Can Foreigners Use Weixin Pay in China?

Yes. International visitors can use Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay) in mainland China by linking an eligible international bank card to their WeChat account.

For many travelers, setting up Weixin Pay before arrival can make everyday payments and some travel-related services easier to manage.

You can register or sign in to WeChat using an eligible international mobile phone number.

Download or update WeChat to the latest version, then register or sign in to your account.

You can link an eligible international bank card to Weixin Pay and follow the instructions shown in the app.

Make sure your phone can connect to the internet when registering, linking your card and making payments.

Download WeChat from the official app store on your phone, or update it to the latest available version.

Download for iPhone
Apple App Store — Alipay

Download for Android
Google Play — Alipay

Open WeChat and create an account or sign in using your mobile phone number. Follow the instructions shown in the app.

Download for iPhone

Download WeChat from Apple App Store

Download for Android

Download WeChat from Google Play

Good to know:

If you already use WeChat, you can sign in to your existing account instead of creating a new one.

Open WeChat and follow the instructions to activate Weixin Pay. You may be asked to complete additional verification depending on your account and current requirements.

Open the payment or wallet section in WeChat and follow the instructions to add an eligible international bank card.

Supported card networks may include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Discover and Diners Club International. Availability can depend on your card and issuing bank.

Complete any security or verification steps requested by Weixin Pay before making your first payment.

Good to know:

Requirements may vary. Always follow the latest instructions shown in WeChat.

Open WeChat and select Weixin Pay / Pay to display your payment QR code or barcode. Let the merchant scan your code to complete the payment.

Open WeChat and select Scan. Scan the merchant’s QR code and follow the instructions to complete the payment.

Tip: Always check the payment amount before confirming the transaction.

Pay at participating shops, convenience stores and other merchants that accept Weixin Pay.

Use Weixin Pay at participating restaurants, cafés and other food-service businesses.

Some public transportation services and local transport options support Weixin Pay.

Some ride-hailing services can be accessed through WeChat.

Some attractions and ticketing services support Weixin Pay payments.

Depending on the city and service provider, Weixin Pay may also be available for other travel-related services.

Good to know: Available services can vary by city, merchant and service provider. Check the payment options when needed.

Fees and transaction limits may depend on your payment method, account and current Weixin Pay rules. Always check the payment page before confirming a transaction.

Transactions of RMB 200 or less are generally exempt from the platform service fee.

A transaction above RMB 200 may incur a 3% service fee on the full transaction amount.

Up to US$5,000 per transaction

Up to US$50,000 cumulative per year

Your applicable fees and limits may differ. Check the payment page in Weixin Pay before confirming your payment. Your card issuer may also apply its own foreign transaction fees or exchange rates.

Your card may not be eligible for linking or payment. Check whether your card network and issuing bank are supported.

Make sure the information you provided is accurate and complete any verification requested by Weixin Pay.

Your bank may decline a transaction because of security checks, verification requirements or card settings. Contact your card-issuing bank if necessary.

Make sure your phone has a stable internet connection and try the payment again if necessary.

If Weixin Pay asks you to complete additional verification or security steps, follow the instructions shown in the app.

Contact Weixin Pay customer support or your card-issuing bank for further assistance.

We recommend preparing at least two payment options before traveling:

  • Alipay
  • International card
  • RMB cash

Payment rules and app features may change. Always check the latest information in the official app and official sources before traveling.

Setting up your payment options before departure can save time and reduce payment problems during your trip.

We’ve prepared detailed travel planning guides to help you prepare for your trip with less research and more confidence.