WeChat Pay Setup Guide for Foreigners
Complete step-by-step guide to set up and use WeChat Pay in China
Last updated: June 29, 2025
Most Popular
5 steps
15-20 min
Why Choose WeChat Pay?
- 📱 Universal Acceptance: Works at 95% of merchants across China
- 💳 International Cards: Supports Visa and Mastercard from your home country
- 🚀 Super App: Access mini-programs for taxis, food delivery, and more
- 👥 Social Platform: China's primary messaging and social app
Step-by-Step Setup Process
1
Download WeChat App
Get the official WeChat app from your app store
- Search "WeChat" in App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
- Download the free app (green icon with white chat bubble)
- Install and open the app
2
Create WeChat Account
Sign up with your phone number
- Tap "Sign Up" on the welcome screen
- Enter your phone number (your home country number works)
- Verify with SMS code sent to your phone
- Set a secure password
- Choose a WeChat ID (this cannot be changed later)
3
Complete Identity Verification
Verify your identity for payment features
- Go to Me > Services > Wallet
- Tap "Add Bank Card" to start the identity verification process (you don't have to complete adding a card)
- Follow prompts to upload a photo of your passport
- Complete the face scan verification
- Your identity is now verified, enabling payment functionalities
4
Add International Bank Card
Link your Visa/MasterCard for payments
- In WeChat Pay, tap "Add Bank Card"
- Enter your card number, expiry date, and CVV
- Provide billing address from your home country
- Verify with SMS code from your bank
- Set a 6-digit payment password
5
Test Your First Payment
Make a small test payment to confirm setup
- Find any store with WeChat Pay QR code
- Open WeChat > scan the merchant QR code
- Enter payment amount if not pre-filled
- Enter your 6-digit payment password
- Wait for confirmation sound and screen
🎉 Congratulations! You've Set Up WeChat Pay!
You can now make payments across China. Here are some tips for using WeChat Pay effectively:
- Start with small payments to get comfortable with the system
- Save QR code screenshots for quick access in stores
- Consider setting up Alipay as a backup payment method
- Explore mini-programs for food delivery, transportation, and shopping
Need help with other payment methods?Back to Mobile Payment Guide