Originally Posted by
plunet
I managed to open a basic ATM cash card bank account in the past couple of days, and link it to WeChat and Alipay. I am an infrequent but recurring visitor to China with a Tourist Visa, and just went to a few of the larger national bank branches in Qingdao and eventually got some sympathy at China Merchants Bank after being told several times at other banks/branches it was not possible. It did take quite some time to get the paperwork right, and it needed two people in the branch and two in headoffice to approve it all. And having a patient Chinese friend to help you through the process is essential.
Congrats!
Can you share additional details by answering some questions:
1. How do you fund the basic ATM cash card account? (do they allow foreign bank account or foreign credit card?)
2. You mention China Merchant Bank in Qingdao, do you get the feel that same bank in other cities might incline to do same? (have you tried other cities?)
3. What specific documents were needed by the bank?
Thank you in advance!