3 Things You Must Have When Visiting China! Alipay, SIM Card & 12306 China Rail

[@maximilianholland]

This might be the best video on payment apps and connectivity for travellers to China. Thanks Danny!

[@Irisbeacon]

This is so useful and timely as it helps me to visualise what i should be expecting when I'm in China. Glad this popped up in my feed. Thanks for sharing!

[@K_one_w_one]

Excellent Vlog, great communicator! I'm in Shanghai soon. Thanks to you I've set up my Alipay & ready to go 👍

[@buttons293]

Thank you!! Very helpful and well explained, I especially like seeing the apps work in real life situations. Thank you.

[@ThankMyself]

You're my savior. Your video is very informative! I've purchased an eSim and set up my Alipay. I guess I won't be able to use DIDI cos I won't be able to quote the last 4 digits of my nonexisting Chinese number to the driver 😢 x

[@khuongle877]

Love the way you explain and show live footage

[@lynnwebb8622]

Thank you for the video / information. I had intended on purchasing a sim card prior to flying to China but on the information you provided I believe it would be better to purchase the sim card on arrival at the airport. Thanks again. 👍

[@LOLLOL-fg1rr]

great video i just want to add something sometimes you have to scan the qr code of the merchant and you have to ask the merchant how much and put in the amount on ur phone sometimes if it is a vending machine the amount is already put in you still have to scan the code they give you normally at any covenience store retaurant they scan you

[@angusoliver93]

Much appreciated video bro I'm in Shanghai on Wednesday for the first time and from Gold Coast

[@HappyVibeHunter]

Ah, I wish I was in Gold Coast nice and warm. But you are in for a treat, Shanghai has Lots to offer. Have fun!

[@ahkhong2223]

Thank you very much, we are going to Chengdu in October, your info is very helpful .

[@rachelmarshall6384]

Really helpful. Visiting China next summer and trying to learn as much as possible before then. Thank you.

[@e.abdoulah431]

Nice explanation, thank you very much, greetings from Morocco , شكرا جزيلا

[@stuartneary3067]

Every single train station for metro or fast train ticket can be purchased by cash or credit card which I recently did while visiting

[@valeriel8417]

When you give the last 4 digits to the DD driver, is it your Australian number(the one you used to register Alipay)? I heard only Chinese phone number can work with DD.

[@DannyLiDing]

It’s my Australian Number, I used DiDi inside Alipay app. The only thing is that you might not receive calls from the driver if they need to find you.

[@valeriel8417]

@@DannyLiDing Thanks Danny, your video really helps!

[@avtechnz]

I see I can book trains through CTrip and Agoda Apps. Are these okay as they are in English so preferable. I realise there is a small commision.

[@worldchanges10]

China train is so advanced and the used of technology as cashless on everything compared to the Bay Area where I live, wow!

[@alvinsin4963]

comprehensive, digestible, practical, thumbs up❤

[@HappyVibeHunter]

Thanks Alvin, glad you liked it.

[@helene7672]

This video is super helpful, thank you so much! Also can you show us how to use baidu map to navigate cities in China?

[@c.e.6418]

In 3 weeks time, I am gonna move to Wuhan to study. I am very excited & nervous😅. I don't have any knowledge in Chinese 😢. I hope I can survive there 😅. Thank you for the infos

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@c.e.6418 Hi c.e, that is awesome! I think you will be fine. Have fun!

[@sajidgohari]

Hello, I'm also moving to Wuhan university next month....

[@ameliah8164]

how are you now

[@c.e.6418]

@@ameliah8164Wuhan is very hot & humid than I expected 😅. I am trying to get used to living here. Without your phone and even a little Chinese, you can't survive here. WeChat and Alipay are used on everything. 🙌🏻 This was my first week, and I was struggling a bit. But it is an adventure I want to experience. I should learn Chinese as soon as possible and than discover the country.

[@c.e.6418]

@@ameliah8164 so far so good 👍🏻. Without English it is challenging. But translator (with VPN) helps lot

[@hollynang8454]

thank you very much this is very helpful, i was worried about if i have to go to the counter to buy metro ticket everytime cos we are foreigners

[@Atlantajourney]

0:58 I see there is alipay HK, if I have to go in Hong Kong do I have to choose this one? The normal Alipay doesn't work in Hong Kong?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@Atlantajourney Most merchants in Hong Kong and Macao use the same Alipay pay. There is only once I encountered that one of the Macao Casino restaurants only accept Alipay from Chinese bank card payments. But if that’s the case, they would accept international credit cards. So either way there should not be an issue for paying.

[@njuhinyararaofficial]

A very informative video.

[@taeyoyolee5653]

So you need a china phone number to purchase via railway apps ??

[@o.c.g.m9426]

No. I just downloaded all apps in america. Im watching to learn. I didn't pay anything to download an app

[@bienchen317]

Thank you so much for providing all the information! I will be staying in China (Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou) for 3 weeks. I was planning to have two smart phones with me. One with a German phone number where Alipay is already downloaded and linked to my credit card for payments in China. The other smart phone has also a German phone number. With the second smart phone I was planning to buy a Chinese sim card at the Pudong airport and use this phone has a hot spot for my other phone in order to have internet. My smart phones do not provide any e-sim or dual sim cards, unfortunately. Should that work? You mentioned that some apps must be linked to a Chinese phone number such as Diddi. But if Diddi is already included in the alipay app, then I should be able to pay via my smart phone with the German phone number? Thank you very much for providing the answers!! Additionally, I plan to use the tour card on the Alipay app. To top up some money in case the standard alipay payement procedere does not work. Have you any experience with the Alipay tour card if that is also woking on a phone with a forein phone number which is linked to a foreign credit card? Thanks mate!!

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@bienchen317 I understand. Yes, your method is workable. When you opened DiDi from Alipay, you still have to sign in DiDi. At the DiDi sign in step, You could choose one tap or sign in with a number, I would suggest to sign in with your Chinese number, because I recently have issues with my Australian phone number not able to log in to DiDi occasionally. Maybe because of peak season. Chinese number will be more reliable. For Tour card, I have not used it before, I will try these few days and let you know later.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@bienchen317 for Shanghai, Hangzhou & Suzhou you should be able to use Alipay no problem. But just in case, take some cash with you and exchange to smaller notes like 10s and 20s, bottle of water and metro tickets normally cost 3-5 RMB. Sometime the metro machine have troubles reading barcodes, it may not be Alipay’s issue. I’m this case, I would try a few times with a different passage or get a ticket at the ticket machine and pay by Alipay.

[@jtf267]

Thank you. But with a sim card, can i see my text messages or receive my phone calls with my usual home phone number? Im leaving in 10 days to hong kong and china.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@jtf267 yes, you could. Tell the sales person you want to activate international roaming service there might be an easy process to go through. But they will help you.

[@aliasrar-s1e]

Hi I can not change the last app to English

[@TsDe_yolo]

Thank you so much for video. May I ask If I can use my registered foriegner phone number on alipay or register again with chinese number?

[@DannyLiDing]

You could use registered foreign number on Alipay, I was using my Australian number at the time the video was recorded. If somehow your foreign number does not work, you could always get a Chinese number at the airport or most of the sea ports.

[@maximilianholland]

Thank you Danny, this is very helpful!

[@thanhlu3667]

Very informative video, Danny. Thanks. I am going to Guangzhou soon and have downloaded the Alipay app and linked my Visa card. Just wondering if I buy a Chinese SIM card, would that affect the way I use Alipay and other Apps like DiDi?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@thanhlu3667 Hi Thanhlu, I think Alipay would work if your registered number and active number is different, as long as you stay logged in. I have a vague memory about not able to pay for my DiDi trip when my active number and registered number is different. I have to log back to my old number to access payment. But if it happens to you, you could just registered DiDi with your new Chinese SIM.

[@thanhlu3667]

@@HappyVibeHunter Thanks very much.

[@kimyong1587]

Thank you so much for the video. May I ask if I can continue using my international roaming telco plan or it's better to get a china phone card?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

If you are not planning to use High speed train app to purchase tickets or Meituan to order take away food, it may not be necessary to get a Chinese phone. Because I use internet data a lot, and it works out cheaper for me to get a Chinese Sim instead of roaming.

[@leelee3942]

Hello, thanks for the info. Just a question please, you have your alipay registered with an Australian number.. are you using a Chinese phone number when you are there? I'm just wondering if there are any issues registering alipay with an Australian number and then using the app in China with a chinese phone number?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@leelee3942 Hi Leelee, I registered Alipay with my Aus number and I was using my Chinese SIM at the same time. I didn’t have any issues😊

[@michaelchang8543]

Many thnks for your wonderful tips and tools . One question , as a foreigner what is the best and cheapest chinese phone card or prepaid sim card to get in china if i stay more then 3 months . Thnx

[@HappyVibeHunter]

If you plan to stay for long term, I would suggest to go with China mobile 39RMB/month or 59RMB/month plan which gives you unlimited text and calls and 5G data or 10G data respectively. If the airport can’t give you these plans you can try to go into a phone store in the city you are staying. I personally chose China Mobile (CMCC).

[@pbworld7858]

Will most people in shops understand Cantonese? I notice only the taxi driver spoke in Cantonese.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@pbworld7858 I would say In Guangzhou, most of the shops would speak Cantonese. Less likely in other places in Canton. There are lots of people from nearby provinces living in Canton.

[@boogernosetv]

This is the most informative video I found on KZbin about what to prepare when you go to China! Thanks! If you go from tourist to longer stay in China, you can change your profile in Alipay? I tought that when you are later aresident, you can do more with the app (less ristrictions)

[@truthprevail2445]

On my Alipay app, there is an eSim option for Mainland China. Does this eSim work if i purchase one?

[@jasoncmh78]

If I set up Alipay on my overseas SIM, does it mean I need to set up everything again when I put in the China SIM with the China phone number?

[@ccpcpc99]

greetings, Do I need internet when using alipay? When I arrive shanghai, can I use the alipay app without having a china sim card or internet connection? thanks

[@DannyLiDing]

Hi there, Alipay doesn’t need a Chinese Sim but it does need internet data to work.

[@chiewpangcheong5300]

@DannyLiDing thanks

[@yhchong621]

Can we use Trip to book high speed train also? Or we have to use 12306 to book High speed train or any rail services ? Thanks so much

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@yhchong621 sure, the price is the same but trip.com will charge a percentage of booking fee. Around 10-20%.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

Also I think if you need to change or cancel the ticket, you MIGHT have to do it in trip.com app or call trip.com customer service instead of going through the ticket sales office at the station.

[@BouBouEats]

This video was really helpful, Thank you so much!

[@STEGOTOYS]

can we enter a credit card number in the place of Bank Card? or do we have to enter a Debit Card number ?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@STEGOTOYS Hi Zara, some credit card work and some don’t. If you could link it to Alipay then it will work. But Alipay and WeChat are in competition at the moment, if the merchants have chosen an exclusive deal with either one, then the other one would not work, some times it is not Alipay app issue.

[@NorthernMike-1]

Ok I just downloaded the Alipay App and tried to link a Bsnk Card to it. The App stated that I could only use a Chinese Bank Debit Card. So how do I link a Canadian or U.S. Visa Card to it?

[@DannyLiDing]

There could be few reasons causing this, check the following - 1. add bank cards through “Account” -Bank cards issue when adding a bank card, go through”Account” - “Bank cards” - “Add cards” 2. If the above don’t work. Go to “Home page” - “pay/receive” - the arrow below the bar code/ add cards. See if you could add cards here. 3. Try to type in the card number, if you are scanning the card. Sometimes when it doesn’t scan properly, it will ask you to select a Chinese bank. See if the above would work and let me know.

[@michaelcharlie2967]

In 12306, one of my passengers can not verified . I try many ways, upload the passport, change the email but it didn't work out

[@budhymara97]

Just wondering if Alipay accept prepaid Visa, cheers.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

I think it should work, I have never tried it though

[@TheNeilsolaris]

What happens if your phone runs out of battery, or you lose it, when you need to take public transport home? Presumably you also have payment cards and cash on you?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

Sure, always have cash on you as a back up

[@HLHOP701]

Hi, want to ask the password for the credit card is the new one or same as the credit card PIN number that we used to use in our country? Thanks

[@HappyVibeHunter]

When you set up Alipay payment, you will need to set up an Alipay payment password which is different to the password you set up with your credit card in the bank. If that is what you meant.

[@HuifenWu]

Hi, are we able to book trains using the 120306 app while we are in Sydney. We would like to secure the train tickets before we arrive in China. Thanks very much.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@HuifenWu Hi Huifen, you sure can as long as you have registered the app with your Chinese number. Otherwise you could only search it but could not book it.

[@HuifenWu]

@@HappyVibeHunter thanks! The problem is we won’t be able to buy a China number until we are in China.. so I was wondering if we were able to register the 120306 app with my Australian number and book the train tickets in advance before we arrive in China. We are travelling to China next year very close to May day holidays and would prefer to secure train tickets in advance.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@HuifenWu Ah, I got it. I wouldn’t worry too much about that. The high speed train tickets are only available to purchase 2 weeks in advance. Also, March is not a peak season, tickets should be relatively enough. I normally prebook the tickets 1day ahead, quite a few times I had to purchase the ticket few minutes before it departed.

[@Raymond-h1s]

Thanks for your sharing of Guangzhou. Question, is the DiDi App in English? Need help as my Chinese is limited. I live in Dongguan. Thank you for your support.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@Raymond-h1s Hi Raymond, the DiDi app does have English language option. It’s under settings.

[@dotaprotv5843]

I want to know how to exchange from Dollar to china in Alipay, Please

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@dotaprotv5843 it automatically calculates the rate, it usually goes with your bank exchange rate. If you want o know the daily rate, there is an exchange rate icon on the main page, you could use that to calculate the general exchange rate.

[@travelabrupt]

One more thing that you didn’t add that is so important is a VPN to be able to use Facebook, instagram google and KZbin. Thanks for the alipay tip will save me paying cash everywhere

[@heinlich]

if you use a sim card not from China, this thing is not a must.

[@zagfat]

Alipay charges fees at an obscene rate of 3%

[@Merci167]

Do i need to purchase a sim card in China? Can i just use my Singapore sim with roaming? I'm visiting China for only a week.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@Merci167 Sure. You could use Alipay with foreign SIM cards. The down site is you might have limited access to other apps.

[@SamLiew-iu1nb]

Hi can i purchase the high speed train ticket for my kid?if yes, how it work as my kid didnt own a handphone?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

There is a section in the 12306 app called Passenger under Me, click Add Passenger then you could add anyone's details on there. When you have selected your trip, the app will ask you to add passengers, here you could add any passenger you have stored previously or add new ones. You could buy any one a ticket except Chinese people who is using Chinese National card for boarding, if you registered the app with a foreign passport. But if someone registered the app with Chinese National cards, then they could purchase for anyone they want.

[@LH-nc8dp]

It is easy to set up Alipay with a foreign card. But, does foreign bank card-based Alipay actually work in China? I hope people can share their experiences using this type of Alipay. I strongly suspect that it would not work with a majority of merchants. We do not want to find it once we are in China.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

Hi Mate, I would say that it works on most places. I assume that you meant Alipay linked with foreign bank card. In the video, the Alipay is registered with my Australian phone number and linked with my Australian bank card. Even with Chinese bank card, Alipay may not work in smaller merchants in old areas or rural areas. I would still take a few hundred Yuan Cash with me when travelling in China. I am making a video to show how foreign travellers can now use wechat pay with oversea bank card and oversea phone number. When you have both wechat pay and Alipay, it solves 99% of your payment issues while you are in China as a foreigner.

[@KevinJ999]

I'm going to Guangzhou and it's my first time in China. If I only use cash, will it be difficult to travel? Because I read the terms and conditions before downloading the Alipay app, there are some things that I'm concerned about the security of my personal information.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

Cash still work fine in China. There are ticket booth at the metro and high speed train with an operator in it, they always take cash, and you could exchange for smaller notes there for the ticket machines. Most food places take cash. Big shopping centers will take international cards.

[@logout010]

can i go from guangzhou to shanghai by train ??

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@logout010 Sure, high speed rail links connect almost 100% of all major cities except Tibet and Xinjiang.

[@mirad904]

Can i use my monzo card instead to download the alipay app ?

[@DannyLiDing]

I’m not sure mate since I have not used Minzhi before

[@virgobrat1041]

U didn't inform which email. Because Google and Yahoo doesn't work

[@virginia_wong]

Can i use alipayHK in China? Does HK sim card work in China? Thanks!

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@virginia_wong I’m not sure if AlipayHK is the same app as the international version. I know Alipay international version works in China and HK sim could be used to register 12306 railway app.

[@Елена-э7с7м]

Hi Danny, Thank you very much. Can I pay for 4 people from one phone via alipay?

[@Akonouy]

Absolutely,I come from China, and Alipay can buy everything.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@Елена-э7с7м Alipay could pay for multiple people except metro tickets. One Alipay account QR code could only open the entrance barrier once, the same QR code could not be used to open the entrance again before scanning it to exit.

[@MultiAnonymous1993]

what if you dont have alipay installed? i have elderly parents coming with me and they dont know how to use these...how will they take the trains with me? also, when i try to do the transport card, it says i need to be a chinese mainland user..

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@MultiAnonymous1993 you could pay cash at the ticket sales office at every station. Or you could purchase tickets for them in the app, then show your passports to assistance standing near check in channels to enter. Personally, I have to not encountered your second issue. But some metro and bus companies have issues with their partnership with Alipay and WeChat pay, even my parents with Chinese National card have issues with public transport card using Alipay. Would you give me more information? Are you currently in China mainland region? Did you download the international version? Did register with you overseas phone number?

[@PattayaReality-ms5hv]

you can pay cash also

[@LH-nc8dp]

One more thing. Sounds like when you set up 12306, you are asked for email. Would gmail address work? I heard gmail does not work in China. If it does not, it brings another thing: should we set up an email account China accepts before we go to China?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

Gmail is still able to receive emails while you are in China. Accessing gmail, google and KZbin is blocked in China, and that's why people say it doesn't work. I am using LetsVpn for my phone and laptop, it costs about US$3 - 6 per 30 days, or cheaper for less days for subscription. If you choose to use LetsVPN, make sure you buy the sub before you enter China mainland. If you have Iphone, download VPN Cat, this one is free but only works on Iphone. You could use Outlook mail if you don't want to use VPN.

[@A7ei6]

For the transport, can use TnGo ? Because TnGo can make Alipay payments. I’m wondering if choosing Alipay in the payment option, will it redirect to TnGo?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@A7ei6 is it the Singapore & Malaysia one?

[@A7ei6]

@@HappyVibeHunter Malaysia. Trying to figure out how to use 美团外卖 without china phone number too.

[@michaelgoh5830]

Hello from Melbourne, Danny. I have downloaded the app but have yet to upload my bank card as I only plan to travel to Changsha/Zhangjiajie in March 2025. Can you please confirm whether I can use the app “offline”, meaning without wifi? Thanks

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@michaelgoh5830 sorry mate, it needs internet to work. Shanghai you might be able to get away with public WiFi, but in Zhangjiajie you will need Mobile data.

[@michaelgoh5830]

@@HappyVibeHunter Thanks for the info., looks like a China prepaid sim will be needed if I want to use Alipay in Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang town.😂

[@simmergy]

How long does it take to register the Chinese Sim card at the airport? 15 minutes?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@simmergy yes about 15 minutes. They will have to take photos of you holding the new phone number and let you pick phone numbers from a list etc.

[@PattayaReality-ms5hv]

which phone company are you using? is it Unicom ?

[@eng.jawad_alaboudi]

Great job

[@eng.jawad_alaboudi]

Did the payment needs internet or can I pay offline?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@eng.jawad_alaboudiAll Alipay payments need internet. Some restaurants have free WiFi if you ask them.

[@EazzyZer0]

8:16 it beeped twice does that mean that you paid double?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

I was wondering the same thing when I heard 2 beeps for the first time, but it doesn't. The entrance could only be scanned once, if the app tent to scan the second time, it will appear and error message.

[@EazzyZer0]

@@HappyVibeHunter thanks a for your reply and also for your video. It's a great help!

[@leonardngseepin3232]

Sorry, i find it puzzling. How is it that you paid the Didi cab fares (RMB 31.56) only so long after you alighted? Shouldn't we make the payment before we alight?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@leonardngseepin3232 Good question. There is a bond between DiDi & Alipay, same as WeChat pay, it calculates in points, like supermarket gives you points for reward. If you use Alipay with your account enough times, like paying for groceries, food, travel etc. the bond will strengthen. When you accumulated 500 points, you could delay your pay until you use DiDi the next time.

[@Irisbeacon]

Oh, one qn: would you advise that I still have some cash on hand despite having alipay? Im still in two minds about exchanging some currency.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@Irisbeacon Yes, I would recommend to have a few hundred Yuan and get some 50 Yuan notes just in case some smaller merchants may not have change. Also you could set up and use WeChat pay as a back up plan before using cash.

[@hdt8112]

Alipay didn’t work in one small local restaurant during my recent trip to China. They had already prepared my food, but as I had some cash from my previous trip to China, a major embarrassment was avoided.

[@Irisbeacon]

@@hdt8112 thanks for sharing! i decided to just bring some currency with me, just in case.

[@hhwin2198]

Can you make a video on how to hail Didi using address in English for foreigners? Also, if you don’t have Chinese phone number how do you confirm it?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@hhwin2198 👍 the video is on the way

[@dibawahlangit]

can I use both bank card and top up? I mean if my balance not enough, I can use top up

[@HappyVibeHunter]

Unfortunately, current version of Alipay does not accept foreign bank card top ups. If you have a friend who has Chinese bank card, you could ask them to top up for you. It's under "me" - "balance" - "recharge", then select recharge method.

[@7X2TT]

how does it work if I want to pay for 2 train tickets?

[@Kylelongwest]

I just came back from china, alipay is easy to use if you have a SIM card(I don't know if e SIM you buy online would work or not). You can go to transport section and get a metro card of any city, you can switch from city to city. You can use it with your credit card. It will give you the the metro card in QR form. You can simply walk straight to the gate of the station and face your screen to the gate scanner, and do the same thing when you get out. It's that easy.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@7X2TT are you paying for 2 people for the same trip or same people for 2 different trips?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@7X2TT I am planning a video detailing the 12306 app this month if you are not in a hurry.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

You could add passengers in the app. Anyone with a passport could be added as a passenger and when you are purchasing tickets select the passengers, then pay for the tickets. If you registered the account using foreign passport then you could only add passengers with a passport, not Chinese National Card.

[@JohnDoe-xm7ee]

Hi, when you get the chinese number, did they give you physical sim card or esim?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@JohnDoe-xm7ee It will be a physical sim, they didn’t give me the option to choose not even in the local stores.

[@Waingro808]

no such thing as eSIM in China from Chinese carriers.

[@achrafessadiqi635]

What VPN works for Android in China..?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@achrafessadiqi635 you could use Let’s VPN, it’s like $3/week, works on phone and PC. That’s the one I’m using on my pc win 11

[@rana_ny]

smart man..thanks its helpful

[@sylai3483]

Hi, at 6:42 you entered the train station like locals by scanning your passport on your own. Isn’t it necessary for foreigners to only enter via a specific gate manned by security?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@sylai3483Hi Sylai, foreigners specific entrance points only appear in boarder custom check ins and check outs, not for any transportation entrances. But something to watch out for when you use passport to pass through the railway station check in gates - not all stations support passports for automatic check points, if so, there is always a check point either in the middle or side with a person standing there, they would help to get people through, don’t be surprised that lots of the locals need to use these check points as well.

[@manishsabharwal7885]

Did you use vpn ?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

I use Lets VPN. If you choose this VPN, make sure you buy the subscription before getting into Mainland China and resub just before it expire.

[@Muggel65]

Do you always have to be online with data on your phone to do this?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@Muggel65 yes, it could only make payments with internet data.

[@aaronhuang9550]

may I know which translation app you use?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@aaronhuang9550 I use “Translate” from App Store. Most of the time is accurate.

[@gustavob1223]

The SIM card is the same in Hong Kong and (the rest of, if you will) China?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@gustavob1223 No, they are different. They run by different telecom companies, but local SIM cards from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and China should all be able to access Alipay and 12306.

[@gustavob1223]

@@HappyVibeHunter thank you!

[@pailinismm2847]

Thank you. very helpful

[@fansuria9741]

Hi should i download all these apps before travelling to China or do it when i am there? Also Alipay do i set up with my current oversea number or should i wait until I am in China with a Chinese SIM card before i set up?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@fansuria9741 Hi Fansuria, all these apps could be downloaded anytime, Alipay could be used overseas, I sometimes use it in Australia. But if you are planning to use all the apps just in China, then it’s better to register with your Chinese number. Especially with DiDi China, if you don’t register with your active number (the number of your active SIM), you might have trouble accessing trip payment.

[@mangotree8]

Cheers Mate. Very helpful

[@a.d.dipgamer3674]

Which app should I use to translate chinese to english and English to chinese in offline Plz reply me because I am arriving at China for my hair study in September 1,2024

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@a.d.dipgamer3674 You got me, I’m really not sure what apps work offline that does the translation. Using mobile data could be a bit costly as a student. But depends on where you’re studying, most of the institutes or hairdressers have free WiFi.

[@ameliah8164]

youdao / apple / baidu

[@kushalraj]

Where did you have to scan your passport? For public transportation?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@kushalraj There are check in paths after the security check, you will see icons of Chinese green card and Passport next to a small screen, put your passport’s first page in for scanning, if successful then it will open the barrier and let you through.

[@tan20530]

Hello, thanks for the super infor on the apps to be used in China. I have a question on Alipay which I loaded in Malaysia and linked to my Wise Card. Why is it that each time I used my Alipay to pay at the hotels in China, there is a card charge of 3% additional charged to my total amount ?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@tan20530 Hi Tan, some of the hotels, airfares and restaurants will charge additional for overseas cards, no matter if it’s Alipay, WeChat or direct card payment.

[@StephanieGan-yb1xp]

When setting up the account, it asks for a phone number. However, I don't have a China mobile number, and the drop-down list only includes country codes for China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan-nothing for Singapore. Do you have any idea how to resolve this?

[@DannyLiDing]

Hi Stephanie, I assume that you are talking about the 12306 App. Unfortunately, the phone number at the moment can only be from these areas, they are working on an international App but not yet completed. I would suggest to get a Chinese SIM card if you are planning on using the high speed train app.

[@StephanieGan-yb1xp]

@@DannyLiDing Thanks for the reply.

[@clyap4501]

​@@DannyLiDingfor 12306, can 1 account buy multiple tickets for a few persons taking the high speed train at the same time? Will there be multiple QR code?

[@franklinsanchez7984]

I will need VPN card to be able to use Western Apps and be in constant touch with family at home. What do you recomend?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@franklinsanchez7984 Hi Franklin, if you are using an IPhone, you could get a Chinese SIM and use VPN Cat, this is the one that has not been banned. If you are using other phones, I could not suggest any to you atm, quite a few VPN apps that were suggested to me had been banned recently. I have to go to Macao to upload my videos. If you find any new VPN could work please let me know.

[@ad62836]

Astrill is great but expensive, I’ve heard LetsVPN is good too.

[@Waingro808]

LetsVPN works perfect and is only around $5 USD for one month

[@ameliah8164]

gkd vpn

[@ervinan2124]

Can we use a debit or credit card with Alipay?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@ervinan2124 Hi Ervinan, credit card or do it credit card would work.

[@agustdcjm]

this is so helpful. thank you very much.

[@karenng5230]

Hi, thanks for your very helpful video. I’m from singapore and plan to be in Shanghai in November this year. If I get a SIM card in China, would I still be able to retain my WhatsApp number, in other words, would my contacts still be able to reach me through WhatsApp? Thanks much

[@HappyVibeHunter]

You will need a dual sim phone, when I took my Aus sim out I were not able to receive or send by Watsapp. After I used a dual sim phone and put my Aus sim back in , it were working.

[@karenng5230]

@@HappyVibeHunter thanks!

[@ImagesOfCountries]

Very good ! ... 😊

[@DougASAP]

Thank you, very helpful!

[@LayCHUNG]

Bonjour c'est combien un carte sim en chine ,: combien data

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@LayCHUNG last time they offered me RMB 180 for 3 months 20G data

[@LayCHUNG]

在中国我们可以看youtube吗？

[@LayCHUNG]

@@HappyVibeHunter 在中国我们可以看youtube吗？

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@LayCHUNG 用VPN可以，不然看不到.

[@icalderonlawify]

Great information

[@anishkrish2190]

Hi bro im from india im coming to Shanghai month end... Shall i download wechat and alipay is it safe for payments... Kindly put vdo about wechat like how to register and how to pay money..

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@anishkrish2190 Hi mate, I wouldn’t download WeChat for payment unless you have a Chinese green card. Without the green card WeChat would not let you use payment option (from my own experience). Just download Alipay, it would be more than enough.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

I use Alipay for all payments even overseas if they have Alipay option.

[@odin5166]

Hello, for the 12306 train app, do you have to upload your passport pic and in-person holding the passport for verification? I was asked to upload for verification but seems to always got error message " system too busy, try again later" Anyone got similar problem?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@odin5166 I think it might be the requirement of the new version. I will try to registered it and let you know. Is it during registration or other steps?

[@happy2gether1000]

Why 12306 failed to verify my passport for many times.

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@happy2gether1000 is it at the “add passenger” section or registration?

[@lucycheah6996]

Does Alipay work offline without internet

[@HappyVibeHunter]

Unfortunately, it doesn’t. That’s why I put in the way to get a SIM card at the end.

[@maximilianholland]

It works offline only in situations where you generate a QR-Code (your Alipay ID) to be scanned by the other party. However, don't rely on this situation arising when you need it most!

[@paullo3524]

Great informations

[@mistareagle2398]

I'm going to Guangzhou in 5 days

[@HappyVibeHunter]

Oh nice! Hope you have a great trip there! Watch out for the humidity and heat

[@mistareagle2398]

@@HappyVibeHunter thanks, just find out my phone (ultra s20 Note) doesn't support eSim soi just bought a VPN, now when I arrive at the airport will I be able purchase a simcard and with the VPN can then access my social media apps?

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@mistareagle2398 I’m afraid it might not work on phones other than IPhone. The lady at the information desk at the airport said that the VPN only works on IPhones with the SIM. It is through an app called “VPN Cat”. Lots of people said there are other VPN app will work on other phones. But there will be a subscription cost, and more and more had been banned by the government slowly.

[@nasdanrose4802]

Hey mate, fellow Aussie here. Great tips. I’m Travelling around China for 2 months next week with no mandarin at all. Questions - can I survive with eSim or do I need a physical sim with China number? It seems like I can only use Railway12306 with China number. Also, any limit for liquids ie water, toiletries etc to enter metro/railway station? As I will be using HSR a lot. Much appreciated

[@HappyVibeHunter]

@@nasdanrose4802 Hi Nasdanrose, I have not used an eSIM in China before neither have I seen it being sold anywhere in China. Railway 12306 currently does need a Chinese SIM, but the international version of the app is said to be on the way, hopefully soon. There is no limit for liquids and toiletries for railways. But the security check point might ask you to have a drink of your water or put it through the counter scan machine, just to make sure it is not combustible substance. The annoying thing is that they ask you to do that every time you go through a station. After all, I think you will have a pleasant trip! Chinese people even have trouble understand each other’s language in the same city.

[@nasdanrose4802]

@@HappyVibeHunter awesome! Definitely will sign up for a Chinese sim once I arrive in Beijing.