According to a report from Shanghai Observer on November 18, a foreigner recently reached out to Shanghai’s 12345 Citizen Hotline to report difficulties using luggage lockers in public spaces on October 14.
To test the system, the reporter used an overseas phone number to try out the "XiaoIron" locker. The process, after scanning the WeChat or Alipay QR codes, was similar: it led to an English-language storage page where the visitor was asked to provide a phone number. After entering their overseas number, they were prompted to complete a real-name authentication process, including filling out their name, ID type, and ID number. The system then proceeded to facial recognition, and once successfully recognized, the visitor could continue with payment.
When the reporter scanned the QR code directly with a camera, the resulting webpage asked for a phone number and a verification code sent by SMS. The page indicated support for numbers from over 30 countries and regions. The reporter received the verification code within one minute, completing the identity verification process and proceeding to payment. This step appeared more convenient compared to the first method, assuming the SMS verification range was valid.
Some foreigners who had been living in China for years reported smoother experiences, as they typically registered Chinese phone numbers. Soifa, a Colombian national who has worked in China for several years, told reporters that she had long adapted to mobile payments. During her last use of a luggage locker, she easily accessed the locker by following the English instructions without needing facial recognition. However, she pointed out that for short-term foreign tourists visiting Shanghai, if they hadn’t pre-downloaded the relevant apps or were outside the SMS verification coverage region, they could face significant difficulties.
Source: OneTubeDaily
