Finance and Banking Services in China: real experience from chats
From real experience
caseChina Eastern Airlines may offer compensation for significant flight delays, even on flights with technical stops (e.g., Xi'an to Sydney via Nanjing).
In a reported case, a delay from 7 PM to 1 AM resulted in a 160 AUD compensation. Passengers experiencing long delays may be granted free lounge access upon request. Compensation can be complex if a passenger is not in the airline's loyalty system, sometimes requiring assistance from other passengers or representatives to process the payout (e.g., transferred to a third-party account and then converted).
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tipTraveling in China requires preparation, particularly regarding payment methods and language barriers.
Installing and funding Alipay is crucial for facilitating transactions, as it covers most payment needs. Additionally, translation apps are essential. Be aware of potential extreme weather conditions, especially during summer. If flying to destinations like Nha Trang, verify the availability of direct flights from your chosen Chinese city, as multiple layovers might be necessary.
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serviceIn Shanghai, payment options include Chinese Yuan (cash), RosSelkhoz UnionPay cards, and the Nihao app linked to RSK Bank cards.
The Maglev train from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road costs 50 Yuan (discounted to 40 Yuan with a flight boarding pass). Metro rides are around 4 Yuan. Street food prices are reasonable, with items like skewered octopus costing 35 Yuan and mangoes 25 Yuan. Souvenirs range from 39 Yuan for small items like a waving cat or hair clip.
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riskTravelers in China often fail to use ride-hailing apps like DiDi because their digital wallets (Alipay/WeChat) are not pre-funded or linked.
Users should verify card compatibility (UnionPay from specific Russian banks like RSX or ATB) or use authorized P2P top-up services before arrival to avoid inflated cash prices for transport.
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riskNewly created Alipay accounts are prone to security blocks when receiving international transfers.
Users should verify accounts fully and avoid large lump-sum transfers initially. If blocked, provide the required identity documents for appeal. Do not trust individuals offering to 'unblock' accounts for a fee.
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tipFor Alipay top-ups from Russia, direct card linkage (e.g., ATB bank) is preferred over third-party services like Nihao.
Direct bank transfers via 'International Transfer' -> 'China' -> 'Alipay' using the phone number are currently the most reliable. Alipay's security system may flag transfers as suspicious, requiring proof of acquaintance with the sender if the transfer is flagged.
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tipTransfers from Russian banks (Sberbank/T-Bank) to Alipay often fail if the banking app is outdated (version 17.9+ is recommended).
Common issues include quota exhaustion or platform rejections. Success rates increase when using QR code transfer methods rather than phone number transfers, and occasionally users must attempt the transfer 5-8 times before it clears.
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how-toUnionPay cards issued by RSCHB (Russian Agricultural Bank) can now be linked directly to WeChat Pay.
To link: go to WeChat -> Services -> Wallet -> Cards, add the card number, and verify via SMS. Direct payments from the card balance are supported, eliminating the need for intermediate top-ups.
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tipCash is rarely used in China; digital payments (AliPay, WeChat) are mandatory.
Russian UnionPay cards (e.g., RSHB) can be linked to digital wallets. If verification fails, ensure the app language is set to English to access better support channels ('Artificial Customer Service') or use specialized mini-apps for top-ups.
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tipRegistration for UnionPay applications in China often fails due to daily quota exhaustion.
The optimal window to request a verification code is 08:00–08:02 Beijing Time. Multiple consecutive attempts within this 2-minute window significantly increase the success rate.
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how-toTo link a Russian UnionPay card (e.g., RSHB) to AliPay/WeChat, use the 'Nihao China' app to release a virtual card.
Users must deposit a small amount (e.g., 10-100 CNY) into the 'Tour Wallet' balance within the app; otherwise, the card will not successfully link as a payment method in AliPay/WeChat.