Jun 7, 2023, 10:09 am
Last edit by: gudugan
China has largely moved to a cashless system with two widely accepted payment apps, AliPay and WeChat Pay. Both require extensive identity verification. Assuming you do not live in China (i.e. you are visiting for tourism/short term business, do NOT have a residence permit):
If you are coming for multiple visits:
Go to a China Mobile or China Unicom store and get a cell phone number (estimated time 2.5 hours). Ideally go to the largest branch with most representatives as they will have the best chance of figuring it out. All you need is your passport and cash to pay the initial deposit (I brought Y200). Tourist visa is fine. You want to open this in the area that you will spend the most time in, as they may give you data locked to your province. I am paying Y40 for 12GB data (you need to keep the plan active in some form, even when you are outside of China). More details in https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/35217727-post24.html
If you are coming for a one time visit (maximum 10,000 CNY in 180 day period). This method is not currently recommended as the fees are higher than the above method and ID verification is still required.
Currently it is not recommended to open a bank account.
If you are coming for multiple visits:
- July 2023 update: A phone number does not seem to be required any more.
- [Optional but recommended] Open a new AliPay account (even if you have an existing one) because your old one could be in a weird state.
- Verify your passport with AliPay. If you have one, use your Chinese (+86) phone number over a foreign phone number. Many apps act differently if you use foreign phone numbers.
- Your account should be fully active and you can have a friend top up your balance on AliPay and pay with the balance.
- Add a Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club or Discover card to your account. For small purchases you can pay with your foreign credit card with no fee. A purchase of Y271 triggered a 3% fee.
Go to a China Mobile or China Unicom store and get a cell phone number (estimated time 2.5 hours). Ideally go to the largest branch with most representatives as they will have the best chance of figuring it out. All you need is your passport and cash to pay the initial deposit (I brought Y200). Tourist visa is fine. You want to open this in the area that you will spend the most time in, as they may give you data locked to your province. I am paying Y40 for 12GB data (you need to keep the plan active in some form, even when you are outside of China). More details in https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/35217727-post24.html
If you are coming for a one time visit (maximum 10,000 CNY in 180 day period). This method is not currently recommended as the fees are higher than the above method and ID verification is still required.
- Download AliPay from the App Store
- In the search box at the top, type "TourCard"
- Verify your information and load money onto it. You will be charged a 5% fee for adding money. If the money is not used fully after 180 days, it will be refunded to your card. The current limit is 10,000 CNY. If you want to top up more than that, you can cancel the card after it expires and reopen a new card. The remaining amount of chargeable balance (max 10,000 CNY) will not be reset if you apply for a refund. My understanding is that since this is linked to your passport, if you need more than 10,000 CNY, you have to use another solution. Restrictions: You cannot transfer money to another account. Does not support wealth management, red envelope, etc.
Currently it is not recommended to open a bank account.
Opinion: without Alipay and Wechat Pay, you are screwed in Shanghai
Jan 19, 2020, 1:23 am
#241
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 3
Jan 19, 2020, 12:36 pm
#242
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SBA
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Posts: 1,134
Jan 19, 2020, 12:55 pm
#243
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 353
Jan 19, 2020, 1:19 pm
#244
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SBA
Programs: UA & AA 1 million miler
Posts: 1,134
I need to check with my bank how much they charge fee. I don't know banks in China, but foreign banks themselves also charge fee not my bank, I believe.
I noticed that Alipay refunded remaining balance to my card when the Tour Pass expires.
Jan 19, 2020, 1:43 pm
#245
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
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Posts: 6,852
My bank waves all fees on my side, and I’ve never been charged a fee from the originating Bank at a China ATM, In fact the rates are somewhat identical to the Forex rates
Jan 21, 2020, 5:11 am
#246
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LON
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,918
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.
Last edited by plunet; Jan 21, 2020 at 6:09 am
Jan 21, 2020, 11:53 am
#247
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFOSJCOAK
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Posts: 7,581
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.
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!
Jan 21, 2020, 2:40 pm
#248
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,037
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!
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!
1. To fund your account, simply withdraw money from the ATM using your foreign account; credit cards don't work
2. IME, the individual branch is more important than the bank company itself; if they want the business, and their staff likes you, you have a decent shot of pulling things off
3. As for docs, every bank is different, but I've always been asked to show my passport/visa, and a temporary residence permit (that most hotels can print out for you upon request). Having a verified local cell phone is also useful, and plans now cost as little as Y8 per month
Jan 21, 2020, 3:24 pm
#249
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,097
Having a Chinese mobile number is more than useful: you definitely need it.
And while the bank may or may not want a lodging registration slip, they will want a Chinese address, so take a card from the hotel.
Be prepared to provide your home country address and tax ID number.
Remember that if you lose your ATM card or need other help, you'll usually have to head back to the same city maybe even the same branch.
Don't complicate this with overseas transfers. Just get RMB cash and deposit it. (Again, making further cash deposits out of the area where you opened the account may be awkward.)
Finally, since opening an account is discretionary, if your Chinese is not up to par bring a Chinese speaker along. You don't want the staff to think that dealing with you will be a hassle.
And while the bank may or may not want a lodging registration slip, they will want a Chinese address, so take a card from the hotel.
Be prepared to provide your home country address and tax ID number.
Remember that if you lose your ATM card or need other help, you'll usually have to head back to the same city maybe even the same branch.
Don't complicate this with overseas transfers. Just get RMB cash and deposit it. (Again, making further cash deposits out of the area where you opened the account may be awkward.)
Finally, since opening an account is discretionary, if your Chinese is not up to par bring a Chinese speaker along. You don't want the staff to think that dealing with you will be a hassle.
Jan 21, 2020, 5:57 pm
#250
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,037
Having a Chinese mobile number is more than useful: you definitely need it.
And while the bank may or may not want a lodging registration slip, they will want a Chinese address, so take a card from the hotel.
Be prepared to provide your home country address and tax ID number.
Remember that if you lose your ATM card or need other help, you'll usually have to head back to the same city maybe even the same branch.
Don't complicate this with overseas transfers. Just get RMB cash and deposit it. (Again, making further cash deposits out of the area where you opened the account may be awkward.)
Finally, since opening an account is discretionary, if your Chinese is not up to par bring a Chinese speaker along. You don't want the staff to think that dealing with you will be a hassle.
And while the bank may or may not want a lodging registration slip, they will want a Chinese address, so take a card from the hotel.
Be prepared to provide your home country address and tax ID number.
Remember that if you lose your ATM card or need other help, you'll usually have to head back to the same city maybe even the same branch.
Don't complicate this with overseas transfers. Just get RMB cash and deposit it. (Again, making further cash deposits out of the area where you opened the account may be awkward.)
Finally, since opening an account is discretionary, if your Chinese is not up to par bring a Chinese speaker along. You don't want the staff to think that dealing with you will be a hassle.
2. I agree that making this process easy for the bank people is likely to improve odds of getting an account
3. I have never had any issues making cash deposits at the CDM machines, but withdrawing money from my US accounts in order to make the deposits can be a little challenging at times. For example, CCB in Shenzhen is usually a waste of time, and when I'm in Nanning, I completely write off the local banks. That having been said, I've not been rejected by an ICBC ATM/CDM anywhere
Jan 22, 2020, 8:02 am
#251
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LON
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,918
You didn't ask me, but allow me to opine:
1. To fund your account, simply withdraw money from the ATM using your foreign account; credit cards don't work
2. IME, the individual branch is more important than the bank company itself; if they want the business, and their staff likes you, you have a decent shot of pulling things off
3. As for docs, every bank is different, but I've always been asked to show my passport/visa, and a temporary residence permit (that most hotels can print out for you upon request). Having a verified local cell phone is also useful, and plans now cost as little as Y8 per month
1. To fund your account, simply withdraw money from the ATM using your foreign account; credit cards don't work
2. IME, the individual branch is more important than the bank company itself; if they want the business, and their staff likes you, you have a decent shot of pulling things off
3. As for docs, every bank is different, but I've always been asked to show my passport/visa, and a temporary residence permit (that most hotels can print out for you upon request). Having a verified local cell phone is also useful, and plans now cost as little as Y8 per month
I funded the account with Cash. And in terms of documentation it was passport, including tourist visa (2 year visa, few months remaining, three entry stamps against that visal, UK driving licence which also has my UK address, local SIM card number. I also had to sign a letter describing my personal circumstances but there was no evidence of this. I also happened to have a business card for my job back in the UK but I don't think this was essential. I provided a Chinese address (a private residence of my friend) which is also where I am staying rather than a hotel, they didn't ask to see the police registration document to say I am registered as staying there.
A delay was caused by them setting the account name up as Firstname Surname which they processed fully but was rejected by Head Office as they missed out my middle name which to be fair I did suggest they needed. Redo the one A4 sheet and the signed letter, and it all went through in about 30mins.
When you do the link with WeChat Pay and AliPay your name has to exactly match the name at the bank. Hint: use capitals!
Jan 22, 2020, 9:00 am
#252
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,097
Indeed, make sure your name as used by the bank exactly matches the full name in your passport, because that's what Wechat/Alipay will require. A few banks may have systems that only accept names up to 20 characters/spaces and if that's not enough for your full name, head to another bank, because you'll have trouble registering on Wechat/Alipay with a truncated name.
I'm very surprised they didn't hand you the CRS form requiring disclosure of your UK tax id number.
Before leaving Qingdao, check everything, like the card itself and online banking, so you can resolve any problems with the bank. (There are various options that need to be set to allow online purchases, for example.) Hopefully you got whatever gizmo CMB requires for online banking/purchases. Run the mobile app as well.
The bank will have given you some papers. Keep these safely, since they show important information if you need help down the road.
(CMB, which is not considered a state-owned bank, does have a good reputation for customer service.)
I'm very surprised they didn't hand you the CRS form requiring disclosure of your UK tax id number.
Before leaving Qingdao, check everything, like the card itself and online banking, so you can resolve any problems with the bank. (There are various options that need to be set to allow online purchases, for example.) Hopefully you got whatever gizmo CMB requires for online banking/purchases. Run the mobile app as well.
The bank will have given you some papers. Keep these safely, since they show important information if you need help down the road.
(CMB, which is not considered a state-owned bank, does have a good reputation for customer service.)
Jun 15, 2020, 2:54 am
#253
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
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https://www.marketwatch.com/story/ho...nes-2019-11-06
I just came across this earlier today. moondog or anyone here in Mainland China able to comment on this? If this is true and I can simply connect my US credit cards to WeChat Pay, this will be a game-changing situation for me and I'll never have to go and get a Chinese bank account. Then I can't imagine a scenario where I'll need to use cash.
I just came across this earlier today. moondog or anyone here in Mainland China able to comment on this? If this is true and I can simply connect my US credit cards to WeChat Pay, this will be a game-changing situation for me and I'll never have to go and get a Chinese bank account. Then I can't imagine a scenario where I'll need to use cash.
Jun 15, 2020, 3:00 am
#254
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,227
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/ho...nes-2019-11-06
I just came across this earlier today. moondog or anyone here in Mainland China able to comment on this? If this is true and I can simply connect my US credit cards to WeChat Pay, this will be a game-changing situation for me and I'll never have to go and get a Chinese bank account. Then I can't imagine a scenario where I'll need to use cash.
I just came across this earlier today. moondog or anyone here in Mainland China able to comment on this? If this is true and I can simply connect my US credit cards to WeChat Pay, this will be a game-changing situation for me and I'll never have to go and get a Chinese bank account. Then I can't imagine a scenario where I'll need to use cash.
Last edited by travelinmanS; Jun 15, 2020 at 3:07 am
Jun 15, 2020, 3:43 am
#255
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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It's the Alipay tour pass mentioned above in this thread. Definitely not as good as linking a mainland account but it does seem things are moving in the right direction. I received a survey from Alipay last week and they asked a bunch of questions about how they could make their service better for foreigners. Since I've linked my mainland bank accounts already that's not an issue but I did include allowing foreign credit cards or foreign bank accounts to link directly rather than through the tour pass as a wish of mine. My main two desires were ability to use Alipay internationally and making it easier to change your passport number in the app when you get a new one.