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Foreign Tourist in Shanghai Files Complaint for... Have You Faced Similar Issues?
Shanghai, known for its cutting-edge infrastructure and growing appeal as a global destination, has been bustling with foreign tourists thanks to the ongoing relaxation of China's visa-free policies. In response to the influx, the city has introduced more public luggage storage facilities to enhance visitor convenience. However, not all experiences have been seamless.
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On October 14, an international visitor filed a formal complaint with Shanghai's 12345 public service hotline. Frustrated, they recounted their ordeal attempting to use self-service storage lockers provided by companies like Xiaotie and Fengchao.
The Complaint: Connectivity Issues and Face Recognition Failures
According to the tourist, they tried multiple times to access a storage locker at 4:25 PM but faced persistent issues. After scanning a QR code, they couldn't connect to the internet and were unable to verify their identity using Alipay or WeChat. Attempts at facial recognition verification failed repeatedly due to alleged "obstructions" on their face, halting the process.
In response, relevant authorities have pledged to improve the system by introducing clearer operational guidelines and expanding SMS verification capabilities for foreign phone numbers. Fengchao also announced it had dispatched technicians to investigate the connectivity issues.
What's the Storage Experience Like for Foreign Tourists?
To better understand the challenges, reporters conducted an on-ground investigation, testing the usability of several storage services across Shanghai.
For foreign visitors, there are generally two ways to use storage lockers:
1. Through mobile apps like Alipay or WeChat. These require completing a multi-step verification process, including downloading the app, registering with an email address, and linking a payment method.
2. Via SMS verification, where users scan a QR code, enter their phone number, and receive a verification code. This method supports over 30 countries and is comparatively faster.
The latter option has been praised for its efficiency, but not all lockers offer this service, leaving some tourists unable to use the facilities.
Locker-Specific Challenges
- Xiaotie Lockers: These require face recognition and Chinese ID authentication. While they now support foreign phone numbers for browser-based login, many tourists find the process cumbersome.
- StorHub Lockers: Available at malls like Raffles City, these lockers require scanning a WeChat QR code. However, the menus are in Chinese, and users must register with a local number.
- Luokemao Lockers at Hongqiao Hub: Modern and centrally located, these lockers also depend on WeChat or Alipay but don't yet support foreign phone numbers or manual alternatives.
- Zhanxiaoniu Lockers at the National Exhibition Center: These lockers include bilingual instructions but still require a domestic phone number, prompting many international exhibitors to rely on local colleagues for assistance.
Operators Respond: Promises to Improve
Locker operators have acknowledged the difficulties faced by foreign users:
- Xiaotie plans to expand SMS verification for international numbers and simplify the facial recognition process.
- Luokemao is exploring a feature to auto-bind foreign registration data through an app update.
- Zhanxiaoniu offers emergency assistance via a 24-hour customer service WeChat account, providing temporary Chinese numbers for access.
- StorHub Lockers pledged to escalate the issue of unsupported foreign numbers to their technical teams.
Have you encountered similar issues while using public storage facilities or other services in Shanghai? If you have suggestions, concerns, or other challenges during your visit, don't hesitate to share them with us or reach out to the 12345 hotline for assistance. Your feedback could help improve the city's services for everyone!
Source: 上观新闻
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