How to Set Up WeChat Wallet as a Foreigner

If you are new to WeChat, you'll soon find out it is the most useful app ever. It is a great way to stay connected to friends, keep up with your China news, and even pay! In just three easy steps, we'll show you how to set up your WeChat wallet and pay on mobile wherever you are.

You can use WeChat to buy groceries, book a train or flight, pay your bills, top up your phone, transfer money to friends, and sooooo much more.

Setting up WeChat Wallet
WeChat Wallet and International Cards
WeChat's Relative Card feature for family memebrs

How to Set Up WeChat Wallet

1. Your passport
2. a Chinese phone number
3. and a Chinese bank account (registered under said phone number)

1. a foreign credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, or JCB).

Step 1: Find your WeChat Wallet

Open WeChat and go to the “Me” section.

Next, go to “Services” (previously called "Pay".

You should see your Wallet on the top right.

Note: If you do not see your Wallet, don't panic.

Ask a friend to make a small test transfer (even just ¥0.01). When you click the transfer to accept it, you will be redirected to add your bank card.

Your Wallet should also become visible.

Step 2: Add your bank card

Note: When filling out your name, it is imperative that you use the exact name that is linked with your bank card.

This includes the spelling and order of your name(s).

Take note that the name field in WeChat Pay is also case sensitive.

Follow the prompts on your screen. You will get a verification code on your phone. Once you have input the code, you can then set your payment password.

Step 3: Go shopping

That's it-you're done!

Bonus: Add a Relative Card on WeChat Wallet

Step 1. Go into your WeChat wallet.

Click on "Relative Cards".

Step 2. Click "Send"

Step 3. Pick one of the cards to send

You have four cards available to send: Father (1), Mother (1), and Child (2). Select the appropriate family member. If you are sending a card to a friend, pick any of the available cards.

Step 4. Set the monthly limit and send the card.

Your relative now has 24 hours to accept the card before it expires.

Ways to Pay with WeChat Wallet

Now that your account is all set up, you can start your spending spree! There are a few different ways you can shell out your hard-earned yuan:

1. Pay by WeChat QR Code

Simply scan the QR code provided by the vendor and input the total.

2. WeChat Quick Pay

Sometimes stores or restaurants will scan your payment QR code instead. To access your payment QR, go to WeChat Pay and click on "Money".

3. Pay Online with WeChat

When you go to check out, select payment by WeChat.

4. Pay within WeChat

Need to pay your utility bills? Top up your phone? Hail a cab? Just go to your WeChat Pay and select the service you need. (Many of these are run by third party services and are in Chinese.)

There are also mini-programs, or apps built within WeChat, which you can find by using the Search feature.

5. WeChat Transfers and Red Packets

If you need to pay your friend back or send a little thank you, this is the way to go.

In your chat with your friend, hit the + button at the bottom.

Then select "Transfer" or "Red Packet", whichever you prefer. Enter the amount.

Note: At the time of writing, WeChat Pay's international credit card feature is still a trial program. Some payment features listed above may not be accessible if you link a foreign credit card.

Have questions on how to ease your transition to China? Learning Chinese can be a big help!