Set up WeChat Pay
WeChat Pay is widely used in China and works well as a backup payment method for travelers alongside Alipay.
Must know before you go
WeChat is primarily a messaging app, but WeChat Pay is also widely used across China.
Many travelers set it up as a backup payment option in addition to Alipay.
New accounts may be asked to complete security verification before payment features are available.
Some wallet or payment functions may depend on your account status, region, and verification flow.
If verification is difficult to complete, Alipay is often easier to prioritize first.
Quick summary
The basic setup flow before using WeChat Pay in China.
Download WeChat
Install WeChat from the App Store or Google Play.
Register with your phone number
Sign up with your phone number and follow the in-app steps.
Complete account verification
New accounts may need security verification before payment features work.
Add your bank card
Open Services or Wallet and add your international bank card if available.
Pay by QR code
Scan a merchant QR code or show your payment code for the merchant to scan.
Download & Register
Download WeChat from the App Store or Google Play, then register with your phone number.
Search for WeChat in the App Store or Google Play.
Download and open the app.
Sign up with your phone number and follow the in-app registration steps.
- Your non-Chinese phone number may work for registration.
- WeChat account setup and verification flow can vary by account and region.
- WeChat Pay is often best used as a backup option alongside Alipay.
Register with your phone number and complete account setup.
Complete Verification
New WeChat accounts may be asked to complete additional security verification before wallet and payment features become available.
This step helps WeChat confirm that your account can safely use wallet and payment functions.
Follow the in-app security verification process if prompted.
WeChat may ask for QR verification, friend verification, or another account check.
Complete verification before trying to use wallet or payment functions.
- Verification requirements can vary, so the exact flow may look different from one account to another.
Example of a WeChat security verification screen.
Add Your Bank Card
Open Services or Wallet, then add your international bank card if the option is available for your account.
Open Services or Wallet in WeChat.
Go to Cards or Bank Cards.
Tap Add Card.
Enter your card details and complete any required identity check.
Open Services or Wallet and tap Add Card.
How to Pay with WeChat Pay
There are two common ways to pay with WeChat Pay in daily life.
Option A — Scan the QR
Tap Scan in WeChat, point your phone at the merchant’s QR code, enter the amount if needed, and confirm.
- Street vendors
- Small shops
- Temporary printed QR codes
Tap Scan to pay a merchant QR code.
Option B — Show your code
Tap Money or your payment code area, then show the QR or bar code to the merchant for scanning.
- Supermarkets
- Convenience stores
- Chain restaurants
Show your payment code and let the merchant scan it.