Alipay in China

[LWZ]

Recent experience in Chongqing..
Their MRT do not accept payment with Alipay/Wechat with foreign CC/Debit card...
Had to buy tickets at the counter with cash.. At first I thought it was a problem either with Youtrip or my CC. However, after experiecing this problem at the second station, I was told by the staff that other foreigners had to buy at the counter with cash as well. Not sure why this is the case but do take note if going Chongqing..

I did not have the same problem in other cities in China.

didn't have this problem in CQ last year

 

[klavier]

didn't have this problem in CQ last year

Probably new. I notice one youtuber also pointing out this same issue in a video he posted last month. I believe I was in CQ during the same period.

Alipay/Wechat QR code works, however, when paying, the linked card is 'grey'.. After googling, it seems other foreigners also described this same problem.. see below as an example. Anyway always good to bring small amount of cash..

 

[chari-men]

Probably new. I notice one youtuber also pointing out this same issue in a video he posted last month. I believe I was in CQ during the same period.

Alipay/Wechat QR code works, however, when paying, the linked card is 'grey'.. After googling, it seems other foreigners also described this same problem.. see below as an example. Anyway always good to bring small amount of cash..

This is new.. good share..

 

[jywy2005]

Strange. Even in Chengdu, their subway (for the newer lines) can accept visa /mastercard payments.

 

[gregory_choo]

Recent experience in Chongqing..
Their MRT do not accept payment with Alipay/Wechat with foreign CC/Debit card...
Had to buy tickets at the counter with cash.. At first I thought it was a problem either with Youtrip or my CC. However, after experiecing this problem at the second station, I was told by the staff that other foreigners had to buy at the counter with cash as well. Not sure why this is the case but do take note if going Chongqing..

I did not have the same problem in other cities in China.

Did you use the transport card within alipay?

 

[gregory_choo]

Strange. Even in Chengdu, their subway (for the newer lines) can accept visa /mastercard payments.

Bigger cities, such as Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai can accept credit card directly at the gate.

 

[klavier]

Did you use the transport card within alipay?

No I did not.. I was told later that would probably work. However, as I was traveling with 2 kids, I think it would be difficult to pay for them since they dont have their own phone with alipay?

And yes this is the first time I experience this unable to buy MRT ticket issue with Alipay/wechat. No problems when using the same way to pay at Chengdu, Xi'an, Beijing, Shanghai, GZ etc.. Thankfully I had like few 100s of cash left from my previous trips..

 

[LWZ]

No I did not.. I was told later that would probably work. However, as I was traveling with 2 kids, I think it would be difficult to pay for them since they dont have their own phone with alipay?

And yes this is the first time I experience this unable to buy MRT ticket issue with Alipay/wechat. No problems when using the same way to pay at Chengdu, Xi'an, Beijing, Shanghai, GZ etc.. Thankfully I had like few 100s of cash left from my previous trips..

oh, no wonder... anyway, yeah, I think you didn't have a choice since got 2 kids

 

[natas]

No I did not.. I was told later that would probably work. However, as I was traveling with 2 kids, I think it would be difficult to pay for them since they dont have their own phone with alipay?

Nothing is difficult, just buy ticket from the machine/counter, cash or cashless.... Some cities have prepaid card for metro.

 

[s7460597]

No I did not.. I was told later that would probably work. However, as I was traveling with 2 kids, I think it would be difficult to pay for them since they dont have their own phone with alipay?

And yes this is the first time I experience this unable to buy MRT ticket issue with Alipay/wechat. No problems when using the same way to pay at Chengdu, Xi'an, Beijing, Shanghai, GZ etc.. Thankfully I had like few 100s of cash left from my previous trips..

For families, Didi is good alternative. Inexpensive and don't have to go through security screening.

 

[Jurong640]

Can i check if i can straight use didi directly from Amap / Alipay app, so i don't need to install didi app? Thank you

 

[natas]

Can i check if i can straight use didi directly from Amap / Alipay app, so i don't need to install didi app? Thank you

no need.

 

[Jurong640]

no need.

thank you.

 

[gregory_choo]

Can i check if i can straight use didi directly from Amap / Alipay app, so i don't need to install didi app? Thank you

Do you have china number?

 

[Jurong640]

Do you have china number?

Nope

 

[gregory_choo]

Nope

I think you need the number if you want to order from amap

 

[Jurong640]

I think you need the number if you want to order from amap

ok. so i need to book didi from alipay app instead?

 

[natas]

ok. so i need to book didi from alipay app instead?

I am curious, what is the problem with installing didi app?

 

[Jurong640]

I am curious, what is the problem with installing didi app?

There is no problem, I am just asking.

I saw didi app in amap and alipay

 

[LWZ]

There is no problem, I am just asking.

I saw didi app in amap and alipay

you can use that app-within-app to book rides without a local number

did that many times last month