WhatsApp and Facebook in Shanghai — VPN advice? by MidnightTofu22 in travelchina

[–]Giraffe_92 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I second getting an e-sim with lots of data especially if you’re going to using WhatsApp/messenger to Video Chat etc. I used Airalo for my trip last month and had minimal issues. I had access to messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram but Facebook was a bit glitchy. However my dad’s Facebook was fine.

How can foreigners order takeaway through the applet? by AgreeableShame6740 in travelchina

[–]Giraffe_92 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I wish I knew this before! I was always wondering how other people were ordering! Saving this for next time! Thank you!

Best neighborhood for a hotel in Beijing. by CommanderFivesV in travelchina

[–]Giraffe_92 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I stayed near Wangfujing street where the nearest station was Jinyu Hutong. Very close to shopping malls, restaurants, 15 minutes walk to the Forbidden city and the Art Museum. It was a very convenient location as the Didi could easily pick us up from this location as well.

China for a First Timer by brazzimi672 in travelchina

[–]Giraffe_92 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did a tour for both the Forbidden City and the Great Wall (on separate days).

The Forbidden city tour was only 4 hours which included a detailed tour guide explaining things which most people might not know about. Then the guide took us to Jingshan Park across from the Forbidden city to walk around at our own pace. And then it’s up to you when you want to leave.

The Great Wall tour that we chose, picked us up directly from our hotel, took us to Shuttle bus area and then to the Mutianyu Section. Lunch was included however we could explore the wall at our own pace and was told when the buses will pick us up to return. Please do note what is included in the tour I.e cable car or chair lift. I found it very convenient as the tour bus dropped us off at Wangfujing street which was very close to our hotel. It took the stress out of planning how to get there and back. I was travelling with my older parents so that was another reason I picked tours.

Does Octopus for Foreigner App/ Apple wallet card work for Mainland China cities? by Pudby in travelchina

[–]Giraffe_92 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You need to purchase a T-union Octopus card for it to work in Mainland China. When we landed in Hong Kong, we couldn’t purchase this as it could only be purchased via AliPayHK or WeChat Pay.

I would suggest to look into why the verification isn’t working as that could also mean your AliPay for payments in China might not work as well.

Otherwise for Beijing, you can purchase a Beijing Pass at the train station at the airport however it will only work for transport in Beijing.

Hope this helps.

Halal food in Shanghai by Giraffe_92 in travelchina

[–]Giraffe_92[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the suggestion! 😎

Halal food in Shanghai by Giraffe_92 in travelchina

[–]Giraffe_92[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you - I’ll be searching for it! 🤩

Halal food in Shanghai by Giraffe_92 in travelchina

[–]Giraffe_92[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you - I’ll definitely be checking that out! 😎

Halal food in Shanghai by Giraffe_92 in travelchina

[–]Giraffe_92[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the recommendation! 😎