Last reviewed: July 22, 2026. WeChat menus and card support can change; follow the prompts shown in your app.
Set Up WeChat Pay for Travel in China
1. Download and register
Download WeChat from your phone’s official app store and register with a mobile number that can receive verification messages.
2. Open WeChat Pay
From the Me tab, open Services or Pay and Wallet. The wording and location can differ by app version and region.
3. Add an overseas bank card
Open Wallet or Bank Cards, choose Add a Bank Card, and complete the requested identity and card verification. Cards displaying Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, American Express, JCB, Diners Club or Discover may be supported. Acceptance, limits and fees vary by payment product and issuer.
4. Pay a merchant
Use Scan to scan a merchant QR code, or open Money or your payment code for the merchant to scan.
Carry a bank card and some RMB cash as backups. Official reference: Guide to Working and Living in China.