planning to travel to beijing since it is visa free, just wondering what are the things to note?
I am still at the stage of planning now.

Other than hotels/attractions, few points for my current draft:
1) Planning to use touch n go app as the main cashless app, and bring maybe RMB2k as emergency cash. Can i reload my touch n go cash in China using duitnow?
2) Download baidu as my main nav app for transportation guide and locations. Any other app required?
3) Planning to rent a internet data device while at KLIA. Or is there better option?
2) Want to purchase the beijing transportation pass, any idea where to get? (try to search on klook but not available, and found somewhere that it is an app but cant find where to dl?)

Appreciate if anyone can share your experience.

my update:


This post has been edited by gundamsp01: Dec 22 2024, 09:23 AM

hmm, recently just made two trips to Beijing and Guangzhou, shenzhen and HK.
1) better use Alipay international app, attach at least 2 CC to it incase one fails at random (rarely).
I feel alipay more convenient (all-in-one, transportation, payment, etc.).
I brought zero cash on both times, never needed them and if you bring large domination of cash, they also might not have change to give you, everything cashless

2) Amap is a good alternative also (can hail taxi, DiDi directly from app..probably baidu map can do it too)
if u plan to use the bicycle, having both meituan app and alipay would basically have u covered. for food, dianping

3) unless u need a mifi, just buy data e-sim more than enough. I tried airalo when i was in beijing and it was shit and unstable. so far I used 3HK data e-sim with china roaming, stable and fast connection, can access all website too

4) alipay app, set location to beijing, click the transport menu, and apply for a free metro card (aka QR code)

more details can check out my recent beijing and guangzhou/shenzhen thread
e.g.: https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=5456981&hl=

This post has been edited by quadcube: Sep 8 2024, 09:39 AM

thanks! briefly went through your thread, got few questions (maybe more to add):
1) since you have Alipay but you faced issue to get a metro card? Is that resolved in the end?
2) tiananmen and forbidden city need reservation? how to do that?

You will be labeled primitive if you pay by cash

I kena scold by cab driver when I hand over RMB100 to pay him. This was back in 2018

1) yea, not sure why, I don't think I changed anything but I was able to apply for guangzhou shenzhen metro cards without a problem on a later trip.
and I am now also able to apply for Beijing metro card




2) yea, need reservation a couple days in advanced, otherwise you cannot even get a spot at all i remembered it was some QR code to scan, it then redirects to use wechat to reserve/pay. probably you can find the reservation online?
think you can find it by following the beijing12345 wechat acc
https://english.beijing.gov.cn/12345hotline/index.html?src=4

This post has been edited by quadcube: Sep 8 2024, 10:31 AM

You should learn how to use apps, as they are completely cashless. If you use cash, you'll receive a bad treatment. Haha

I've been there three times for work related reasons, and each time has been a terrible experience for me.

Here are some warnings to consider when traveling to Beijing:

1. In Beijing, 99% of the PRC does not speak English. You should learn to speak and read Chinese, or bring someone who does.

2. Stay at the tourist place! Do not stay far away from tourist places. To communicate with PRC is difficult, and they usually ignore requests for help. At least you'd get some help from the whites who stay as expats.

3. Do not speak Cantonese! The police have stopped me several times for speaking Cantonese, posing amusing questions such as "Why are we here?" , "Are you a Taiwanese?" Some have even made fun of us.

If you spoke Cantonese, some cashier would throw the receipt to the floor.

4. Be aware of your surroundings, PRC often move around without noticing you. People frequently push your shoulders without apologizing.

5. They have the worst public toilet. No bidet and dirty. You'd notice that the toilet was littered with tissues with poops. Every time I used the toilet, I would feel like vomiting. The smell is terrible. 

My advice to you, PRC, do not like HK-er and Taiwanese. They will treat you as one of them. Make yourself not look like one of them, or else you will receive terrible treatment. 

what if I look like Myanmar people?

Some forummer answered your question above.
To add on some list
Try pre book ( many days earlier) some famous entry ticket such as forbidden city and tiananmen visit etc. Normally they are fully book quite few days in advance especially when you visit during the Chinese holiday etc.

what kind of nonsense post is this with people liking it?

1. no shit, their native language is Mandarin and other chinese dialects. youll hardly find anyone capable to speak fluent English unless you frequent the business/tourist districts that are used to foreign languages

2. if you have zero language knowledge in any country youre travelling to, youre lost in translation regardless. ive talked to many PRC locals and while some couldnt be bothered to attend to me most are more than happy to help even if i dont know mandarin. theres also something you carry everyday called a SMARTPHONE that can help you translate too, what sorcery! gods be damned to not use such technology in 2024!

3. you do know cantonese is even used in other China's regions besides Hong Kong right? also taiwanese speaks hokkien which are also used in Fujian...

4. another pointless bullshit that occurs anywhere in the world. so if i bumped shoulders in Europe does that mean europeans also like to move around without noticing you? SMH

5. yes and no, ive been to rural villages/towns in Kunming and Guilin and while they do have really terrible toilets by modern standards (literal holes in the ground), modern places in cities have revamped their toilets and are more than acceptable in quality/condition even

Tum pang ask

Thanks for the info. I'm going to Chongqing/Chengdu. I tried using the baidu map, it was too difficult I can't read mandarin.

Any tips for these places?

Oh if can’t read Chinese, then Apple map would be best.
But I felt Apple map is complete shit compared to Chinese map apps

ok, still study in progress.
Firstly, Amap is good, tried it and i love it, thanks for recommending!
While for Alipay, saw there are link to other apps as well, nice! But it needs to tie to a visa credit card? If i link my Maybank visa to this app, what's the conversion rate like? follow Maybank rate or Alipay rate?
I saw that beijing is using 一卡通 （yikatong) as the transportation card? Is there anyway to get it physically?

Currently thinking to take cathay pacific which land in Bejing International Airport.

Follow Maybank rate, but dont use CC in Alipay for more than 200 rmb per transaction, because it will add 3% charge to it..

Best is Wise transfer to the Alipay acc, not possible for non-Chinese due to their restriction. I have a couple of Chinese friends so I used wise to convert JPY to RMB directly into their Alipay and they transfer it back to me.

Use the Alipay QR code better tbh, for the physical card, not only u need pay deposit to get the card, u might need other stuff also like ID, etc.
The first time I was there (Beijing), every train ride that I take I must go manual counter show my passport and pay using Alipay and they give me the token to ride the train, very tedious.

This post has been edited by quadcube: Sep 10 2024, 07:22 PM

but as someone without connection in China, seems like Alipay isn't a good choice? Since the Maybank CC is using Maybank rate.
can i know more about the physical card, pay deposit is fine, but what is it with the ID? Or passport is fine?

Typically CC isn’t a good rate for big value shopping but for public transportation, it’s insignificant, like rm2-4 for train rides.

U need your show ID pretty much everywhere, in tourist case is our passport

Another thing I did with the trader there is exchange Alipay -> rmb cash, like 1k RMB where I transfer over 150rmb like 6 times and another 100 rmb so that the trader doesn’t get surcharged by Alipay on their end.
Maybe you can do the reverse?

what's this? The merchant needs to pay a surcharge for you using Alipay? By the way, heard that some restaurant's menu can only view and paid using Alipay? Since there is conversion rate issue and the CC extra charge (i saw is 3%)

Is there any other way? think of just using touch n go app for all transactions and use Alipay when there is no other choice.

if you plan to use google services, enable data roaming on your malaysian sim
technically it's VPN that CCP can't block

Any difference between TouchNGo Alipay vs Alipay International app?

Anyone use this? Just launched

nah, what I meant was merchant have to pay a surcharge to Alipay when the received transaction is more than a certain amount.
I just want to exchange about 1000 RMB in Alipay to cash because I realized when I go to HK, I need use cash rmb to exchange it to HKD for emergency since HK partly still use cash.
I mainly use CC and Octopus card topped up by CC in HK, HKD in cash just for odd cases where taxi or street store don't take any card.

I believe TnG also have some fees? maybe much lower, but yea it'll be more convenient for your side for big item usage.
if small transaction (<100rmb), alipay just close two eyes for max conveniences

Check with hotel before booking, not all hotels accept foreigner.

I thought they already come out with rules that all hotels must accept tourists?

Apple Maps are useless- use the Amap/GaoDe app, its phenomenal


In principle yes, but like all countries, not all hotels are places that tourists would like to stay in,(prices excepted), as features and services are different from the international visitor expectations

Also to OP, be aware that China is a vast country and the seasons and weather can vary greatly from city to city. After October the North will get very cold very quickly so dress and plan accordingly.

If that is the case, I guess better stay in international hotel chains like Holiday Inn

Hi I tried Amap it is also in chinese. Can change to English?

Hi do you mean you ask the merchant to charge the card 6 times so to avoid the cc charges?

Also, can I ask about using the simcard in china? I read that fb, google play and some apps are blocked. Was wondering better to get a physical sim, or an esim? If physical sim, if I wan to access the apps can I just switch back and forth the carrier , my phone has 2 slots.

If e sim does it get blocked as well?

This post has been edited by @Adele: Sep 10 2024, 06:47 PM

1. Use data roaming. Doesn't cost much and you can use your Facebook, Whatsapp, Google service like normal

2. GPS cordinate. Put into Google Maps and Amaps, they should different location. So in China, use Amaps.

3. If you have problem with Mandarin, have a look at Trip.com. They are more China focused.

4. Didi aka Grab. You can access it from Wechat or Alipay. If not, download Didi China (not the other version)

Eh no, I already have RMB in my Alipay itself, so it was the merchant request that I make it smaller than 200RMB/transaction to avoid fees on the receiving end.

It’s similar if you want to use credit card to do the same thing, you want to avoid the 3% from Alipay sidle for more than 200RMB/transaction.

Er, just use data roaming or HK e-sim with data roaming, no need switch back n forth. Even for hotel WiFi, most likely u will be using your mobile data also due to the block sites/apps.

This post has been edited by quadcube: Sep 10 2024, 07:13 PM

What is bad about airalo? Connection? No chat service?

Nope, Chinese only as far as I know.
But their map app are the bomb, everything from the traffic light u are stopping how many second left also shown in the app

Unstable connection, when I was in Beijing time, keep no Internet..
I was there only for 24 hours so I just lived with it and never used it again.

Hi how to have the rmb in alipay already? Bank transfer?

Then don't need apply the wise card? I'm just about reading it now, they say wise better rates etc

Oh and.HK esim ok ke? I'm asking because I am using Umobile.. their date roaming really sucked, like so little and keep not working. I rmb when I was in Taiwan and sg just use for map reading only, less than 4 hours already tell me 100% quota..after that totally couldn't work. Sad

This post has been edited by @Adele: Sep 10 2024, 07:58 PM

I used Wise to convert JPY to RMB, direct “bank in” Alipay. But the issue is this direct bank in only works for Alipay acc that are actual China resident/citizen.
So I sent it to my China friends instead and they sent the RMB back to my acc
I guess some of the cheapest rate but need to have China contact that is willing to do such thing.

Maybe can link Wise card to Alipay? Not sure how they charge for the usage.

Had no problem with HK eSIM, line was great, internet speed was fast. I used the one from 3HK during my recent trip, 15GB ones

If you can’t read or speak basic standard 3 Chinese words, you’re really gonna suffer in China.

Same could be said in Japan but at least you can google your way out of situations.

In China, you’re at the mercy of Alipay (thank god they have English), Baidu/Gaode maps and Baidu itself for search engine. You can access Bing in China but results return are often less reliable.

No need for cash as I would say 98% of merchants accept WeChatPay and/or Alipay. TNG ewallet itself will be able to cover and pay 90% of QRs in China successfully. The remaining 10%, they are not part of Alipay+ network and require the Alipay app to scan and pay.

TNG ewallet will utilize Alipay conversion rates while Alipay app will utilize your credit card issuing bank rates on top of 3% charges if >¥200.

All the best. Remember to bring your passport wherever you go in China. Most places there need 验证 process.

Oo thanks a lot. So informative! I didn't want to register wise previously, coz I heard got ppl's money was stucked in the acc unable to withdraw or something, will look into this advise of linking wise to alipay

Ah how long were you there? 15gb enough for map reading for how many days? I tried using baidu map app, but like so much ad, afraid the ad eat into the data

Also, you mentioned even use the hotels wifi also cannot access googleplay and Facebook ke? Im actually more concerned on whatapps, afraid ppl msg while i was away and unable to check. Do I need a vpn, if yes any vpn would you suggest?

This post has been edited by @Adele: Sep 10 2024, 08:18 PM

So happy to see this thread. That day asked you, you still said not your cup of tea.

Have a blessed and fun trip to Beijing!

This post has been edited by MasBoleh!: Sep 10 2024, 08:18 PM

Thanks bro

I can speak just can't read. Can guess a bit here and there. Google translate doesn't work in china as well, I suppose?

Tng can be used? Then that's great. So tngo no such thing as 3% charges if >Y200? OK ma, then no need to fret. Do I need to allocate the cash into the tngo account first, or can do the transfer via bank or cc when I'm in china? Afraid bank app can't use

Yes. Guess abit here and there. Don’t be scared on day 1 arrival where you can’t understand their mandarin accent. You’ll acclimatize to their accent with time and start to understand soon enough.

Google wont load the moment you land on China soil.

Recommended to ensure your TNG ewallet has sufficient balance to avoid issues during payment in front of the cashier and cause a backlog queue to form behind you. If you use roaming, due to the network round trip latency, TNG ewallet payment is not as snappy fast as compared when you’re making payment here in MY. Those loading often takes alittle longer.

No probs

Was there for 10 or 11 days I forgot, 15GB more than enough for me. Everyday scroll insta, discord, reddit. Map don’t really use much data.
Amap has no ads

Ya, hotel WiFi cannot access fb, etc. can’t recommend any particular ones because I only use my own VPN servers that I hosted in MY, SG and JP.

I'm not sure about Touch n Go, but the best options would be Alipay or WeChat Pay.

1a. Alipay has two versions: the international version (which can link to your local credit card but incurs a 3% fee for transactions over RMB200) and the regular Alipay (which cannot link to a local credit card; the only way to top up is to find a China's friend in Malaysia who can transfer funds to your Alipay account in RMB).

1b. WeChat Pay is also quite handy, as some taxi drivers prefer WeChat over Alipay. The same process applies—finding a China's friend in Malaysia to transfer funds directly.

2. For maps, Baidu is a good option or you could use Gaode.

3. For internet access, it's best to sign up for roaming through your local telco. One of the benefits is that you don't need to install an extra VPN to access services like Facebook.

3a. If you're traveling for more than a week, it's better to get a local SIM card. It's a seamless process, and the SIM card can be used for many things, such as food delivery, buying tickets, and getting discounts. The data packages are quite affordable. Make sure to get a SIM that supports SMS, as you might need it to register on certain websites (e.g., for drones).

Btw I forgot to ask, if taxi can use tngo to pay also or have to use other methods

Ya more than a week. What do you think of the esim?

During my visit to China, I'm using the Digi eSIM roaming package for RM98, which provides 14 days of unlimited data. The eSIM works seamlessly, but remember to get it before your trip. All social media platforms work without any issues. Just make sure to read through your Malaysian telco's webpage on how to set up roaming as soon as you land.

I also signed up for a China Telecom physical SIM card, which costs RM25 and is valid for a month.

You can switch between both lines on your phone. However, keep in mind that you need to go to a major telco store to sign up, as not all retailers can register a travel SIM for tourists (remember to bring your passport).

This post has been edited by hjh87: Sep 10 2024, 11:03 PM

Use Didi mini program from Alipay app. then it willdirect charge to your Alipay which will directly charge your binded credit cards.

Hi! Where in china did you go to, wondering if it's the same place then maybe I can follow in your footsteps hehe. BTW, I cannot get the physical sim ke in Malaysia, must reach China only can get? If so..which are the major Telcom that can register for tourist ya..

By the way, may be silly question but how is the security in China now? I'm going to chongqing and chengdu. My past experience was had a lot of pickpockets, nothing was safe. Asking because bringing passport along probably will put in the backpack..

But that was a long long time ago

This post has been edited by @Adele: Sep 10 2024, 11:06 PM

My last trip was to Kunming from December 2023 to January 2024. Unfortunately, local SIM cards can only be applied for after landing. It's best to choose from one of the three telecom providers: China Unicom, China Mobile, or China Telecom. You can simply check a map to find the main branch of one of these providers. Some main tourist attractions, such as the old town "故城," will have telecom branches where you can apply for a tourist SIM.

In terms of security, China is quite safe nowadays. However, as with any travel, it's always a good idea to remain vigilant about your surroundings. You can walk around at night without much worry, and many areas especially in major cities like Chongqing and Chengdu are very lively and happening in the night.

...i was in Beijing for 3 months during winter back in 2017...
China Govt sponsored me go there...

i dont even speak Chinese (of any kind)... had to use google translate. I used ExpressVPN to bypass the damn Firewall of China...

if u use Malaysian sim card with roaming, can actually use google, FB and all other banned apps ..

but if u use local Beijing sim card - need ro use VPN...

i have more to comment... but me sleepy now ..

This post has been edited by CyberSetan: Sep 11 2024, 12:36 AM

google works if youre roaming

It could be the local service provider's problem and not airalo. If possible, manually switch provider.

ps. I think Flexiroam eSIM has contract with several local service providers like in Malaysia, you can pick and choose Maxis or Celcom or Umobile or YES or Digi. I read some are fixed to a particular local service provider and if that one sucks, your connection sucks.


This post has been edited by touristking: Sep 11 2024, 03:12 PM

I see many people mention roaming (best option) or get a local China SIM card. But there is a 3rd options. You can find many sellers of China SIM or eSIM on Shopee etc whereby you can order and have it delivered to you before you leave Malaysia.

For my other non-China overseas trip, I usually get it from Hello1010. Reason being, their techincal backup on Whatsapp is good. And no, I am not associated with them, just a satisfied customer.

Once you get used to eSIM, they are convenient. But not all phone support eSIM. iphone can have 2 eSIM active. With Android, only 1 eSIM is active and the other have to be physical SIM (this tends to be your home telco SIM).

With physical SIM, you have to go collect it or have it send by post to you. Can take some time, may be an hours or a few days. Then you have to insert it into phone physically.

With eSIM, code can be delivered to you via email. Or if you buy it using an apps, code is there in the apps right away. Follow the instruction and you are good to go in minutes.

From my experience, beside price/package, you want to get it from a vendor who response quickly to your request via apps Chat or Whatsapp. No point you having technical problem and you ask a question, it takes them a few hours to response. Right?

Hi , thanks. Any particular vendors that you can recommend?

I like Hello1010 for their quick Whatsapp response to query. But they don't have the type of package I wanted.

So I am now trying a apps based eSIM. Good price and works OK but query response is bad.

Im in China rn.

Using TnG (change country setting to Mainland China) and wallah, you get TnG partnered with Alipay.
No hassle in paying. Everything is scan scan scan, weixin/wechat, Alipay.

I still convert some cash tho, in case the line breakdown & pay hotel deposit.

how much cash are you bringing? RMB1k?

Hi Leah, any problem to reload the ewallet, and any surcharge while paying with tngo so far?

Cash conversion rm1k, so I have 1600yuan. Everthing

I transfer all cash into ewallet prior to travelling.
Haven’t tried to reload while in China…

The rest, using credit card (for big purchases).

Oh ya, try to see if you can use Wechat for payment too.

I'm in China right now as well.
Some merchants Alipay cannot accept Touch N Go. Have to use the international version.
Also, most discounts on the Mei Tuan App can only use Alipay international version.

In the end just transfer 200 yuan x 10 times to my wife's Alipay then transfer back.
Wise rate.

What season in Beijing now?

you mean you use the "pay/receive" function on Alipay to avoid the 3% charge?

Basically, any internet access method originated from China, blocked. (Local Sim, hotel wifi etc)

Roaming from your nsia telco the most convenient, but not that cheap.

3rd option but SIM/esim online, usually HK based data services which counts as roaming from HK and bypass the great firewall.

Also TnG only works if the vendor Alipay is with a +.

https://thesun.my/world/beijing-metro-enabl...ders-PD12997945

Yes.
But in the end I just used my friend's contact because wifey shop a lot. Lazy to do 200 transfer so often.

-edited-

This post has been edited by @Adele: Sep 15 2024, 09:40 PM

Didi like grabcar. pay with alipay, touchngo or wechat

Signed up for a China Telecom physical SIM card, which costs RM25 and is valid for a month.

Just to add. You may walk in to any China Telecom branch , request for this, there will be a number of documentations for them to verify, for you to sign off, mostly like registering for a sim.

As already mentioned a couple of times, having a local China sim and phone number will be critical for arranging booking and appointments for a lot of tourist attractions , and most triple A attractions in large cities such as Beijing require pre-booking, and this local China number helps immensely.

That said, if you don't speak or understand Mandarin, then it will be immensely difficult for you even if your have a local China number.

If you can't speak the language , just prearrange with the many facilitators that you may find online, before you arrive in China A note of caution, you will need to sieve through and determine which is legit, reputable, reliable compared to those that are fraudulent. And be prepared to pay an add on premium for the facilitating service, but that's a given since you do not speak the language

International travel to China is a very new thing for China,

just 10 years ago, you won't be able to use Alipay even if your have a International Alipay account used to make purchase on Taobao I Malaysia,

just a year ago, there were many teething issues even with Alipay+ or Duitnow. Now it's getting much better by the day.

P.S. Although TnG have this Alipay+ arrangement for crossborder qrpay in China, I distinctly recall it doesn't work when you are in Malaysia (using TnG app to scan a Alipay code while physically in Malaysia), maybe this has changed. Correct me if Imy experience in January has changed now in September.

This post has been edited by when2meets2boy: Sep 27 2024, 01:27 AM

Touch and Go scan Alipay+ qrpay in China - 1% overseas transactions conversion fee - but you don't usually see this as it is incorporated into the exchange rate listed on the TnG app,

To see the exchange rate, for to the 'Scan' or 'Pay' features in the TnG app, then 'Swype up to pay abroad with Alipay+' , you will see the exchange rate for the day.

TnG use the "mid-market exchange rate" to set their daily exchange rate.

Now, TnG also have a "Visa Debit" card you can apply for which they state is 0% fees, but it's also just marketing smoke and mirrors, since 1% is already incorporated into the exchange rate. But this TnG Visa Debit card can be used to pay for Visa enabled purchases in China, or ATM withdrawals in China

But TnG only has an advantage if you reload cash into the TnG wallet.
If you reload TnG via credit card, there is an additional 1%. So it's 1%+1% if you reload TnG with credit card and then spend via Alipay+ in China

In comparison, Bank's credit card charges between 1.5-3% for every overseas transaction

e.g. Foreign charges converted by Maybank American Express credit card apply a conversion factor of 2.5% to the converted amount. A charge that is made in foreign currency other than U.S. Dollars when the conversion is done by American Express be converted into U.S. Dollars before being converted in your billing currency in the country visited - SUPER UNCOOL, LAYERS OF HIDDEN COSTS - but you can almost never use AMEX in China. AMEX is only good for local spend because if a 1% Cashback for every Ringgit

e.g. Maybank Master/Visa credit card charges a 1% currency conversion administrative fee on top of the prevailing exchange rate, and note that, unlike TnG, Maybank does not incorporate the currency conversion fee in the listed listed exchange rates.


So, if you're a bean counter who wishes to squeeze the best deal out of spending Ringgit paying Yuan (RMB) in China

(1) Those fees and charges are already known

(2) So you just have to compare the daily exchange rate used by either TnG, your bank, or

(3) Covert cash at your local money exchange, also referencing if their exchange rate is better or not, but bring cash to China and then do this https://www.boc.cn/en/custserv/202404/t2024...3_24845718.html , never tried, not sure about charges and rates. Bank of China have their own apps like E-CNY app, which they say can be used. They also mentioned you can bind your overseas bank card or your domestic bank card opened at BOC with your WeChat/Alipay account. You can pay via QR code or via the APP in China. I BELIEVE THIS WILL BE TOO MUCH FOR A SHORT CHINA STAY OVER.

(4) WeChat Pay charges a 3% transaction fee for purchases above RMB 200, smaller purchases below RMB 200, there are no transaction fees. There is no charge to link bank cards, make payments, top up your Balance or withdraw funds by the WeChat Pay MY Wallet.

(5) Similarly, if you managed to get money into Alipay (early adopters of Alipay in Malaysia may have a glitch where the Alipay account can receive funds directly from TnG - at least my account, it is possible). Alipay it also
charges a 3% transaction fee for purchases above RMB 200.

Great detail. 2 months ago, I went to Europe and this is what I found. Both Wise and GX charges WELL BELOW the 1%


Unfortunately not feasible for use in China.

Also like to add,

TnG (via Alipay+ connect) & cash seems to be the only go to now what WeChat is gone

TnG & money in Alipay app will be a better option , using Alipay app as the backup. But getting money in Alipay would need you to have a China citizen friend or add on fees using indirect methods like WISE


Someone should try out the latest features for tourists provided for by the China banks ( example https://www.boc.cn/en/custserv/202404/t2024...3_24845718.html ) . I'll try it out during my next trip and report back

All in all, TnG (reloaded with cash) seems to be the cheapest value option for China travellers from Malaysia

Very detailed explanation! I’d like to add some of my own experience with Alipay as well. I’ve used both the international and local versions. For the local version, it’s quite straightforward to use once you top up RMB. The app also allows you to book tickets for various tourist attractions. Moreover, with the latest regulations regarding drone flights in China, the Alipay app is essential for pre-registering your drone flights, as some areas require it.

As for the international version, you can link your Malaysian credit card, whether it’s Visa or MasterCard. However, similar to WeChat Pay, when making a purchase over RMB 200 using your Malaysian credit card on Alipay, a 3% fee will be charged.

what about Wise Visa debit card + alipay?

I am exploring another option now

Cross-border DuitNow QR via Maybank MAE app
https://www.maybank2u.com.my/maybank2u/mala...ser-abroad.page?

www.maybank2u.com.my/maybank2u/malaysia/en/personal/services/digital_banking/mae-user-abroad.page?

In the Maybank MAE cross-border DuitNow QR product Terms and Conditions, I found one clause on fees and charges

Overseas Transactions

a. Scan & Pay can be used at participating overseas Merchants which the Acquirer collaborates with the respective countries to provide the Cross Border QR service. (In the case of China it is Alipay+)

b. For Scan & Pay transactions performed overseas, the amount will be converted from the foreign currency to Ringgit Malaysia (MYR) based on the prevailing exchange rate as determined by Maybank's partner plus a margin. Maybank's partner here refers to the payment platform that facilitates Scan & Pay transactions made between the customer and overseas merchants

So what is this margin?

Since Cross-border DuitNow QR by the DuitNow facility, DuitNow, I am presuming it is no charges, as stated in the FAQ on the DuitNow.my website https://www.duitnow.my/Cross-Border/index.html

DuitNow FAQ also states:
Daily transaction limit is up to RM50,000 and the limit is subject to RM3,000 per transaction.

This is very higher vs the other cross order payments. But I guess it might not necessary mean the limits apply to Scan & Pay, but instead are referring to DuitNow online banking transactions which I know set a daily limit of RM50,000

Also DuitNow.my FAQ also states:
The exchange rate will be quoted by your bank or eWallet and displayed to you before confirming the payment.

So, theoretically, if I use Maybank MAE, MYR to RMB is subject to Maybank's listed exchange rate on the day. But unsure if there is a additional "margin" mentioned in the MAE Scan & Pay Terms and Conditions

Will only know when I give it a try

If it works , will share .

This post has been edited by when2meets2boy: Sep 27 2024, 06:34 PM

Can use tngo to scan alipay+ in malaysia. I tried oredi

WeChat MY is gone.
But you can sign up WeChat China and verify passport, and it is good to go.

Personally, I think WeChat is bigger and better than Alipay.

How to sign up for wechat China?

Good to know we can sign up WeChat China,

But if you have successfully done this, can you also tell us if WeChat China's account WeChatPay, can we bind our Malaysian credit card or bank accounts to transfer fund into WeChat China wallet?

Thanks

P.S> if you have remaining Ringgit in your WeChat MY wallet, you have until Dec 2024 to transfer the money out, else it will be gone. According to WeChat MY. https://pay.wechat.com/en_my/cessation.html

This post has been edited by when2meets2boy: Sep 28 2024, 09:32 PM

Need to scan their QR payment code then it will prompt to sign up for an account.
You can't sign up from the app, it will redirect you to Malaysia's useless discontinued message.

Yes, you can bind international cards to WeChat Pay and use it to pay.
However, you cannot transfer funds to WeChat Wallet.

Thanks for the info

"Need to scan their QR payment code then it will prompt to sign up for an account."

Does the phone used to scan the in China QR payment code need to be a local China phone number? or if our Malaysian phone number can work too?

I use my Malaysian number.

One thing is that while China may be advanced in their implementation of digital payment, I think Malaysia is better in terms of QR code payment implementation.
In China, Alipay QR must use Alipay app and WeChat must use WeChat app.

Malaysia, as long as DuitNow QR, any wallet apps also can.

Thanks, now to look for a China WeChat qrpay code to use this method. Many thanks

From my own experience, it is invaluable to have both Touch and Go (via Alipay+) and WeChat Pay (previously I used WeChat Pay MY) to cover 99.9% of scenarios in China

Touch and Go (via Alipay+) sometimes does not work with some China vendors' qrpay payment codes (because they aren't on the Alipay+ payment regime), and all of the time (in my experience), the WeChat Pay can work as the backup. Big retailers also accept VISA, but the charges and bank's exchange rates aren't that competitive (since it's a credit based service, there will be fees and fees).

During my last trip to China, DuitNow QR was announced to work in China, but did not. I will try out Maybank's DuitNow QR Scan & Pay as another payment option in the next trip

This post has been edited by when2meets2boy: Sep 30 2024, 12:30 AM

Alipay+ works only when the recipient is using a merchant/business QR code. If they are using a personal QR code, it won't work—though, in most cases (about 80%), merchants use business QR codes.

To make payments to personal QR codes, you’ll need to use the Alipay International app, which requires you to preload funds into the account. You cannot pay directly by card through the international version of the app. The same applies to the international version of WeChat Pay.

One reason I prefer WeChat Pay is that they sometimes offer promotions when you scan their QR codes. For example, scanning a WeChat QR code might give you better deals than the Mei Tuan app. For instance, HeyTea offers 2 drinks for RMB15 through WeChat promotions.

Confirmed that we can add and use International Credit Cards with WeChat Pay (or Weixin Pay) to use in China. A friend confirmed this on my behalf.

As for the WeChat MY wallet, confirmed it only means that the Malaysian Wallet service is closed. The main impact is we can't move funds (cash) into the WeChat to pay in China - but we can link our international credit cards to WeChat to use in China

Can refer to:
https://help.wechat.com/cgi-bin/micromsg-bi...nnel=helpcenter

Now, for bean counting

(1) Foreigners opening a WeChat Pay account do not need a local phone number to receive the verification code, during the configuration process. A password is necessary to ensure the security of the account. Once the process is complete, visitors can start using WeChat Pay with their foreign card.

(2) Transaction fees (Our WeChat pays business transactions in China) will be waived for small operations.

(3) BUT For transactions above RMB 200 (Our WeChat pays business transactions in China), a 3 percent transaction fee is charged. In the event of a refund, the fee will be reimbursed proportionally based on the amount.

(4) ** The exchange rate is calculated based on the rate of the card and the issuing bank. ** For bean counters, this is where the hidden cost lie. Our Credit Cards will charge fees for the transactions. Normally we don't see this as the credit card companies already lumped this in into the "exchange rate" displayed in the credit card statement.

To my knowledge, this is normally around 1%-2% for VISA, 2.5-3% for AMEX. AMEX will have another level of hidden costs when spending overseas. When spending in Malaysia, there is not such costs, but if we use AMEX to spend in other currencies overseas, the foreign currency needs to be converted into USD first, and after then from USD converted to MYR. So it is expected to be more expensive to spend AMEX (Malaysia) overseas.

(5) There are some limitations customers should know about when using a foreign card with WeChat Pay.
Currently, foreign cards are restricted to daily consumption transactions, and do not support special features like red packets (a kind of monetary gift used during holidays or special occasions in China) and direct transfers.

(6) There are also certain transaction limits when using foreign cards through WeChat Pay. The maximum amount for a single transaction is RMB 6,000, with a monthly cumulative limit of RMB 50,000 and an annual cumulative limit of 60,000.

(7) Alipay, WeChat Pay’s competitor, offers a similar international card service in terms of recommended usage scenarios, transaction fees, and exchange rate calculations.

However, WeChat Pay has expanded its support for international card types by adding JCB cards, while Alipay does not offer this option. Additionally, when it comes to transaction limits, Alipay allows a maximum of RMB 3,000 per single transaction, whereas WeChat Pay allows up to RMB 6,000 per transaction.



Summary, Touch and Go top up via MYR cash is still the cheapest option for value driven bean counters

But WeChat linked to credit cards will still match Touch and Go's (1% included in exchange rate) VS. your bank's VISA credit card (1-1.5% included exchange rate)

You just have to compare the listed exchange rate diligently (easier to see this on Touch and Go app, hard to find out credit card exchange rates, depending on bank).

There are also special cases, like the MAYBANK AMEX cards, which gives you 5X reward points for any overseas payment charges, which is easily exchangeable for purchases back in Malaysia, this 5X reward points cash back is about a fixed 1% cashback in terms of value. But how much exact value, it will depend on the listed exchange rate on the day.

This post has been edited by when2meets2boy: Oct 4 2024, 02:11 PM

WISE and GX, I presume works like debit cards equivalent to MAE card, BigPay card, Touch n Go Card , correct, all these cards are working on a VISA Debit system, and their marketing always touts cheaper than credit cards because its no fees, transaction costs, etc. but omit telling you (just like the credit cards) that their 1% is already built into their listed exchange rates .

Of course credit cards usually will have more hidden fees and costs , which adds up to more than the 1%

OF course GX too have to make disclaimers like this https://help.gxbank.my/cards/Card_Usage/Wil..._the_GX_Card%3F

GX too have fees built in. Just that it is probably waived as part of promotions. We just have to do out own due diligence of the latest fees and charges when the time comes to travel.
https://wise.com/my/blog/gxbank-debit-card

https://wise.com/my/blog/gxbank-debit-card#...bank-debit-card

This post has been edited by when2meets2boy: Oct 4 2024, 02:53 PM


Attached thumbnail(s)

To keep things simple, I just check how much Wise or GX or credit card charges above the xe.com rates. For the time being, GX the best and Credit Card the worst.