How to Use WeChat Pay as a Foreigner

China runs on mobile payments. In 2026, carrying only cash will make your trip harder — many vendors, restaurants, and even some taxis prefer (or only accept) WeChat Pay or Alipay. The good news? Foreigners can now use both with international credit and debit cards.

Why You Need Mobile Payment in China

• •Street food vendors often only have QR codes, no cash
• •Taxis (especially DiDi) require mobile payment
• •Many restaurants use QR-code ordering systems
• •Convenience stores, supermarkets, and vending machines all use it
• •Even some public toilets charge ¥0.5 via QR code

Setting Up WeChat Pay: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Download WeChat

Download WeChat (微信) from the App Store or Google Play. Create an account using your phone number.

⚠️ Do this before your trip! WeChat sometimes requires an existing WeChat user to verify new accounts. Ask a friend who has WeChat, or contact us for help.

Step 2: Access WeChat Pay

1. 1Open WeChat → tap Me (bottom right)
2. 2Tap Services (or Wallet)
3. 3Tap Activate WeChat Pay
4. 4You'll be asked to verify your identity

Step 3: Identity Verification

WeChat requires real-name verification. As a foreigner, you'll need:

• •Your passport (photo + info page)
• •A clear selfie for face verification
• •Your passport number and name exactly as printed

The verification usually completes within minutes. Occasionally it takes up to 24 hours.

Step 4: Link Your International Card

1. 1In WeChat Pay, tap Cards → Add Card
2. 2Select International Card
3. 3Enter your Visa, Mastercard, or Amex details
4. 4Set a 6-digit payment PIN

Supported cards:

• •✅ Visa
• •✅ Mastercard
• •✅ American Express
• •✅ JCB
• •✅ Discover/Diners Club
• •❌ UnionPay (use directly, not through WeChat)

Step 5: Start Paying

To pay at a store:

1. 1Open WeChat → Services → Pay
2. 2Show your QR code to the cashier's scanner
3. 3Or tap Scan to scan the merchant's QR code
4. 4Enter the amount (if scanning merchant code)
5. 5Confirm with your 6-digit PIN or Face ID

Transaction Limits

International cards on WeChat Pay have spending limits:

• •Per transaction: ¥6,000 (~$830 USD)
• •Daily limit: ¥50,000 (~$6,900 USD)
• •Annual limit: ¥50,000 (~$6,900 USD) without further verification
• •With additional verification: Up to ¥200,000/year

For most tourists, these limits are more than sufficient.

Fees & Exchange Rates

• •WeChat Pay: Charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on international cards
• •Exchange rate: Uses the Visa/Mastercard network rate (generally fair)
• •Your bank: May charge additional foreign transaction fees (check with your bank)
• •Total cost: Usually 3-5% above the mid-market rate

Pro tip: Some travelers find Alipay's rates slightly better. Set up both and compare.

Alipay Alternative

Alipay (支付宝) works similarly and also accepts international cards:

1. 1Download Alipay (Tour Pass version redirects to main app)
2. 2Register with your phone number
3. 3Add international card under Bank Cards
4. 4Verify identity with passport

Some venues accept only Alipay or only WeChat — having both installed gives you full coverage.

Common Issues & Fixes

"Payment failed"

• •Check your card hasn't blocked international transactions
• •Ensure you have sufficient credit limit
• •Try a different card
• •Restart the app

"Verification failed"

• •Make sure your name matches your passport exactly (including middle names)
• •Use good lighting for the selfie
• •Try again after 24 hours

"Account restricted"

• •New accounts sometimes have temporary restrictions
• •Send a few messages first to establish account activity
• •Contact WeChat support via the in-app help center

Tips for Smooth Mobile Payments

1. 1Keep your phone charged: No battery = no payment. Carry a power bank.
2. 2Screenshot important QR codes: Hotel booking confirmations, tickets, etc.
3. 3Have backup cash: Keep ¥500-1000 for emergencies (rural areas, small temples)
4. 4Practice before your trip: Make a small test payment (send a red packet to a friend)
5. 5Disable VPN when paying: VPN can interfere with payment verification
6. 6Cellular over WiFi: Mobile payments work better on cellular data

Quick Reference

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*Need help setting up payments? Chat with toto — we'll walk you through it step by step.* 🐕