QR Codes....can someone clarify something for me.

This gives me an excuse to post my favorite website.

http://picturesofpeoplescanningqrcodes.tumblr.com/

Go on then, give us a clue. What am I supposed to be looking at?

oyVCCTt.png
 
As above all a QR code is is a barcode that can store more information. In China everyone uses them to pay merchants via WeChat or Alipay, which everyone from huge supermarkets to roadside fruit and veg stalls use. Paying in cash is seen as weird. In that case all the QR code contains is the merchant number; it's just easier and quicker than typing it in.
Yep, paying in cash makes me feel so old fashioned here.

The most commonly used QR codes are for Alipay and WeChat payments. Alipay and Wechat apps both have built in QR functions - you can use the WeChat one to install "Mini Programmes" which are effectively apps that sit inside WeChat.

Imagine WhatsApp but connected to your bank account, with a row of integrated apps on the front page running across the screen like shortcuts/widgets.
You can use those to do anything from pay for some dumplings from a street vendor to hiring a bicycle or booking cinema tickets.
It's a pretty cool setup.
 
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Imagine WhatsApp but connected to your bank account, with a row of integrated apps on the front page running across the screen like shortcuts/widgets.
You can use those to do anything from pay for some dumplings from a street vendor to hiring a bicycle or booking cinema tickets.
It's a pretty cool setup.

And much-loved by the state... you can't trace cash ;).
 
Come here and you will literally see thousands upon thousands of people QR scanning things every day.

The canteen under my office building doesn't accept cash at all, you can only pay with QR.

The world doesn't begin and end with the UK.
 
The canteen under my office building doesn't accept cash at all, you can only pay with QR.
How does that work exactly? It generates one depending on the price? :confused: Surely it's easier to use Android Pay or Apple Pay and NFC, no?
 
Honestly it's everywhere

https://youtu.be/O753NUrD0hg

How can you use Google Pay in a country where all Google services are blocked by the government?

You'll find Apple pay at McDonald's and a few other Western establishments, but anything else? Forget it. WeChat or AliPay.
 
No well I didn't mean them specifically. I just meant why scan a QR code when you can use NFC?
 
No well I didn't mean them specifically. I just meant why scan a QR code when you can use NFC?

Apple won't allow open loop payments via NFC on their devices to protect ApplePay

Also NFC not always available on lower end handsets whereas virtually every phone out there today can read a QR code with its camera.

/Salsa
 
No well I didn't mean them specifically. I just meant why scan a QR code when you can use NFC?
NFC just isn't a thing here, it has almost no traction in the (HUGE) Chinese domestic market.

Check out the article below for some background on it.
If you mention Apple Pay to most people here then all you will get is a funny look. Try asking to pay for something with your contactless credit card if you want a real laugh.

https://technode.com/2018/03/16/qr-codes-nfc-china/
 
Paying like that would be great - When I go out for my daily walk, I very rarely take my wallet. If I head into town and fancy a sticky bun, I can't buy one because they only take cash. The sooner every shop takes contactless or supports some kind of QR code, the better.
 
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