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I was able to get a China Unicom SIM card at one of their branch offices in Gaoxin (High Tech Zone) if that is easier for you to get to, Emma. It is on ??????. My boyfriend and I went two separate times and had no problems, though it takes a bit of time and you’ll need your passport.
I just recently learned how to top up my phone on Taobao (https://www.chengduliving.com/forums/topic/topping-up-phone-with-chinese-bank-card/). Before that, I asked my Chinese friends to do it for me, which worked well. Basically, you’ll get a text message when you’re low or out of credit. As soon as you or someone tops up your phone, you’ll be good to go again.
I figured it out with Taobao! Thanks everyone for your help, and I’ll definitely check out WeChat Wallet.
I’m still not seeing the 网上银行option when I go to top up my phone on Taobao. I’ve been using the 充话费button on the right side of the homepage and once I enter my phone number and the top-up amount, it takes me straight to a 支付宝page. I don’t see an online banking option on there.
I got a residence permit while staying at an Air BnB and it was a really good short term option for me. I stayed about 3 months. My landlords spoke good English and get a lot of foreign guests, so they had done the residence permit process before. They put all the documents together and went to the police station with me. Not sure how the lease issue shook out, but I got the permit with what seemed like minimal issues. I’m sure it varies by officer and location, though. If anyone is interested, PM me and I can send the link to the property.
I had no trouble using a passport to open a China Unicom account at the first branch I tried. There was one employee who spoke a little English, but I definitely had to rely on my Mandarin for most of the conversation. They had brochures (in Chinese) which spelled out the details of various plans, which helped me get the picture.
Does anyone have advice on how to determine whether a branch store is “big” or not? Those are probably most likely to offer solid English assistance.
So there’s no reason using a Wii purchased in the U.S. wouldn’t work with a Chinese TV, right?
(Also, I’m sorry to say I’m kind of leading you on here. I’m interested in the Chinese TV situation, but not ready to buy. Sorry!)
Why is ICBC easier? And by transfer, do you mean transfer money between bank accounts? If so, I can see why setting a higher limit on online purchases would make sense.
I have a Visa card through China Merchants Bank. It’s a debit card, though, not a credit card. But since you say you just need it for use abroad and for online payments, it should be enough. It costs 20 kuai a month, since it’s considered a special service. You can get it alongside a separate UnionPay card, which is free.
What is the advantage of having a Visa debit card over a regular UnionPay card? How are they different?
Thanks for the helpful info, guys!
Do you think I’ll have trouble opening a bank account if I only have a tourist visa?
Also, is it difficult to transfer funds between Chinese banks?
And finally, what is the advantage of having a bank card with a Visa logo on it? Is that something I should try hard to get, or does something like UnionPay work well for most things? Thanks again for your input!
– Audrey
