Bank account in mainland with alipay

[kotukorsan]

I have been researching about that for months and i found that there is no way to use alibaba group shopping websites and alipay without a bank account in china mainland.

Then i applied Bank of China and ICBC RMB account in mainland. But there is problem again. I cannot top-up (recharge) my alipay account. Because i can only transfer USD and china banks do not allow foreign exchange to RMB online for foreigners with Passport ID. There is no way for me to come back to China again. I am in europe now.

I really wonder if there is a way to use my alipay account with USD or HKD remit. This situation really made me upset. I hope there is way to use it.

Thanks for your kind replies.

[Gruntfuttock]

Have you considered asking Alipay's Customer Service people?

[kotukorsan]

yes of course. chinese alibaba group customers service do not have people who know english and the other one does not work for me also the global one does not have real time customer service and when you mail them they dont even answer.

[packy_crusher]

Ummm…personally, I think only a fool would do business with a scandal ridden mainland company like Alibaba. There are so many fake products and outright criminals on their networks, you are bound to quickly get ripped off.

[hktraveller]

...Because i can only transfer USD and china banks do not allow foreign exchange to RMB online for foreigners with Passport ID. There is no way for me to come back to China again. I am in europe now...

Anyone in China can wire RMB to your account. You would best find someone who you can pay in Europe and who would transfer RMB to you. I know someone from Germany e.G. who always needs to get RMB out of China.

[jaykay]

No idea why you'd want an Alipay account as it's an escrow type service for RMB payments from mainland China. Is there a particular reason why you are unable to settle using more traditional methods?

[jaykay]

Ummm…personally, I think only a fool would do business with a scandal ridden mainland company like Alibaba. There are so many fake products and outright criminals on their networks, you are bound to quickly get ripped off.

Not necessarily. I've found dozens of good suppliers over the years via Alibaba. Experience and common sense filters most of the shite, best if you are able to make factory visits.

Mind you, your statement could well apply to HK real estate agents!

[virago]

No idea why you'd want an Alipay account as it's an escrow type service for RMB payments from mainland China. Is there a particular reason why you are unable to settle using more traditional methods?

Taobao requires you to use alipay.

[jaykay]

Taobao requires you to use alipay.

Not exclusively. You can use credit cards or pre paid credits for Taobao if using from outside of China.

[virago]

Not exclusively. You can use credit cards or pre paid credits for Taobao if using from outside of China.

OK, but most people use their Alipay account for everything from payments on Taobao to payment of mobile phone etc. It's very convenient and for customers to buy your products.