Q: Can foreigners use WeChat Pay in China?

Yes, foreigners can use WeChat Pay in China. WeChat Pay is available for both Chinese and international users, making it convenient for foreigners to make cashless transactions while traveling or living in China.

Q: How to activate WeChat Pay?

-- Open Wallet Click on "Services" and on this page you'll find the "Wallet" function, which will take you to your payment options. -- Add a Bank Card In the "Wallet" section, you'll find the option for "Cards". Here, you'll be able to click on "Add a Card". -- Input Personal Information You'll need to add your phone number, which is important for the final step. -- Verification Once you've entered your phone number, you'll receive a text with a code to complete SMS verification. And then... success! Happy shopping with your new WeChat Pay account!

Q: What currencies does WeChat Pay support?

According to WeChat Pay's official help page , it supports the following 26 currencies. These are... USD, HKD, JPY, THB, EUR, GBP, CAD, KRW, AUD, SGD, NZD, RUB, CHF, SEK, DKK, NOK, AED, TRY, MOP, TWD, CZK, MYR, PHP, IDR, MNT and QAR.

Q: Can I use my Wise card in China?

Yes you can. With Wise you can convert many currencies such as EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, USD and more to CNY and then use it in China. You can get a free Wise card here .

Q: Is it better to take cash or card to China?

The best approach is to bring both , with WeChat Pay or Alipay on your phone doing most of the everyday work. A physical Visa or Mastercard, ideally with no foreign transaction fees, covers hotels, airports, larger shops and ATM withdrawals. A few hundred yuan in cash helps with small vendors or when your battery or signal dies.

Question 1

Can foreigners use WeChat Pay in China?

Accepted Answer

Yes, foreigners can use WeChat Pay in China.

WeChat Pay is available for both Chinese and international users, making it convenient for foreigners to make cashless transactions while traveling or living in China.

Question 2

How to activate WeChat Pay?

Accepted Answer

-- Open Wallet

Click on "Services" and on this page you'll find the "Wallet" function, which will take you to your payment options.

-- Add a Bank Card

In the "Wallet" section, you'll find the option for "Cards". Here, you'll be able to click on "Add a Card".

-- Input Personal Information

You'll need to add your phone number, which is important for the final step.

-- Verification

Once you've entered your phone number, you'll receive a text with a code to complete SMS verification.

And then... success! Happy shopping with your new WeChat Pay account!

Question 3

How can I set up WeChat Pay as a foreigner?

Accepted Answer

First, download the WeChat app and register for an account.

Then, on the "Me" page select "Services". Here you'll have the option to click on "Wallet" and proceed to "Add Card". Here, you'll need to enter your card information, ID information and phone number to verify your account.

Importantly, tourists and short-term visitors can now link international cards.

Question 4

Are there any transaction limits for foreigners using WeChat Pay?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are transaction limits for foreigners using WeChat Pay.

For single transactions, the maximum amount allowed is RMB 6,500 (~US$970), according to WeChat's help centre.

Additionally, there are monthly and annual cumulative limits of RMB 50,000 (~US$7,460) and RMB 65,000 (~US$9,700), respectively.

Question 5

Can foreigners send and receive red packets (hongbao) with WeChat Pay?

Accepted Answer

No, not with an international card. WeChat's help centre confirms that, as of 2026, international cards linked to WeChat Pay don't support red packets (hongbao) or money transfers, only everyday purchases in mainland China.

This feature is limited to Chinese users and long term residents in China.

Question 6

Should foreigners use WeChat Pay or Alipay?

Accepted Answer

The choice between WeChat Pay and Alipay depends on individual preferences and specific needs.

Both payment platforms are widely used and accepted in China, offering similar functionalities.

Most importantly, both platforms now allow the linking of foreign bank cards.

Our advice is to set up both before you travel. You can follow our guide to Alipay and linking your bank card for the second app.

Question 7

What currencies does WeChat Pay support?

Accepted Answer

According to WeChat Pay's official help page, it supports the following 26 currencies.

These are...

USD, HKD, JPY, THB, EUR, GBP, CAD, KRW, AUD, SGD, NZD, RUB, CHF, SEK, DKK, NOK, AED, TRY, MOP, TWD, CZK, MYR, PHP, IDR, MNT and QAR.

Question 8

Can I use my Wise card in China?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. With Wise you can convert many currencies such as EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, USD and more to CNY and then use it in China.

You can get a free Wise card here.

Question 9

Can British people use WeChat?

Accepted Answer

Yes. British visitors can register WeChat and set up WeChat Pay with a UK (+44) phone number, as long as it can receive SMS verification codes.

You can link a UK-issued Visa or Mastercard and verify your identity with your passport. Keep your UK SIM active with roaming on once you're in China so the codes still reach you.

Question 10

Is it better to take cash or card to China?

Accepted Answer

The best approach is to bring both, with WeChat Pay or Alipay on your phone doing most of the everyday work.

A physical Visa or Mastercard, ideally with no foreign transaction fees, covers hotels, airports, larger shops and ATM withdrawals. A few hundred yuan in cash helps with small vendors or when your battery or signal dies.

Question 11

Can I use WeChat Pay in China without a Chinese bank card?

Accepted Answer

Yes. WeChat Pay lets foreign visitors link international credit and debit cards from networks such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB and UnionPay, so a Chinese bank card is not required.

Foreign cards can't send red envelopes or make direct transfers, and spending limits apply. If you're staying long-term for work or study, opening a Chinese bank account is still worth considering.

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