How to register WeChat and turn on WeChat Pay as a foreigner

Last reviewed October 2026

Some small shops in China only accept WeChat Pay, and the Meituan food delivery mini program inside WeChat only takes WeChat Pay.

Step 1: register WeChat

1. Download the official WeChat app (App Store · Google Play) and sign up with your phone number.
2. WeChat often asks an existing WeChat user to scan a QR code to verify you. That person's account must have been in use for a while, verified with their real name, and not have helped anyone else recently.
3. Once verified, you're in.

Do this at home, before you fly. Text codes arrive reliably at home, and a friend who already uses WeChat can scan the code over a video call.

"Too many attempts" or "Try again later" when signing up

WeChat isn't accepting another sign-up request from you right now.

1. Stop retrying. Take a screenshot of the message.
2. Try once more after the time the message gives. Don't switch phones, accounts, networks or phone numbers to get around it.
3. If it happens again, use WeChat's official help or appeal option in the app.

Step 2: turn on WeChat Pay

1. Go to Me → Services → Wallet.
2. Set a 6-digit payment PIN. Keep it to yourself.
3. Add your bank card and enter the code your bank sends.
4. Make a ¥1 test payment.

Good to know

• With a foreign card, WeChat Pay is for paying by QR code only. You can't top up a balance, send money to friends or send red envelopes.
• Some small shops only take WeChat Pay, and the Meituan food delivery mini program inside WeChat only takes WeChat Pay. That's why it's worth having both apps.
• Do the bank steps in the Alipay guide first: allow overseas payments and bring two cards.

Never send anyone your password, PIN or verification codes, including someone helping you register.