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
@@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.
This is the most informative video I found on TH-cam 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)
@@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?
@@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.
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?
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?
@@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.
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?
@@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.
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?
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.
One more thing that you didn’t add that is so important is a VPN to be able to use Facebook, instagram google and TH-cam. Thanks for the alipay tip will save me paying cash everywhere
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.
@@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.
@@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.
@@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.
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.
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
@@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.
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?
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.
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?
@@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.
@@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.
@@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.
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..
@@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.
@@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.
Is Alipay international has s time limit of 90 days if I download while I am still overseas? Secondly, can I use the trip or 12306 to buy ticket for others if my family do not have the app ? Thanks
Hi Slchoong, Alipay is a world wide payment app, as long as the merchant has an option for Alipay, you could use the app to pay for anything. There is no limit. I used it both in Australia and China. And for Trip and 12306 - yes you could purchase tickets for anyone as long as you have their Passport or Chinese green card, there are other types of ID options but I have never used them. Once you purchased the tickets on the apps, you could find their ticket informations on your app under paid bookings.
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
@@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.
hi, i will be traveling to China soon. just curious to know when link my Visa card to Alipay, it depends on the day's exchange rate or in Chinese yuan in the statement?
![🎤 จับฉลากร้องเพลง x P’ #XXSIVK [EP.1] (2/2) เพื่อนจับได้คำไหน..ต้องร้องคำนั้น เริ่ม! 💓🎶 #MXFRUIT](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1bJvMJXmeS4/mqdefault.jpg)
This might be the best video on payment apps and connectivity for travellers to China. Thanks Danny!
Excellent Vlog, great communicator! I'm in Shanghai soon. Thanks to you I've set up my Alipay & ready to go 👍
Love the way you explain and show live footage
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
@@c.e.6418 Hi c.e, that is awesome! I think you will be fine. Have fun!
Hello, I'm also moving to Wuhan university next month....
how are you now
@@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.
Much appreciated video bro I'm in Shanghai on Wednesday for the first time and from Gold Coast
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!
Thank you very much, we are going to Chengdu in October, your info is very helpful .
comprehensive, digestible, practical, thumbs up❤
Thanks Alvin, glad you liked it.
Very good ! ... 😊
This is the most informative video I found on TH-cam 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)
Sweeeet! Great video
Thank you, very helpful!
Thank you Danny, this is very helpful!
I'm going to Guangzhou in 5 days
Oh nice! Hope you have a great trip there! Watch out for the humidity and heat
@@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?
@@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.
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?
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?
@@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.
@@HappyVibeHunter Thanks very much.
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?
@@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.
This dude has heavy Aussie accent.
@@oberstleutnant787 Oh man I was trying not to be so obvious🤣 you got me
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?
@@hhwin2198 👍 the video is on the way
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?
@@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😊
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.
@@Raymond-h1s Hi Raymond, the DiDi app does have English language option. It’s under settings.
Thank you !!
One more thing that you didn’t add that is so important is a VPN to be able to use Facebook, instagram google and TH-cam. Thanks for the alipay tip will save me paying cash everywhere
if you use a sim card not from China, this thing is not a must.
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.
@@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.
@@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.
@@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.
how does it work if I want to pay for 2 train tickets?
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.
@@7X2TT are you paying for 2 people for the same trip or same people for 2 different trips?
@@7X2TT I am planning a video detailing the 12306 app this month if you are not in a hurry.
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
@@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.
youdao / apple / baidu
Can you make a similar video for WeChat?
@@jcwfh yes mate, I am back to China next week, I will make more videos about WeChat and other topics about staying in China
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?
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.
@@DannyLiDing Thanks for the reply.
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?
@@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.
Cheers Mate. Very helpful
Hi, when you get the chinese number, did they give you physical sim card or esim?
@@JohnDoe-xm7ee It will be a physical sim, they didn’t give me the option to choose not even in the local stores.
no such thing as eSIM in China from Chinese carriers.
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?
@@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.
Astrill is great but expensive, I’ve heard LetsVPN is good too.
LetsVPN works perfect and is only around $5 USD for one month
gkd vpn
The SIM card is the same in Hong Kong and (the rest of, if you will) China?
@@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.
@@HappyVibeHunter thank you!
Can we use a debit or credit card with Alipay?
@@ervinan2124 Hi Ervinan, credit card or do it credit card would work.
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..
@@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.
I use Alipay for all payments even overseas if they have Alipay option.
Where did you have to scan your passport? For public transportation?
@@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.
Why 12306 failed to verify my passport for many times.
@@happy2gether1000 is it at the “add passenger” section or registration?
Does Alipay work offline without internet
Unfortunately, it doesn’t. That’s why I put in the way to get a SIM card at the end.
Is Alipay international has s time limit of 90 days if I download while I am still overseas? Secondly, can I use the trip or 12306 to buy ticket for others if my family do not have the app ? Thanks
Hi Slchoong, Alipay is a world wide payment app, as long as the merchant has an option for Alipay, you could use the app to pay for anything. There is no limit. I used it both in Australia and China.
And for Trip and 12306 - yes you could purchase tickets for anyone as long as you have their Passport or Chinese green card, there are other types of ID options but I have never used them. Once you purchased the tickets on the apps, you could find their ticket informations on your app under paid bookings.
@@DannyLiDing Thanks 😄 and have a great day.
@@DannyLiDingI tried to use Alipay in Sydney recently to see if it works before travelling to China. Unfortunately it didn’t.
@@nasdanrose4802 Hi Nasdanrose, where did you get stuck? Could you get to the payment page?
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
@@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.
@@HappyVibeHunter awesome! Definitely will sign up for a Chinese sim once I arrive in Beijing.
Is it worth buying an eSIM e.g. Airalo?
I'm not sure mate, I have never used one before.
eSIM works for data, but you will not have a local phone number, which limits some things you can do.
Chinese seniors citizens don’t follow young generation about new technology.
To be honest, they've been completely cut out of society nowadays. Pretty sad.
All Chinese citizens young and old use Weixin, the Chinese version of WeChat.
“国家地区” should be your nationality😊
Cool, you could type Chinese
Country/Region
Chinese electronic devices are very bad
hi, i will be traveling to China soon. just curious to know when link my Visa card to Alipay, it depends on the day's exchange rate or in Chinese yuan in the statement?
@@janesheng7517 Hi Jane, it works on daily exchange rate. There is an exchange rate button at the Home Screen of Alipay, it shows you the rates.
@@HappyVibeHunter Good to know. Thank you!