How to Use Wechat Pay in China for Foreigners 2026
Planning a trip to Mainland China? Be sure to do your homework beforehand — like learning how to make quick and easy payments! In this article, Trip.com will introduce you to WeChat Pay, including what it is and how to activate the payment function. We’ll make sure you can use mobile payments smoothly during your stay in Mainland China. Let’s take a look!
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How to Create a WeChat Account?
Source from Tencent.com
To get started with WeChat:
1. Download the app on your device.
- iOS: Available on the App Store.
- Android: Available on Google Play or the official WeChat website.
2. Install and launchthe application.
3. Access your account.
- Existing users can log in directly.
- New users should select "Sign Up" and register using a mobile phone number.
How do I Link My Foreign Credit Card to WeChat?
Go to "Me" at the bottom → Pay and Services → Wallet → Bank Cards → Add a Bank Card → Agree to the User Service Agreement & Privacy Policy → Identity Verification → Done✔
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How to Enable WeChat Pay?
Tap "Me" at the bottom → Settings → General → tools → Wexin Pay → Tap "Enable"✔
How to Pay with WeChat Pay?
Source from Sampi
Paying is simple and can be done in two main ways: by having the merchant scan your code, or by you scanning the merchant's code.
Method A: Merchant Scans Your Payment Code
1. Open Your Payment Code
- From the WeChat home screen, pull down to reveal the shortcut menu.
- Tap on 'Pay'. Alternatively, you can go to Me > Services > Money.
- This will instantly display your unique payment QR code.
2. Let the Merchant Scan
- Show the code to the cashier.
- They will scan it with their barcode scanner.
3. Confirm and Complete
- Your phone will instantly vibrate and display a payment confirmation screen showing the amount. The money will be deducted directly from your linked card.
Method B: You Scan the Merchant's Code
1. Open the Scanner
- From the WeChat home screen, tap the '+'icon in the top-right corner.
- Select 'Scan'.
2. Scan the Code
- Point your camera at the merchant's static QR code.
3. Enter the Amount and Pay
- A new screen will pop up. You must manually enter the exact amountyou need to pay.
- Confirm the amount and tap 'Pay'. You will need to enter your payment password or use Face ID/Fingerprint to confirm.
How to Use WeChat Pay for Public Transport in China?
Source from Yicai Global
What to Prepare Before Wechat Pay?
- Install WeChat: Ensure you have the latest version of the WeChat app installed on your phone.
- Link a Payment Method: In WeChat, go to Me > Services > Walletand link your bank card. International users can link supported international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) or complete verification using a foreign mobile number.
How to Activate the Transit Code?
- Open WeChat: From the main screen, tap Me, then go to Services > Travel Services(or Wallet).
- Select Your City: Find the "Transit Code" or "Transit Card" option, then select the city you are in or will be traveling in.
- Activate the Code: Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a "Bus Transit Code" or "Metro Transit Code". Complete the identity verification process to generate your code.
How to Use the Transit Code?
- Open the Code: When taking a bus or metro, open WeChat and access the "Transit Code" Mini Program via Me > Services > Transit Code.
- Scan to Pay: Hold the QR code displayed on your phone screen over the scanner on the bus or at the metro gate.
- Confirm Payment: A "beep" sound or a "Payment Successful" message on the screen indicates completion. The fare will be automatically deducted from your WeChat Wallet or linked bank card shortly after.
How to Choose: Alipay vs. Wechat Pay
Source from Bluenet
If you are traveling to or doing business in China, choosing between Alipay and WeChat Pay is the ultimate digital wallet showdown. Because China is an almost entirely cashless society, you will need at least one of these to get by.
While they look identical on the surface—both use QR codes to pay for everything from street food to luxury hotels—they serve slightly different purposes. Here is the breakdown to help you decide which one to use.
The Quick Verdict
- Choose Alipay if: You are an international tourist who wants the easiest setup, higher transaction limits, and built-in English travel mini-apps (like taxi-hailing and metro passes).
- Choose WeChat Pay if: You are already using WeChat to communicate with friends or businesses in China and want the ultimate convenience of chatting and paying inside a single app.
Feature | Alipay | WeChat Pay |
Primary Identity | A dedicated financial and travel "Super App." | A social media and messaging app with a built-in wallet. |
Ease of Setup for Foreigners | Excellent. Dedicated "International Version" with smooth passport verification. | Good. Setup is easy, but it requires navigating inside the massive WeChat ecosystem. |
International Card Support | Links easily to Visa, Mastercard, and Diners Club. | Links easily to Visa, Mastercard, and JCB. |
Transaction Limits (2026) | Up to $5,000 USD (~$7,000 AUD) per single transaction for verified tourists. | Standard limits are slightly lower; larger purchases may trigger stricter fraud checks. |
Fees | Free for transactions under 200 RMB. 3% fee for transactions above 200 RMB. | Free for transactions under 200 RMB. 3% fee for transactions above 200 RMB. |
Contactless Technology | Features Alipay Tap—pay by unlocking your phone and tapping a terminal. | QR code only. No contactless NFC tap-to-pay feature available. |
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FAQs about Wechat Pay
How do I use WeChat to pay?
How do I use WeChat to pay? Making Payments: To make payments at shops, restaurants, or other establishments, simply tap the money button within your WeChat Wallet or on the home screen. In most cases, you'll scan the vendor's QR code to complete the payment.Can foreigners setup WeChat Pay?
Yes, it is possible for users who aren't Chinese citizens or permanent residents to use WeChat Pay. However, you might need to download the international version of the app, and you'll face restrictions unless you have a Chinese bank account.Does WeChat Pay charge a fee?
WeChat Pay is generally free for most transactions for users, especially within China, but fees can apply, particularly for foreign users or specific transactions. Foreign users linking overseas cards are typically charged a 3% transaction fee for purchases over ¥200 CNY, though transactions under this amount are often exempt, and initial promotional waivers may apply. Other potential fees include those for cross-border withdrawals or if your bank imposes its own foreign transaction fees.
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