This guide is based on the WeChat setup I have done in March 2025 for my mum (this is important, since I already see a difference in the process compared to July 2023 when we first set up WeChat before our first trip)
When we first travelled to China, one of our main anxieties was around payments in China: how to configure WeChat? Will it work? How much cash will we need?
While the set up process was a bit confusing at that time (it has been simplified since then), setting up WeChat before your trip is essential to allow a smooth experience.
In this blog post, I will show you how to set it up step-by-step, as well as guide you through other useful features you want to know.
Table of Contents
What is WeChat and why do you need it in China?
WeChat (微信 or Weixin in Chinese) is far more than just a messaging app – it's essentially the operating system for daily life in China.
Launched in 2011 by Chinese tech giant Tencent, WeChat has evolved from a simple chat platform into an all-encompassing super app used by over 1.2 billion people.
While Westerners tend think of WeChat mostly as a chat with payment functions, it is so much more! It is a mega app that combines a chat, social media, payments, QR codes at tourist attractions, integrated mini programs (e.g. DiDi, the Chinese Uber).
The Swiss Army Knife of Apps
Imagine combining WhatsApp, Facebook, PayPal, Uber, Yelp, Amazon, and dozens of other services into a single application – that's WeChat. For foreigners visiting China, understanding that WeChat isn't just "China's version of WhatsApp" is crucial. It's an ecosystem that powers nearly every aspect of daily life:
- Communication: Text, voice messages, video calls, and group chats
- Payments: Cashless transactions everywhere from luxury malls to street vendors
- Transportation: Booking taxis, trains, flights, and subway tickets
- Social networking: Sharing moments and connecting with locals
- Food & shopping: Ordering meals, groceries, and virtually any product
- Services: Making doctor appointments, paying utility bills, and accessing government services
- Mini-Programs: Lightweight "apps within the app" for countless services
Why WeChat is Non-Negotiable for Travelers
When I first visited China in 2018, I thought I could get by with cash and translation apps. Within 24 hours, I was desperately setting up WeChat in my hotel room. Here's why it's essential:
1. Cash is Increasingly Obsolete
China has leapfrogged credit cards to become largely cashless, but not through Visa or Mastercard – through mobile payments.
Many smaller vendors, taxi drivers, and even some tourist attractions may only accept WeChat Pay or Alipay.
While cash is still accepted in many places, it is increasingly impractical as the locals are just using predominantly mobile payments, so it is a hassle for vendors to get your change.
2. It's Your Translation Tool
WeChat has built-in translation features that allow you to communicate with locals even if you don't speak a word of Chinese. You can translate messages in real-time, making everything from asking directions to negotiating prices significantly easier.
3. Critical for Transportation
Need a taxi at 11 PM? Want to check subway routes? Booking train tickets between cities? WeChat's mini-programs handle all of this. While there are standalone apps for these services, accessing them through WeChat is typically more convenient and foreigner-friendly.
4. Local Connections
Whether you're meeting business contacts, making friends with locals, or staying in touch with tour guides, WeChat is the universal communication method in China. Phone numbers and email addresses are rarely exchanged – WeChat IDs are the standard contact information.
5. Safety Net for Families
For family travelers, WeChat provides valuable safety features like real-time location sharing, easy group coordination, and instant connectivity with hotels and tour providers if issues arise.
WeChat vs. Western Alternatives
While you might be tempted to think you can stick with familiar apps, most Western social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Google services) are blocked in China (you need to use them with roaming or using a VPN). Even with a VPN, these services often run slowly and unreliably and majority of people in China don‘t use them.
WeChat works seamlessly throughout China and is designed specifically for the Chinese internet infrastructure, making it significantly more reliable for daily use during your travels.
The bottom line: You can visit China without WeChat (I guess), but you'll face unnecessary hurdles, miss out on conveniences, and potentially pay more for services.
Taking the time to set up and learn the basics of WeChat before your trip will dramatically improve your travel experience.
Most Important Features
Messaging & Calls
Text, voice messages, and video calls work reliably even on spotty connections. Perfect for communicating with hotels, tour guides or local friends without language barriers.
Real-Time Translation
The built-in translator converts Chinese messages into English instantly. Simply long-press a message to translate it, making communication possible even with zero Chinese language skills.
WeChat Pay
Transform your phone into a digital wallet accepted everywhere from luxury malls to street vendors. Link international cards or use Tour Pass to go cashless in China.
QR Code Scanner
Scan ubiquitous QR codes to add contacts, access information at tourist sites, join Wi-Fi networks, and make payments. In China, QR codes replace everything from business cards to menus.
Mini Programs
Access essential services without downloading separate apps. Book DiDi taxis, order food delivery, check subway maps, buy train tickets, and more—all within WeChat.
Location Sharing
Share your real-time location with travel companions or hotel staff when needed. Invaluable for coordinating meetups in crowded areas or finding your way back to your accommodation.
Moments & Social
Share photos and updates with friends while maintaining separate privacy settings for different contact groups. A great way to document your journey without switching to other blocked social apps.
Step-by-step Set Up
Below you can find screenshots of all steps required to set up WeChat, including payments.
If you only want to use it for mobile payments and messaging, you don‘t need to verify your identity. However, you do need an ID check for peer-to-peer transfers and increasing payment limits.
After completing those steps, you are able to use WeChat pay Scan/Money functionality.
If you want to use peer-to-peer transfer, you need to complete an ID check with your passport.
FAQ
Q: Is WeChat safe for foreigners to use?
A: WeChat is generally safe to use, but as with any app, be aware of privacy considerations. The app is subject to Chinese regulations, which means data may be accessible to authorities.
For casual travel use, this poses minimal risk for most tourists. Use common sense: don't share sensitive information, use a strong password, and enable two-factor authentication.
Q: Do I need a Chinese phone number to use WeChat?
A: No, you can use WeChat with a foreign phone number — while you will face limitations, the main one will be related to not having a Chinese bank account
Q: Can I use WeChat Pay without a Chinese bank account?
A: Yes, but with limitations. Foreigners can now use the "WeChat Pay International" option to link international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) to make payments.
Q: What if my WeChat account gets blocked during my trip?
A: Account blocks can happen for unusual activity or security verifications. If blocked, you'll need verification from an existing WeChat user who meets certain criteria (has had WeChat for over 6 months, hasn't recently verified someone else, etc.).
This is why it is crucial to configure both WeChat AND AliPay to be sure payments work seemlessly through out your trip.
Q: Can I continue using WeChat normally when I return home?
A: Yes, WeChat works globally. While some features are optimized for use in China, you can still use the basic messaging, video calls, and social features anywhere.
However, many of the payment features and mini-programs will only work within China or with Chinese merchants.
Q: Do I need to speak Chinese to use WeChat?
A: No. WeChat is available in multiple languages including English. Once you set the language to English, the interface will be fully translated.
Additionally, WeChat has built-in translation features for messages, making it possible to communicate with Chinese speakers even if you don't know the language.
Q: Is there a limit to how much money I can put in WeChat Pay as a foreigner?
A: Yes, there are limitations to the amount handled within a single transaction — while they are high enough for day-to-day usage, you will very likely need to use your regular credit card in hotels (vast majority accepts foreign credit cards)
There are also limits on overall amount of payments above which you will need to get your ID verified.
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