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💬 Messaging and paying
WeChat / WeChat Pay
As of September 2026 · app interfaces and menu names may change
WeChat is the app, WeChat Pay (Weixin Pay) is the payment section within it — they're not two separate apps. The route: install, register, complete a possible security check, add a card, test.
⚠ The biggest stumbling block: for new accounts WeChat may require an extra security check in which an existing WeChat user has to help. Not every account gets it — but that's exactly why you shouldn't set up WeChat only once you're in China.
What you need
- Smartphone with Google Play Store or App Store
- Your mobile number with text reception — a Chinese number isn't necessary
- Your passport
- International credit card and banking app, plus a second card
- In case of a friend check: a trusted person with an existing WeChat account you could briefly ask for help
Step by step
Step 1 — Install WeChat
- Open Google Play Store (iPhone: App Store).
- Search for “WeChat”.
- Choose the official entry — the developer shown is “WeChat”.
- Tap “Install”.
- Open WeChat and go to “Sign Up” / register.
SCREENSHOT 01 — Play Store – WeChatPlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 2 — Register an account
- Choose region or country code, e.g. +49.
- Enter your mobile number.
- Read and accept the terms of use.
- Request the text code and enter it.
- Set up a password or the required sign-in method.
SCREENSHOT 02 — Registration with +49Placeholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 3 — If WeChat asks for help from another user
- Don't abort, and don't keep creating new accounts.
- Read the conditions shown for the helper carefully — they can differ by country and check.
- If WeChat shows a QR code: the helper scans it with their WeChat app.
- If WeChat offers the official “Help Friend Register” function: use it.
- Then continue the registration on your own phone.
Always follow exactly the requirements WeChat shows you at that moment. If you don't know anyone: first check whether WeChat offers another method. Don't use third parties for a “WeChat unlock”.
SCREENSHOT 03 — Friend Verification – QR codePlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 4 — Open WeChat Pay
- Tap “Me” at the bottom right.
- Open “Services”, “Wallet” or “Weixin Pay” — the label may differ by version.
- Read the notes for international users.
SCREENSHOT 04 — Me → Services / WalletPlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 5 — Add an international card
- In the payment section open “Cards” or “Bank Cards”.
- Tap “Add Card” or “+”.
- Enter the card number and the requested card details.
- Enter the name exactly as the app requires.
- Confirm any approval in your banking app.
- Wait until the card is shown as linked.
Tencent lists Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Discover and UnionPay, among others. Which cards are accepted can change.
SCREENSHOT 05 — Add CardPlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 6 — Passport, if required
- Open an identity check only within the official app.
- Choose “Passport” as the document.
- Photograph or scan the photo page cleanly and check all details.
- Do any face check only in the app.
- Submit and wait for the result.
The passport check may be needed for higher payment limits; not every account requires it the same way.
SCREENSHOT 06 — Identity check – PassportPlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Typical pitfalls
| Registration requires a helper | See step 3 — and that's why you set it up at home, where you have time to ask someone. |
| Card isn't accepted | Check the bank approval, enable the card for foreign payments, try a second card. |
| Payment doesn't work | Is the account fully registered, the card really linked, no open check shown any more? Otherwise pay with Alipay. |
| Strangers offer help | Never send passport or card details to supposed “WeChat helpers”. A helper for the friend check only does what WeChat asks in the official app. |
Video
🎬 Video to follow — a tested tutorial video will appear here.
Quick checklist before departure
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