WeChat Setup for Foreigners

Before You Leave Home

Download WeChat before arriving in China. While the app isn't blocked, app stores can behave inconsistently once you're behind the Great Firewall.

iOS (iPhone):

1. Open the App Store
2. Search for "WeChat" (not "Weixin" — that's the Chinese version)
3. Download the app with the green speech bubble icon
4. Make sure your Apple ID country setting matches your actual location

Android:

1. Open Google Play Store (if available in your country)
2. Search for "WeChat" and download
3. If Google Play isn't available, download from wechat.com directly

Account Creation Process

1. Open WeChat and tap "Sign Up"
2. Enter your international phone number (the one you use at home)
3. WeChat will send a verification code via SMS
4. Create a password (8-16 characters, letters and numbers)
5. Set your profile: name, profile photo, and WeChat ID

Friend Verification Requirement

New accounts often need an existing WeChat user to verify them. If prompted:

• Ask a friend who already has WeChat to scan your QR code
• Or skip this step and complete it later (some features will be limited)
• Our Pro plan includes verification assistance if you don't know anyone with WeChat

Accessing the Wallet

1. Tap "Me" at the bottom right of the app
2. Select "Services" (or "Wallet" on older versions)
3. Tap "Money" to access payment features

Linking a Foreign Credit Card

WeChat Pay now supports international cards for tourists:

1. In the Wallet, tap "Cards" or "Bank Cards"
2. Tap "Add a Card"
3. Select "Credit Card" and enter your card details
4. Supported cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club
5. Enter your billing address exactly as it appears on your card statement

Identity Verification (Real-Name Authentication)

To unlock full payment features and higher transaction limits, you need to verify your identity:

1. Go to Wallet → Tap your profile or "Identity Information"
2. Select "Verify Identity"
3. Choose "Passport" as your ID type
4. Upload a clear photo of your passport data page
5. Take a selfie for facial recognition
6. Wait for verification (usually instant, sometimes up to 24 hours)

Making Payments

To pay at a store:

1. Show your QR code: Tap the "+" in the top right → "Money" → "Pay"
2. The cashier scans your code
3. Or scan the merchant's code: Tap "Scan" and point at their QR code

To send money to friends:

1. Open a chat with the person
2. Tap the "+" button next to the text input
3. Select "Transfer"
4. Enter amount and confirm with your payment password

Red Envelopes (红包)

Red envelopes are digital gifts of money, commonly used during festivals and celebrations:

• In a chat, tap "+" → "Red Packet"
• Enter amount and number of packets (if sending to a group)
• Add a message and send
• Recipients tap to open and receive the money instantly

"This feature is not available in your region"

This usually means:

• Your account is registered outside mainland China
• You haven't completed identity verification
• Your WeChat version is outdated — update to the latest version

Card Linking Fails

If your international card won't link:

• Check that your card supports international transactions
• Verify the billing address matches exactly
• Try a different card (Visa and Mastercard have the best success rates)
• Contact your bank to authorize international charges from China

Account Blocked or Restricted

If WeChat flags your account:

1. Don't panic — this is common for new international accounts
2. Follow the in-app instructions to appeal
3. You may need a Chinese friend to verify your account
4. Contact WeChat support through the app: Me → Settings → Help & Feedback