How Foreigners Can Sign Up for WeChat Pay (WeXin Pay) and Use It in China

We recommend reading the overview guide How Foreigners Pay in China - A Complete Guide to Mobile Payments first for better context

Installing and Logging into WeChat

1. Search for “WeChat” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
2. Register with your mobile phone number (international numbers are supported)

   During registration, you may be asked to have an existing WeChat user scan a QR code to help verify you. Ask a friend who already has WeChat for assistance, or look for helpful users in expat communities

3. After registration, you’ll enter the WeChat homepage

Enabling WeChat Pay

1. Go to [Me] → [Settings] → [General] → [Tools] → [WeXin Pay]
2. Tap “Enable” to turn on WeChat Pay

Identity Verification(Optional)

This step is optional. Without identity verification, your payment limits will be much lower. See the Payment Fees & Limits section for details.

1. Go to [Me] → [Pay and Services] → [Wallet] → [ID Info]
2. Fill in your personal details and submit for review

• Review usually takes 24–72 hours

Accepted ID Types

1. For non-Chinese citizens and overseas Chinese: Passport or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card

2. For residents of Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan: Mainland Travel Permit or Mainland Residence Permit

   Passports are not accepted for HK/Macao/Taiwan residents

Adding a Bank Card

1. Go to [Me] → [Pay and Services] → [Wallet] → [Bank Cards] -> [Add a Bank Card]
2. Enter your card details and submit to complete binding

• Supported cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club (debit and credit)
• You’ll be asked to set a 6-digit payment password during this process. Remember it — you’ll need it for every payment

Payment Fees & Limits

Actual limits and fees displayed at the time of payment shall prevail

Fees

Limits (With Identity Verification)

Limits (Without Identity Verification)

How to verify identity: see Identity Verification

Using WeChat Pay

There are currently two ways to pay with WeChat:

1. If the merchant displays a QR code, use WeChat’s “Scan” feature, scan it, enter the amount and your 6-digit payment password
2. If the merchant has a scanning device, open the “Money” page and show them your payment QR code

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use cash or bank cards in China?

Of course you can — refusing cash is illegal in China. However, because mobile payments are so dominant that many small vendors literally don’t have change on hand, and even more don’t accept foreign credit/debit cards. So it’s still highly recommended to set up mobile payment, while keeping some cash as backup.

How to avoid the extra transaction fees?

For bigger merchants (supermarkets, chain restaurants, hotels, etc.), simply ask if they accept cash or your foreign bank card — most of them do and there will be no fee. Another common trick is to ask the merchant to split one large purchase into several smaller orders (each ≤ 200 RMB), so every transaction stays in the 0 % fee tier.

Is WeChat Pay safe?

WeChat Pay is a mobile payment service launched by Tencent with hundreds of millions of users worldwide. It protects funds through multiple layers of security, including real-name verification, payment passwords, dynamic verification codes, and real-time risk monitoring. For most international users, once identity verification and card binding are complete, WeChat Pay offers a safe and reliable experience for both online and offline payments. As one of China’s leading mobile payment platforms, it is highly trustworthy in terms of market position and technical maturity

What if I encounter other issues？

WeChat has a built-in Help Center. You can browse common solutions there or call the hotline as instructed

Are there restrictions for international users?？

International users are restricted from person-to-person transfers and receiving money. If you need these features, contact customer support by phone for possible workarounds

Are there other payment apps?

Alipay, launched by Ant Group, is one of China’s largest third-party payment platforms. It offers QR code payments, online shopping, transfers, wealth management, and more, protected by real-name verification, payment passwords, and advanced risk-control systems. Known for its convenience, security, and widespread acceptance both in China and abroad

For a detailed guide on setting up Alipay as a foreigner, see my other article: A Foreigner’s Guide to Registering and Using Alipay in China

Related Links

• WeChat Pay Official Page
• WeChat Help Center