How to set up & use WeChat Pay

Let’s talk about how to use WeChat Pay to pay for things in China as a tourist.

In this video, I’ll walk through step by step the basics, including:

• how to set up WeChat Pay
• how to link a card
• how to pay in stores, and
• whether you should get WeChat Pay or Alipay

We’ll also cover a recent update that makes it possible to link Apple Pay to WeChat Pay—a total game changer for travelers who struggled to add their home country’s credit or debit cards to WeChat Pay in the past. And finally, make sure to stick around until the end to learn a great tip and the exact phrase in Chinese that you can use during your trip to avoid paying those extra fees.

Why do you need WeChat Pay?

First off, let’s talk about why you even need WeChat Pay. Can’t you just use your credit cards or cash in China? And the answer would be kind of, but not really. China, especially the metropolitan areas, is largely cashless at this point. And while cash is still accepted, it’s not that common and the vendor may not have change for you if you hand over a 100 RMB note for something that’s 8 RMB. The only exception is if you’re headed somewhere that’s more rural, in which case definitely make sure you bring along enough cash. Even physical credit cards are generally not accepted because NFC adoption is low and card readers are just not common.

Instead, the go-to payment method for nearly everything—from roadside trinkets to meals to shopping—is mobile payment via Alipay or WeChat Pay. So how this works is you’ll have to link your card on one of these apps and then use the app to pay in China. The app basically acts as a middleman to facilitate your transactions.

What is WeChat?

For those who’ve never heard of WeChat, WeChat is China’s most widely used messaging and lifestyle app. Imagine if WhatsApp, Facebook, Uber, Apple Pay, and more were all rolled into one super app. That’s WeChat. And within that super app is a mobile wallet called WeChat Pay.

Now, before we dive into the setup, please take a second to tap the like button and consider subscribing if you want more quality travel tips for China and beyond. Your support means a lot, especially for this new channel. Now, that said, let’s get WeChat Pay set up.

WeChat Pay Set Up

You’ll start by downloading the international version of WeChat from your app store or Google Play. Once the app is ready, we’re going to launch it to start the sign-up process. After we get past the loading screen with the globe, you’ll see a page with more options at the bottom. Sign up and enter your information here. Make sure you enter a phone number that can receive text messages. Accept the terms of service and then accept and continue.

It’ll then run you through a bunch of additional policies and verifications. The first is a privacy policy—just scroll all the way down, tap the circle to accept, and hit next. Then there’s a security verification to prove you’re not a bot. After that, you’ll need to verify your phone number by entering the code sent via text. Next, accept a consent page and enter your birth date. You’re almost there. Accept more terms of service and privacy policies.

At this point, you might be done, but depending on your country, phone number, and other factors, you might be asked to complete an additional verification step. This is probably the trickiest part: WeChat might require someone to scan your QR code and vouch for you. It’s meant to prevent scams but makes signing up hard if you don’t know anyone using the app. Not everyone will hit this step, though—it depends. If you do, try asking someone in your local community or look into services that help with verification.

You’ll know you’ve succeeded when you reach the main chat screen and see a welcome message at the top.

Next, reset the app’s language. Tap “Me” on the bottom right, go to Settings, then General, then Language. Switch to a different language like Spanish, tap Done, then go back and select English again. This will ensure all screens appear in English, though you can choose any language.

Next step: verify your identity so your transactions don’t get declined. Tap “Me,” then Pay and Services, then Wallet, then ID Info at the bottom. Select your ID type—passport for most travelers—and enter your info.

How to Link a Card to WeChat Pay

Now that your identity is verified, you’re ready to link a bank card. Tap “Me,” then Pay and Services, then Wallet, then Bank Cards. Tap Add a Bank Card and enter your details.

WeChat Pay supports most international cards—Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Discover, JCB. Ideally, pick a card without foreign transaction fees. I’ve linked a few travel-friendly options in the description. You’ll also be prompted to create a six-digit payment PIN, which you’ll use when paying.

Once your card is linked, you’re all set to start using WeChat Pay. WeChat also offers something called Tour Pass, which lets you preload a digital card with RMB. But I don’t recommend it if you can link a regular card since Tour Pass charges a 5% top-up fee.

How to Pay in Stores with WeChat Pay

Let’s now talk about how to pay in stores. When you’re ready to pay, tap “Me,” then Pay and Services, then Money. You’ll see a QR code in the payment section. Show it to the cashier and they’ll scan it.

If you need to initiate payment, tap the plus icon, choose Scan, point your camera at the store’s QR code, and enter the amount. You can also long press the WeChat app icon and use the Scan or Money shortcuts from the menu.

If you have issues connecting, try turning off your VPN.

Fees for WeChat Pay

Now, about fees. WeChat Pay is free for transactions up to 200 RMB (about $27). Anything above that gets a 3% fee—pretty standard for mobile payments. If your purchase is just over 200 RMB, like 358, ask the vendor to split it into two payments—one for 200, one for 158. That keeps each under the limit and avoids the fee.

Don’t speak Chinese? Show them this message on your phone:
It means: “Can you split this into multiple payments, each under 200? I’m visiting from abroad and there’s a fee for anything over 200.”
Every vendor I asked was happy to help. Just keep it reasonable—don’t split into more than two or three.

WeChat Pay vs Alipay

Now the big question—WeChat Pay vs. Alipay?

Both are reliable, widely accepted, and charge the same 3% fee on foreign cards after 200 RMB. Both support many international credit cards. Alipay is often easier to set up if WeChat’s friend verification step blocks you. But WeChat is a must-have when visiting China, so I recommend setting up both. That way you have a backup in case one glitches. Still keep some cash on hand and test the apps with a small purchase as soon as you land to make sure everything works. Now, where WeChat Pay currently has an edge is the Apple Pay integration.

Apple Pay Integration with WeChat Pay

You can now link Apple Pay to WeChat Pay. This is a huge win for travelers. It speeds up setup, allows you to use cards already in your Apple Wallet, and may help earn extra cash back depending on the card.

To enable it, go to “Me” → Pay Services → tap the Wallet icon → Payment Settings → Other Payment Methods → toggle on Apple Pay.

Now Apple Pay will show as a payment option when using WeChat Pay. This is especially useful if your home country’s card wouldn’t link before. Apple Pay works in over 80 countries and saves you from manually entering card info.

A few things to note:

Apple Pay only shows up on the international version of WeChat.

You can’t use Apple Pay for red packets, transfers, top-ups, or withdrawals.

The 3% fee still applies for transactions over 200 RMB.

Visa and Mastercard are supported, but AMEX, UnionPay, and bank cards issued in mainland China are not.

Overall, this Apple Pay feature is a major improvement for international travelers. I’m excited to use it myself next time I’m in China.

You’re now all set to use WeChat Pay in China. Let me know what you think of this update, and if you want to hear more about the features within the WeChat Super App.

I’ll see you in the next one!