EN
China · Telecom, Internet & Apps
WeChat is China’s everyday super-app for messaging, payments and mini programs; visitors use it to contact hotels and guides and to pay by QR code with a linked foreign card.
What it helps with
- Messaging with Chinese contacts, hotels and guidesWeChat is the main messenger in China; hotels, landlords, guides and colleagues expect to be contacted there.
- Paying by QR code with a foreign cardWeChat Pay accepts Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, Discover and other international cards for payments to merchants.
- Ordering, booking and tickets through mini programsRestaurants, museums, metro systems and many services run mini programs inside WeChat, often with menus and bookings.
About WeChat
WeChat (Weixin) is Tencent’s messaging app and the main communication tool in China, combining chats and calls with WeChat Pay and thousands of mini programs. Foreign visitors can register with an international phone number and link Visa, Mastercard and other international cards to WeChat Pay. Since March 2026 the 3% fee for international cards is waived on payments under ¥200. Mini programs cover restaurant ordering, museum bookings, metro codes and more.
Key Features
- Messaging: Chats, voice and video calls with automatic message translation.
- WeChat Pay: QR payments funded by a linked international card.
- Mini programs: Ordering, booking and tickets without extra apps.
- Official accounts: Hotels, museums and services publish information and bookings.
How to Get Started
- Install WeChat before the trip and register with your phone number.
- Complete verification, which may require a scan by an existing WeChat user.
- In Me → Services → Wallet, link an international bank card and verify with your passport.
- Add contacts by QR code and pay merchants by scanning their codes.
Before you use it
- Sign-up: Registration with a foreign number is possible, but a new account may need verification by an existing WeChat user who scans a QR code.
- Fees: WeChat Pay waives the 3% fee for international cards on payments under ¥200 (March 2026); payments above that amount carry the fee.
- Limits: Foreign cards can pay merchants but cannot be used for red packets or transfers to other users.
Foreign card OK
English available
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Does WeChat work with a foreign bank card in China?
- Yes - WeChat accepts foreign-issued cards in China.
- Is WeChat available in English?
- Yes, WeChat has an English-language interface.
- Do I need a local phone number to use WeChat?
- No, an international phone number generally works for WeChat.
- Do I need local ID or residency for WeChat?
- No, WeChat doesn't require local ID or residency for visitors.
- Where can I use WeChat?
- iOS · Android · Web
- How much does WeChat cost?
- Free app; WeChat Pay has no fee under ¥200 per payment, 3% above for foreign cards
