WeChat Pay lets you use an international card in mainland China. Before you start, get your card and identity documents ready.
How to activate WeChat Pay
Step 1: Download or update WeChat
Download or update WeChat from the App Store or Google Play, then sign up or log in with your international phone number.
Video tutorial:
Step 2: Find WeChat Pay
Tap Me - Services - Wallet
If you cannot find the options above, you can activate WeChat Pay in one of the following ways.
- At the bottom, tap Me - Settings - General - Tools - WeChat Pay. Tap Enable.
- On the top corner, tap +, then tap Scan to scan the following QR code. Tap Enable.
Video tutorial:
Step 3: Fill in your identity info and add a card
In Wallet, tap Add a Card. Read the WeChat Pay User Service Agreement and Privacy Policy and tap Agree. Follow the steps on the screen to fill in your identity information. Tap Next to add your card. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
Tips: If you use your passport to verify your identity, you will get a notification asking you to upload a copy of your passport.
Video tutorial:
Enjoy mobile pay in the following ways
Scan to pay
Present your payment code to the offline merchants
Select Wechat Pay in the merchant’s app to complete the payment
FAQ
What documents can I use to set up WeChat Pay?
Currently, there are six types of documents that overseas users can use to set up WeChat Pay:
- Passport or People’s Republic of China Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
- Mainland Travel Permit or Residence Permit for Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwan Residents.
Do I need a Chinese Mainland (+86) phone number?
No. You can use your international phone number as long as it can receive SMS verification codes.
What kind of transactions does WeChat Pay currently support for international cards?
Currently, international cards can be used for everyday purchases within the Chinese Mainland. However, international cards do not support certain features such as red packets and money transfers etc. Please refer to the payment page for specific instructions.
Is there a transaction limit? How is the exchange rate calculated?
There is a limit of 6,500 RMB for single transactions, a cumulative limit of 50,000 RMB for monthly transactions, and a cumulative limit of 65,000 RMB for yearly transactions. The exchange rate will be calculated based on the exchange rate of the card organization and the issuing bank of your international card.
Are there any transaction fees?
Yes. However, transaction fees are waived for single transactions under 200 RMB. A 3% transaction fee will be applied for single transactions above 200 RMB. If you request a refund for a transaction, the transaction fee will be reimbursed in proportion to the refunded amount. Please refer to the payment page for details.
Contact support
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
WeChat Pay Customer Service:
- 95017 (Chinese Mainland)
- +86 571 95017 (Regions outside of Chinese Mainland)