Complete Guide to WeChat Pay Registration and Usage for Foreigners

We recommend reading the Complete Guide to Mobile Payments in China for Foreigners overview article first to better understand this guide.

Installing and Logging into WeChat

1. Search for WeChat in the Apple Store or Google Play
2. Register using your mobile phone number (international numbers supported)

During registration, you may encounter a situation where you need another WeChat user to scan a QR code to assist with your registration. You can ask a friend who has already registered on WeChat to help you, or look for willing users in the community.

3. Enter the WeChat homepage after registration

Enabling WeChat Pay

1. Tap 【Me】>【Settings】>【General】>【Tools】>【WeChat Pay】
2. Tap "Enable" to activate WeChat Pay

Identity Verification (Optional)

This step is optional. If you skip identity verification, your payment limits will be further restricted. Please refer to the Fees and Limits section for specific restrictions.

1. Tap 【Me】>【Services】>【Wallet】>【Identity Information】
2. Fill in your personal identity information and submit for review

Identity Verification Document Types

1. For non-Chinese citizens and overseas Chinese, you can use a passport or a Foreigner's Permanent Resident ID Card for verification.
2. For Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents, you can use a Mainland Travel Permit or Mainland Residence Permit for identity verification.

Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents cannot use passports for verification.

Binding a Bank Card

1. Tap 【Me】>【Services】>【Wallet】>【Bank Cards】
2. Fill in your bank card information and submit to complete binding

• Currently supported card types include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club debit and credit cards
• During this process, WeChat will ask you to set a 6-digit payment password. Please remember this password, as you will need it when making payments.

Payment Fees and Limits

Please refer to the actual prompts during payment for specific limits and fees.

Fees

Limits (Verified Users)

Limits (Unverified Users)

For how to complete identity verification, please refer to the Identity Verification section.

Using WeChat Pay

There are currently two ways to pay with WeChat:

1. If you see a QR code displayed by the merchant, you can use WeChat's "Scan" feature to scan it, enter the amount and payment password to complete the payment.
2. If the merchant is holding a scanning device, you will need to have your QR code ready. Tap "Pay" to enter the page and show your QR code to the merchant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cash or bank cards to pay in China?

Of course. It is illegal to refuse cash in China. However, since mobile payments are so widespread, you may encounter merchants who don't have change or don't support card payments. Therefore, we still recommend registering and using mobile payment, while keeping some cash as backup.

How can I avoid paying extra transaction fees?

For some large merchants, you can ask if they accept cash or your bank card. Alternatively, you can discuss with the merchant to split one order into multiple smaller orders to avoid fees.

Is WeChat secure?

WeChat Pay is a mobile payment tool launched by Tencent, with hundreds of millions of users worldwide. It safeguards user funds through multiple security mechanisms, including real-name verification, payment passwords, dynamic verification codes, and risk control monitoring. For most international users, after completing identity verification and bank card binding, WeChat Pay can provide a safe and reliable online and offline payment experience. As one of China's most mainstream mobile payment platforms, it is trustworthy in terms of market position and technical maturity.

What should I do if I encounter other problems?

WeChat has a help page within the app. You can enter this page to view solutions to common problems, or follow the instructions to call for consultation.

Are there any restrictions for international users using WeChat Pay?

International users have restrictions on personal transfers and receiving money. If needed, you can seek solutions through phone consultation.

Other payment apps?

Alipay is one of China's largest third-party payment platforms, launched by Ant Group. It provides various financial services including QR code payments, online shopping, transfers, and wealth management, and safeguards user funds through real-name verification, payment passwords, and risk control systems. Among domestic and international users, Alipay is known for its convenience, security, and wide acceptance.

For how to register and use it, please refer to our other article Detailed Guide to Alipay Registration and Usage for Foreigners