How to Use WeChat as a Tourist in China
WeChat is the most important app for visitors in China. It powers payments, QR scans, and daily communication, but it only works smoothly when set up the right way.
What WeChat is used for
WeChat is more than messaging. As a tourist, you will use it to pay, scan QR codes, and communicate with hotels, tour guides, and drivers.
In many restaurants and shops, WeChat is the default or only accepted payment method, so having it ready removes a huge amount of friction.
- Pay in shops, restaurants, and taxis
- Scan QR codes for menus and entry
- Chat with hotels and tour services
- Receive booking confirmations
Can foreigners register?
Yes. You can register with a foreign passport and a foreign phone number.
Payment features require extra steps, so plan time to verify your identity and link a card before you arrive.
Register WeChat (step-by-step)
Set up your account at home when possible. Verification is easier on a familiar network.
- Download WeChat from the App Store or Google Play.
- Register with your phone number.
- Complete account verification (SMS or friend verification if prompted).
- Fill in your basic identity information.
Set up WeChat Pay as a tourist
WeChat now allows tourists to link international credit or debit cards so you can pay without a Chinese bank account.
Supported cards typically include Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and limited American Express support.
- Expect daily payment limits and transaction fees
- Test a small payment before your trip
- Keep Alipay as a backup option
Common problems and fixes
Most payment failures are caused by mismatched identity details or bank restrictions. The fixes below solve the majority of cases.
- Payment rejected: try a different card or contact your bank
- Verification failed: match passport spelling exactly
- Cannot scan merchant QR: update WeChat and recheck permissions
Basic safety tips
WeChat is safe for everyday travel as long as you follow basic phone security practices.
- Enable a phone lock and biometric unlock
- Never share verification codes
- Avoid unknown or suspicious QR codes
Final tip
You do not need to understand Chinese to use WeChat, but you do need to prepare properly. Once it is set up, traveling in China becomes much easier.