Wechat wallet

[yhw22]

I have done 3 overseas transfers from sg Maribank to Wechat wallet, the highest rate is 5.23 follow by 5.20. And I also tried one transfer from POSB saving account to Wechat wallet which only gave 5.19. Topping up the wechat wallet will give me ease of mind for my coming trip to Hubei next week. Besides, linking my Maribank and Youtrip card to Wechat and Alipay and I also found out OCBC app allows me to scan the China QR code for any transaction. If you have an OCBC saving account and OCBC app, just scan the China QR code for any purchases, it's kinda backup when both wechat and alipay are not working.

But most feedback that OCBC QR code scan, the rate is very low. So not worth it, but it can be a backup when really no other source of method.

 

[yhw22]

Thanks for sharing. The Maribank forex you share above, how do they compare with Youtrip or Trust?

Once we load up wechat wallet, is there a way to toggle between using the wallet (for eg, for purchases above RMB 200) and using wechat pay linked to my Youtrip for smaller purchases?

using wechat wallet $$, don't think there's any fee for above RMB200.

 

[sbl2560]

using wechat wallet $$, don't think there's any fee for above RMB200.

Not at all

 

[froztheart]

I have done 3 overseas transfers from sg Maribank to Wechat wallet, the highest rate is 5.23 follow by 5.20. And I also tried one transfer from POSB saving account to Wechat wallet which only gave 5.19. Topping up the wechat wallet will give me ease of mind for my coming trip to Hubei next week. Besides, linking my Maribank and Youtrip card to Wechat and Alipay and I also found out OCBC app allows me to scan the China QR code for any transaction. If you have an OCBC saving account and OCBC app, just scan the China QR code for any purchases, it's kinda backup when both wechat and alipay are not working.

Yes, we have quite a number of options for payments in China now, apart from relying on WC/AP previously!
Forex ranking personally will be:
1. Mari/Trust
2. YT
3. DBS & OCBC (Worst rates)

 

[froztheart]

Thanks for sharing. The Maribank forex you share above, how do they compare with Youtrip or Trust?

Once we load up wechat wallet, is there a way to toggle between using the wallet (for eg, for purchases above RMB 200) and using wechat pay linked to my Youtrip for smaller purchases?

Yes, when scanning there's payment option selection available. Your wallet or cards.

 

[vuzuuu]

Thanks for sharing. The Maribank forex you share above, how do they compare with Youtrip or Trust?

Once we load up wechat wallet, is there a way to toggle between using the wallet (for eg, for purchases above RMB 200) and using wechat pay linked to my Youtrip for smaller purchases?

If there’s sufficient amount in your wechat wallet , they will deduct straight from the wallet.
I have no idea how to toggle between the wallet and credit card which we linked to wechat.
I don’t have Trust. I made 2 transfers from MariBank and Youtrip to WeChat on the same day. So, Maribank offered better exchange rate.

 

[vuzuuu]

Yes, we have quite a number of options for payments in China now, apart from relying on WC/AP previously!
Forex ranking personally will be:
1. Mari/Trust
2. YT
3. DBS & OCBC (Worst rates)

I will just keep OCBC as a backup. I can top up the WeChat wallet when I’m in China next week using MariBank app.

 

[Oldliao]

If there’s sufficient amount in your wechat wallet , they will deduct straight from the wallet.
I have no idea how to toggle between the wallet and credit card which we linked to wechat.
I don’t have Trust. I made 2 transfers from MariBank and Youtrip to WeChat on the same day. So, Maribank offered better exchange rate.

Youtrip can’t transfer to wallet right?

 

[Oldliao]

Yes, when scanning there's payment option selection available. Your wallet or cards.

Really? Didn’t seem to notice. Usually, scan, enter PIN, then done. And when they scan you, also very fast. Not sure at which point there’s an option to choose wallet or not.

 

[vuzuuu]

using wechat wallet $$, don't think there's any fee for above RMB200.

Glad to hear that there’s no service charge for above 200rmb purchases if using WeChat wallet. Thanks.

 

[vuzuuu]

Youtrip can’t transfer to wallet right?

Youtrip can’t make the transfer to WeChat wallet.
Only MariBank, OCBC and POSB/DBS.

 

[froztheart]

Really? Didn’t seem to notice. Usually, scan, enter PIN, then done. And when they scan you, also very fast. Not sure at which point there’s an option to choose wallet or not.

Its a tiny options when keying PIN stage, so yes, can easily be overlooked.

 

[froztheart]

I will just keep OCBC as a backup. I can top up the WeChat wallet when I’m in China next week using MariBank app.

Yup, traditional banks as backup. I will still use WC/AP primarily paired with trust/YT, and Maribank with wallet too.

 

[froztheart]

Youtrip can’t transfer to wallet right?

Yup, not available. Currently only banks possible due to regulations, all these 3rd party travel payment services don't clear China's payment regulations.