How Foreigners Can Use WeChat Pay in China? Mobile Payments

Hi, everyone!
We hope this video can guide you on how you can easily make seamless payments when you travel to China for your vacation.
China is one of the few countries in the world that truly embraces digitalisation. With nearly 1 billion residents regularly relying on mobile payments, it has become the standard way of conducting financial transactions.
So, being able to use digital payment method is no longer merely a convenience but an essential.
Hopefully, this can be of help to anyone visiting China!
Gilbert & Lilian
Gibbon Travelogue

[@minggo5681]

Well done ... lucky i found your video, i have been searching everywhere in youtube, and your step by step explanation are very clear and the best ..

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hey, I am so glad that you find the video helpful. Wishing you a fruitful and enjoyable trip to China.

[@pompeo9116]

very clear steps..many thanks..looking forward to travel in China with new payment method!

[@gibbontravelogue]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video and find it helpful. Have a safe and wonderful trip to China

[@NebraskaFalls-ee7qp]

THANK YOU for this. I'm traveling to Korea for surgery and this will help greatly .

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hey glad you enjoyed the video. WeChat Pay is ubiquitous in China but I don’t think Korea uses WeChat for payments. And wishing you a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

[@CLCLCL789]

This is excellent, thank you. Such a clear step-by-step.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Eskojpuasok]

Well done. This helped clarify a lot of my confusion. Thank you 🙏

[@gibbontravelogue]

So glad it had been helpful!

[@harveywang4094]

Great sharing, thanks so much

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@theurbanfarmersingapore7964]

Thanks for sharing. Didn’t know that foreigner can use WeChat pay in China

[@gibbontravelogue]

Yes you can!

[@kmccabe3337]

Very useful. Thank you for this.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cheemengchoong]

Thank you and it's most helpful for newbies like me. 👍👍👍

[@gibbontravelogue]

Thanks for watching and glad to be helpful. Wishing you a safe and happy trip to China.

[@slloo7692]

Thanks for sharing😊

[@gibbontravelogue]

Thanks for watching! Hope it has been helpful

[@punsimpun8037]

Thank you very much , its very useful for my next month to China for Canton fair😊

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad it was helpful! Have a safe and fruitful trip

[@SENSEH55]

thank you for your video which I find it very useful and concise

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad it was helpful! And thanks for watching.

[@johnmaclean2959]

From a practical perspective for visitors to China, WeChat purchase and payment interface is more suited to those who can read and comprehend Hanzi.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Actually, my WeChat and Alipay accounts are set to English and in many ways you can make purchase (scan or be scanned) without the need to know Chinese.

[@brianoshea9807]

This was very helpful, thanks for posting it. I visited China for the first time in October of last year, and was a little surprised how few merchants take cards, so this will make my next visit much easier.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pagenotfound4o4]

Hi, did you managed to survive without Wechat and Alipay for payments?

[@pagenotfound4o4]

@@gibbontravelogue thanks this is very helpful for my trip in few weeks :) . Any suggestions on vpn?

[@pagenotfound4o4]

@@gibbontravelogue also I set up wechat today and they seems to be allowing 3500 rmb transaction without Identity verification

[@vset33]

I setup Alipay link to my VISA credit card and is a lot easier

[@Andrew-zr3lg]

Thanks for the video. It's quite helpful.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad it was helpful! And have a great trip to China!

[@larryhere2262]

Thank you so much for this very useful and well-explained video! I'm traveling to China soon and did not know how to use Wechat for payments.

[@gibbontravelogue]

So glad that this video is useful to you. Have a safe trip to China

[@liightnesss5849]

Are you in China now? Please tell me how it goes there? I am willing to go soon

[@gibbontravelogue]

@@liightnesss5849 It’s a wonderful place and loads of places to visit, things to do and food to savour. You won’t regret it.

[@liightnesss5849]

@@gibbontravelogue glad to hear! China is my dream country so I know I won't regret it. How can I contact you if I have some questions ?

[@gibbontravelogue]

@@liightnesss5849 Sure. You can contact me at [e-mail]

[@lohyongjia]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@gibbontravelogue]

You are so welcome. Hope it had been helpful.

[@waichuenchay528]

Good job done!

[@gibbontravelogue]

Thanks you. Hope it has been useful to you. You can also check out using Alipay, there’s a video on it as well

[@andringt]

Great video, just what I needed

[@gibbontravelogue]

Thanks! Glad it helped!

[@theurbanfarmersingapore7964]

This is super useful. 😮

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad you think so!

[@anchored555]

Thanks so much for sharing. Have watched tons of videos on this topic because I’m going to China soon, but yours is the best! No vagueness or rambling but clear, detailed and concise with actual demos. Well done! How safe is it to scan QR codes in China though? There have been several scams involving scanning QR codes even in SG.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad it was helpful and thanks for the compliments. So far, it has been quite safe as long as the payments are done in legit shops and restaurants.

[@vset33]

I setup Alipay link to my VISA credit card and is a lot easier

[@emmamackenziefang1352]

Hi! I’m a student at Communication University of China majoring in International Journalism. I’m currently conducting a research on foreign tourists’ payment problem in when traveling in China. If you would like to talk more on the topic, please let me know. Thank you a lot for your attention and kindness! :)

[@-L5225]

The problem I had with WeChat was ,not all payments WeChat will accept, 150.00 yuan or more , WeChat will asked for confirmation by SMS , but they will send text messages to my home phone numbers,but while in China ,I turned off my mobile network,because of the Roaming charges, in the case ,I used Alipay for the payment, Alipay will never had problems, but Alipay will charge me 5%for the service.!!!!

[@jolujisan]

Thank you very much.

[@gibbontravelogue]

You are welcome. Hope this video is helpful to you.

[@user-le1xk6hw3u]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@gibbontravelogue]

Thanks and hope it is helpful to you.

[@sunia1150]

So helpful 👌🏻

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad it was helpful! Cheers!

[@yeowtl]

Hi, very informative video. I am interested in the 陕西历史博物馆 appointment you mentioned。Did you have to "snatch" the free tickets to visit the museum or you join day tour by purchasing thu Mei Tuan app? Can you enlightened on this like how you make appointment? To my understanding, we can only "snatch" the tickets via the app 3 days prior. look forward to your reply.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, the Shaanxi History Museum is definitely worth visiting. To get the ticket, you can either 预约 via the Mei Tuan mini app on WeChat or on the Mei Tuan app itself. 12,000 tickets daily are issued and reservations for the tickets can be done up to 7 days in advance. However, foreigners will find it hard as a Chinese ID is necessary. What i did is to make a manual reservation in person at the museum and went back another day to visit. Alternatively we can sign up via Klook or Viator for a fee combined with other attractions.

[@summerain6918]

棒棒的~~

[@gibbontravelogue]

谢谢！

[@allysia4]

Thank you very informative and comprehensive vlog🤗🙏😍 For the payment, can we link the bank card while in our home country or is better to link when we reach China. Appreciate your advice😁🤗🙏

[@gibbontravelogue]

Either way is fine. But it’s always better to do the prep work earlier than later.

[@allysia4]

Thank you for swift response 😬🤗

[@jupplut6159]

Thank you good information, I have trouble to sign up for WeChat....

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad you find it useful. Hope you are able to resolve the sign up problem

[@gixmgm]

Thank you for sharing. I have a question, when the merchant scans your wechat, you don't need to approve anymore? What if the merchant entered wrong amount? It's like to let the merchant go through your wallet instead of you giving out the money.

[@gibbontravelogue]

That is correct. Just like in any transaction, eg credit card, a receipt will be issued for you to check and ensure the amount is correct. If not, merchant will need to refund you.

[@cleounis]

Cool 😀

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hey glad you enjoyed it!

[@jon5289]

we have credit card however not able to use it directly but have to link it to another API in order to make a payment. More to say is that will credit card issuer would treat this wechat payment as a immediate cash out, the consequence is no credit benefit we can get by using the credit card. What is the exchange rate, is it a wechat rate of credit card issuer rate

[@gibbontravelogue]

The fx is fixed by the card issuer and the scheme eg Visa or Mastercard. WeChat is merely the merchant here in this case.

[@cmleong]

Thanks for sharing but for payment I notice your procedure to present payment to vendor for scanning you can go to the plus icon and from activate the payment QR code for the vendor too. Is mine the latest version of Wechat as of 3/22/24 and your version four months ago is outdated? I could not find the service place to touch per your instruction to show the payment QR code?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Thanks for watching and hope the video has been helpful. To show the QR code for merchant to scan you, there are two ways; at the + sign, tap on “money” or go to Me, Services and then “money”. I think for the latter, there could be some variation among the various international versions of the app.

[@panlou9751]

thanks for sharing. Do I only need a wifi connection to use for payment or also having a working roaming phone number for confirming anything via sms?

[@gibbontravelogue]

No need for a phone number. You will just need data access, WiFi or roaming data is good.

[@dyankee7214]

I am going to China in September and this will help. Will I be able to set this up on my American iPhone?

[@gibbontravelogue]

That’s great! Yes, you should be. Have a great trip!

[@六十前後]

Thank you so much for the information. I have a question. I registered my wechat account in toronto using the local phone number. When I travel to china, how can I keep using this phone number to access my wechat account? I was told that I better get a local phone number for booking flights hotels,etc. Would greatly appreciate any help and advice! Thanks in advance!!!

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad that you find the information helpful. If you have already used the Canadian number to register for WeChat, the number will become the userid and you will also choose a password. When you are in China and are using another number, you can still enter the Canadian number as the userid and password to login in. Just don’t use sms otp to login. It should be ok.

[@六十前後]

@@gibbontravelogue Thank you so much for your prompt reply! It is really helpful and informative! Glad that I find your channel and hope that I can learn more from your advice! All the best!

[@jinifith]

How about those people who are trading department store prepaid cards, gift certificates, used phones, foreign currency? They work near department stores in Chinese cities downtown. Are they giving good rates for foreigners? We can ask them to transfer money into Alipay account to prevent fake notes.

[@gibbontravelogue]

From what i understand, there is no provision on the WeChat app to add anything other than credit/debit card for foreigners

[@superchinoise127]

Thank you for this information which I am sure will be helpful to many foreigners. After setting up my card, I was able to pay if merchants scan me, but NOT if I am not the one scanning them. How can I solve this?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad it was helpful. Not sure why. What is the error message that you get?

[@eheartbeat]

I do not see "Mini Programs" in my Discover tab. Currently in the US though, is this something that becomes available when a traveller with wechat arrives in China?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Nah, shouldn’t be. It’s at the second last line after clicking on the Discover tab.

[@ckxy7681]

Will there be 3% charge above RM200 if we use wallet money instead? Meaning I get a Chinese friend to help transfer money to my WeChat wallet instead of debiting to credit card.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Never really tried that. Could be worth trying. Let me know.

[@VellaAbdullah72]

السلام علیکم پیارے بھائی، آپ کیسے ہیں، آپ ٹھیک ہیں، آپ کی ویڈیوز بہت اچھی ہیں، ہم آپ کی ویڈیوز بڑی دلچسپی سے دیکھتے ہیں اور آپ کی ویڈیوز کا انتظار کرتے ہیں۔❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰

[@gibbontravelogue]

Thanks for the very nice compliments and encouragement. Hope the videos are helpful to you. 😊

[@lskwong9113]

Does your card issuer charge foreign transaction fee on top of the 3% fee by WeChat?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Typically no. But credit card issuers do mark up on the FX

[@farkir1]

May I ask? Can you register using a debit card or can you only register using a credit card? Thank you

[@gibbontravelogue]

You can register using either credit card or debit card. Hope the video is useful to you.

[@jasontan1203]

Thanks for the video. I downloaded and registered WeChat app in Singapore, but did not see the Pay feature. After I click on 'Me' icon at the bottom, I don't see the 'Services' option. Can help to advise?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Can you try clicking on the + icon on the top right of your chat page?

[@lanceho3586]

Do we need a local mobile number when you are making payments, ordering food, or using DIDI for transport using Wechat?

[@gibbontravelogue]

No need. Foreigners can simply use your own local number to register. Subsequently, you just need mobile data access and you should be good.

[@WM-eg4gh]

Hi, I don't have Services. How does one enable this outside? and if I arrive into the country, do I need to uninstall international and re-download and use the native version to enable it? even after linking, verfications and passport, is verified etc. Just the option is not visible. even via search, discover, etc. Wondered if you know why? I heard people said users have to register in the country or with local number, but I've heard other foreigners without bank account, similar situation as me can use theirs fine when they linked their international card. thanks

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hi, thanks for watching the video. Yes, you can download WeChat from your home country with your own local mobile number. You can register and then link your locally issued credit card to this account. When u arrive in China, you can simply scan the QR code or show your QR code for scanning. It should work, no need to delete and re-install. If you cannot find Services in your menu, could you go to the chat function, then tap on the + at the top right to activate scan or money?

[@WM-eg4gh]

@@gibbontravelogue thank you for following up on my reply. I had a look, you are correct, on the + at the top right, I can see the "Money" option as alternative way to add the bank card. thank you so much.

[@gibbontravelogue]

@@WM-eg4gh fantastic! Have a great trip in China!

[@tonyskng5]

thank you for the clear information. is it only credit card? can we use debit card?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Thanks for watching our video and Yes you can link it to your debit card.

[@tonyskng5]

@@gibbontravelogue thank you

[@angelaprilia]

@@gibbontravelogue hi, just to confirm. no need to top up balance right? once connected to debit card payment will automatically deducted from my local bank account? thanks before.

[@gibbontravelogue]

@@angelaprilia Hey that’s correct. There is no wallet so no need to top up.

[@angelaprilia]

@@gibbontravelogue thanks very much. so helpful!

[@newbaysie]

3% over 200RMB. Is that for all users or just foreigners with credit cards linked to the WeChat account? How about if we link a debit bank card? I guess my question is there a way to not pay the 3% fee over 200RMB?

[@gibbontravelogue]

The 3% charge is for foreigners who linked their credit or debit card, likely for WeChat to cover the cost of the fees charged by their visa/mastercard acquirers. For locals, they will linked their bank accounts to WeChat.

[@justme6275]

i understand that wechat pay/credit card only works for merchants, not street vendors as they are treated as a person to person payment - correct?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hey, 👋 no longer the case. It works for p2p payments as well.

[@koj2570]

Could not add credit card but able to add debit card instead. However, when I tested quick pay , it says unable to pay as your balance is RM0.00. Does this mean that i have to topup the wechat wallet first? What happens to the balance in the wallet after the trip? Can I port the balance back to my debit card account?

[@gibbontravelogue]

When you select money at the + menu at the top right of the screen, you will come across the source of fund under the QR code. If you see balance, it means that the payment will be paid using the wallet balance. You can change that to the debit card that you have previously added.

[@KillerLofi]

you have to change the region to China, that way the RM becomes a RMB. If RM meaning still wechat Malaysia. Once region in China, you repeat the process by linking your card with WeChat Pay China. Then all your transaction will be deducted from your linked card. There is also a wallet function but I believe only people in China can use the wallet function because it requires a bank from China to topup. However, I think when your friend in China send RMB to you.. it goes to your wallet and you can use it @gibbontravelogue can confirm ?

[@llee4225]

Does the credit card company treat the transaction as cash withdrawal or credit charge as most small vendors only accept cash payment?

[@gibbontravelogue]

The credit card company will treat the transaction as a payment, with WeChat as a merchant. WeChat will then settle separately with the end merchant

[@mangamahchinappan-mk6qt]

Im foreigner and travelling to China and Tibet soon. I dont have credit card back home thus can I link with debit card issued by my country?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Yes, you should be able to link your debit card. As far as i know, Visa and master cards are supported.

[@panyaboonc5621]

Which is better, more acceptable and convenient to use? We Chat or Alipay? Thank you.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hey hope you enjoyed the video. In terms of merchant adoption, both are accepted everywhere. I would advise setting up both, in case one doesn’t work, u have a back up. My slight preference is WeChat, simply because there is a chat function.

[@panyaboonc5621]

@@gibbontravelogue ,thank you sir.

[@jasintinman2828]

I notice you have ICBC bank account. Is this account issued outside China, ex, Singapore. is it a multi currencies account? Can you link this account to Wechat Pay?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hey, no this isn’t. You cannot link a non Chinese bank account for the WeChat wallet. For foreigners, you can only link your credit or debit card which is issued in your home country to your WeChat pay

[@slli9052]

hi, can i use dvisa debit card in register wepay. kind advice

[@gibbontravelogue]

Yes, u should be able to.

[@katew4099]

I have another question related to apps. What Maps app do you use for China? Is it in English too or just Chinese? Thanks in advance!

[@gibbontravelogue]

I was using Google Map all the time. But the locals use Baidu and Gaode maps.

[@katew4099]

Thanks again!! Love your channel.

[@mglee1431]

I use local Map apps to navigate while in China, as it is more accurate. Currently has been using Gaode and it even tell me all the available transport route to get to the destinations, including which exit from the subway, traffic condition etc. Howbeit it is only in Chinese language.

[@gibbontravelogue]

@@mglee1431 That nice! I just came back from Guangzhou last week. Baidu map works beautifully

[@inhhoangnam3945]

Thank you for your instructions. Can I use a Visa Debit card with WeChat Pay? Because as I read on some websites they say that only Credit cards are usable. Thank you.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Yes, debit card is accepted as far as I onow

[@gibbontravelogue]

Actually, it can. Have used it

[@inhhoangnam3945]

Thank you very much. I’m travelling to China this April. Really appreciate your sharings

[@ignitemoment]

Actually debit cards are better choice, because some merchants use their personal accounts which can not be payed by credit cards.

[@gibbontravelogue]

@@ignitemoment now both credit or debit cards have no problem with payments to personal WeChat accounts

[@rosetzu_nagasawa]

Citibank Visa NOT accepted by WeChat app. entered everything but finally NOT approved....shouldn't it stop at the VISA number itself?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Interesting. I use a Citibank card, but a Mastercard. Perhaps you want to check with Citibank and see if that was indeed the problem.

[@katew4099]

What a great video! I'd like to use WeChat to pay for museum, train, and netro tickets for me and my family. Are there mini apps available in WeChat to do this? And can I use my WeChat pay to pay and scan 4 people on the metro? Thanks in advance! Or does everyone in the family need their own WeChat pay to scan?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad that you enjoyed the video! Yes, the WeChat mini apps will allow you to do the bookings. For three metro rides, you can buy the tickets using WeChat at the ticketing machine. So one can pay for 4.

[@katew4099]

Sorry, can you please clarify...Can I buy 2 - 4 metro or train tickets directly on mini app WITHOUT going to a ticket machine or ticket window? Thanks!!

[@gibbontravelogue]

@@katew4099 From my understanding, you won’t be able to buy the metro/subway tickets from the app. The tickets have to be purchased from the ticketing machine, which will dispense the physical tickets. The purchase at the machine can be paid by scanning the QR code with your WeChat App.

[@katew4099]

Ahhh, thanks so much for your reply! Btw, I'm loving your & your wife's content & joie de vivre. Newly subscribed! ​@@gibbontravelogue

[@katew4099]

Thanks again for the clarification!!

[@nini9750]

Hello Great video, however I can't find mini discover on my WeChat. Any reason why?

[@gibbontravelogue]

You should find discover at the bottom menu. Tap on discover and you should see mini program, which is the 2nd last item of the menu.

[@nini9750]

@@gibbontravelogue yes I have found it. Thanks for this wonderful vid

[@retroshift1240]

Does WeChat have a ride-share function?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Yes, it has.

[@saraisaya8133]

From I open wechart now is tell me expired what can I do because it's 10yrs now

[@gibbontravelogue]

Try this. Open WeChat > Tap More Options > WeChat Security Center > Unfreeze Account > Unfreeze, and follow the instructions.

[@Righteous1ist]

Very helpful. Xie Xie.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yewhocktan5112]

TQ for the sharing! How can I top up RMB into my Wechat wallet? With RMB in the wallet, I will not have to withdraw RMB from VISA to pay for small transactions, and thereby avoid incurring the VISA fees for cash withdrawal.

[@gibbontravelogue]

I presume that your RMB is stored in a multi-currency wallet that come with a visa or master debit card. I’ve not tried it but you can see if the top up can be done by linking the debit card to WeChat.

[@marktn9851]

I uses AlipayHK, a Hong Kong version, and top-up RMB in convenient stores n many retail venues in HK. Check if u can do that in China’s version…

[@jinifith]

You are not allowed to use Wechat wallet without Chinese bank account.

[@gibbontravelogue]

@@jinifith That’s right.

[@jinifith]

For small bills, it is better to use Alipay or Wechat. For large bils, it is better to pay with cash (long distance taxi) or card(4/5star hotels, brand shops, expensive restaurants etc).

[@tenchi1200]

Hi, can I use either WeChat and Alipay offline, or do I need to online all the time. I'm from the UK going to Beijing in April.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hey! You will need to get either a data roaming service or a local SIM card as you will need to be online to use WeChat or Alipay. BTW, Beijing is awesome!

[@tenchi1200]

@@gibbontravelogue Thanks

[@ignitemoment]

You can pay offline if it's others scanning your QR code and your QR code is setup. But you have to be online to scan others' QR code.

[@raymondyeap3620]

Hi to clarify, is this the wechat app that found in Google Play Store? or we need the wechat china version?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hey, that’s the one you find in your local AppStore

[@raymondyeap3620]

How do we change the region?

[@gibbontravelogue]

@@raymondyeap3620 you will specific your region when u register for your AppleID. It will always default to your local appatore

[@choykamheng7253]

Hi, why ewallet in wechat pay or Ali pay unusable by foreigner? In 2018 and 2019, I used to pay using wechat ewallet only. I normally asked my friend in China to transfer money to my ewallet and I pay them cash in return.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Yes, the wallet is not possible for foreigners as they require a bank account. I believe it has to do with anti-money laundering measures.

[@justme6275]

@@gibbontravelogue i tried that... I had my friend send me ewallet money but i have to enter a local bank account number in order to accept the money, back to square one.

[@annieho2691]

Hi can we use debit Mastercard to link up?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Yes, you can!

[@maurohuang7033]

I successfully did all the steps, but how do you charge rmb to the account? ATM? Also I registered 2 Visa cards, 1 for criptos (lemon) and another one (Santander rio). Do you know if I can use them? I’m traveling next week

[@gibbontravelogue]

Thanks for watching the video. Once you have registered and added the visa credit or debit card to the WeChat account, you are good to go. When you make a payment by scanning the QR code, the amount in RMB is charged to your card. The foreign exchange rate will be set by your bank that issued the card.

[@summerain6918]

事实上你可能不需要取出现金，中国并不需要支付小费，一切都在线上支付。祝你旅途愉快：）

[@WM-eg4gh]

Does American Express work? Or just Visa and Mastercard at this time? thanks

[@gibbontravelogue]

Yes, American Express cards should be accepted.

[@WM-eg4gh]

No worries, found the answer in the comment sections :) thank you for this video, very helpful

[@casalist5426]

I was told that to have WeChat someone has to invite you or it will work. Is it true?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Not true. You just have to register for it. If the account turns inactive for a period, you will have to re-activate and one of the methods is to have your contact friend verify you.

[@crankyvern]

hi i added my cards but can i test the wechat QR on a SG merchant that accepts wechat pay or i can only use it in China?

[@gibbontravelogue]

That's an interesting question. I believe you should be able to do so in an SG merchant that accepts WeChat. Let me know once you have tried that.

[@jotozbae]

How to top up wechatpay wallet if I still outside of China ?

[@gibbontravelogue]

You don’t top up the wallet, that’s for the Chinese locals. You link your credit/debit card to WeChat Pay. Take your time to watch the video, you should be able to do it.

[@seans2551]

So, the annual limit is 60,000 RMB. Let's say, on the first trip to China, I charged 50,000 RMB. After returning to home country, I paid off the charge through US credit card. Then, on the next trip to China within a year, do I have a new 60,000 RMB limit or do I have only 10,000 RMB left to charge within the same year? Thank you.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hey, it’s 60k Rmb in a calendar year. In your example, you only have 10k rmb left to spend for your account.

[@seans2551]

@@gibbontravelogue thanks

[@seans2551]

Hi, I read another article somewhere that talks about using Wechat to make payment in China as a foreigner visiting China. He describes basically the same like you. However, he also cautions that linking to a foreign bank may look ok, but when you use Wechat to make payment in China, you may find the transaction not going through. When that happens, the tourist in China may get stuck without any means to make any purchase if without cash or other methods of payments. I think I would bring some cash along just in case the Wechat payment method does not work. Thanks for the info.

[@gibbontravelogue]

@@seans2551 Yes, always good to bring some cash just in case. In addition to that, you can also set up Alipay as a backup

[@misfitsailor]

I wish this worked for me, but the app did not accept my card.

[@gibbontravelogue]

What card did you use to link? Any error message that you can share?

[@user-gz3jg3yp1d]

I can’t get access to Services in my WeixinPay but I have the + sign on top. How do I ensure the account is ready for China usage?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Tap on the + at the top right. Do you see scan and money? If so, you are ready. Do also ensure you have linked your credit/debit card to the app.

[@user-gz3jg3yp1d]

Scan and Money are at the + sign. However, my credit card is disabled when I try to scan a friend’s QR code.

[@davidtan9750]

@@user-gz3jg3yp1dI am not very sure but scanning could only be done china. outside may not work.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Try checking with your bank regarding this.

[@naaffax6700]

I opened my wechat years back. After years of not using it when i anted to reinstall it i could not get back my id. I want my same user id back under the same mobile number. It is asking to verify with atleast 2 contacts that were in my wechat. I did not use that much and i dont even know who was there. So how can i get my wechat account back?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Thanks for watching our video and hope it has been useful to you. Not sure on the process but I am sure you can recover your the same mobile id. At the login page of WeChat there is an “unable to login” option, Click on that and it will allow you to submit a request and an sms will be sent to your mobile number. Instructions will follow when WeChat approves the request.

[@naaffax6700]

@gibbontravelogue689 it does. Have tried that whole process. After the process it askes me to name the user name of 2 people who were on my contact list during the last login. And also have to ask those wwo people to grant access to me. That is so so many years back and i have no idea who they were and if they still use wechat as it is not used in my country

[@jektan8624]

I had this problem before. I think WeChat blocked dormant/logout accounts. No way to terminate or re-install from Google Play or ask friends to verify. No response after writing to Help Center. Then I chanced upon a reputable HK financial webinar (can't remembered company) which readily accept new viewers to receive the financial news. I registered via QR code n was prompted to register a new WeChat account. Fortunately I now have a WeChat account. Hope the info helps.

[@cellmate69]

Any advice on better credit card to use for WeChat? Cuz 3% seems pretty high to me

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hey! In this case, it’s not the credit card charging you the 3%, it’s WeChat. Which country are u from?

[@cellmate69]

@@gibbontravelogue Australia. I mean after WeChat charge for 3% then credit card also charge for overseas transactions. How about AliPay?

[@donnayeo7343]

Is it only possible to bind a credit card? Can a VISA debit card be bound?

[@gibbontravelogue]

@@donnayeo7343 Debit card is fine too.

[@gibbontravelogue]

@@cellmate69 it is the same for Alipay too. For some countries, there are apps that carry WeChat or Alipay api’s that don’t charge the 3%

[@Oliverthefold]

Can you still use credit card if you don’t wan to use Alipay or WeChat pay at restaurants or shopping. Or is it only WeChat and Alipay?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hi, unfortunately most of the restaurants and shops do not accept credit card payments. Maybe some will accept UnionPay cards… so if u dun have a WeChat or Alipay, it will be inconvenient. Come to think of it, even cash is not readily accepted.

[@robertgittings8662]

​@@gibbontravelogue*The app is completely USELESS, ​ only time you can use it is when the merchant submitted application to use Visa which is very very few in mainland CHINA (only very big shops or big star hotels)*

[@SoloMetal]

I manage to successfully added my Wise card. However when I try to send money or top up my wallet. It prompted me saying please use a mainland issued bank card.

[@barryallen-to8cp]

As far as i know, topping up the WeChat wallet is not an option for foreigners who do not have a Chinese bank account. The only option is to link your credit card or debit card to WeChat. 1:22

[@gibbontravelogue]

Yes, the top up wallet option is not available for foreigners.

[@SoloMetal]

@@gibbontravelogue got it. But even I managed to link my non Chinese bank card successfully. I am unable to make payment to other WeChat users.

[@gibbontravelogue]

When your WeChat account is linked to your credit card, you can then use it for payments of good and services. You will not be able to make peer to peer transfers which mean you cannot send money, but able to make payments.

[@vset33]

I setup Alipay link to VISA credit card and is a lot easier..

[@c.guinevere]

What if you dont have a mobile phone?

[@gibbontravelogue]

If no mobile phone, you probably have to use physical cash

[@valeriesim6817]

Can we withdraw cash from wechat wallet?

[@gibbontravelogue]

No, I’m afraid there is no such feature in the WeChat wallet. As a matter of fact, China has become so cashless that merchants are reluctant to take and handle cash.

[@jamesjohn8459]

Can I ask any Chinese friend to transfer some money into my wallet and I pay him in cash. Then I can use wallet payment.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Yes you can but from my experience, the money is going to be stuck for a while till the strict verifications are completed.

[@jaspernotting]

can we link YouTrip card to WeChat pay?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Can! Proven!

[@jaspernotting]

Thank you - my limited understanding so far is, I could pay (using the barcode / QR Code generated from my Apps. BUT we cannot top up cash right?@@gibbontravelogue

[@vhwjpzf1z0fi73a]

Love the views of Xi'an ✨

[@gibbontravelogue]

Yes, it’s an amazing place. If you would like to see more, you can check this out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noa7kqp-eb6Bh7Msi=3T9EHTk0JN5xYC3f

[@casalist5426]

And what about credit cards?

[@gibbontravelogue]

What about credit card? Did you mean if you can link your WeChat account to your credit card? Yes.

[@cryptowoman77]

Hi, i’m italian ed i need to activate my wechat account for a travel in China, Can you help me?

[@gibbontravelogue]

Sure. Have you been able to follow the steps?

[@cryptowoman77]

@@gibbontravelogue​​ yes but I can't activate my account because I don't know anyone in Italy who uses WeChat

[@gibbontravelogue]

Have you registered the WeChat account?

[@renling]

Thanks for sharing, why wechat requires passport, NRIC numbers, expiry and isued dates but in your video it was not indicated.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Yes, your passport number and details are required. A copy of your passport is also required to be uploaded as part of the KYC (know your customer) process.

[@btsfan3822]

I can’t use mine does visa work-

[@gibbontravelogue]

Sorry do you mind elaborating a little bit

[@KlTham-rq9ki]

Problem is that all in Chinese language la....no english

[@gibbontravelogue]

Well, within WeChat, you can set it to English. Problem are the mini programs which are 3rd party services, they are all in Chinese.

[@leticiaventur]

I managed to register, but I can't use the card.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hmm what do u mean? You can’t link your credit card to the account? Or you can link successfully but cannot scan the WeChat QR code?

[@leticiaventur]

@@gibbontravelogue I tried sending a red envelope now for Chinese New Year . But the card cannot be used for transactions. I tried more than one international card

[@gibbontravelogue]

I see. For foreigners, we can only link the credit card for payments of goods and services only. It cannot be used for peer-to- peer transfers, like red envelope. That’s only through the wallet which can only be funded by a Chinese bank account.

[@nuovovideo]

foreign cannot to have a bank account in china so

[@gibbontravelogue]

Yes, that’s right. So, the way to use WeChat for payment is to link your credit/debit card to the app.

[@AmelieZh]

Now you can actually

[@C00ltronix]

Foreigners CAN have a bank account in China, but tourists most likely can not.

[@bruno_alb]

During registration the app asks me to contact a local user of WeChat to validate my account with a QR Code. Is it because I’m using an European phone number or European location ? I can’t find a way to register as foreigner who doesn’t have a Chinese friend to validate the registration :/

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hmm… that shouldn’t be the case.

[@gibbontravelogue]

My WeChat ID is gilbertchuah. You can contact me and will see if i can be of any help.

[@robertgittings8662]

​@@gibbontravelogue*I'm heading to China I'm kind of worried* *sorry to bother you but as I mentioned the app is completely USELESS, ​only time you can use it is when the merchant submitted application to use Visa which is very very few in mainland CHINA (only very big shops or big star hotels)*

[@robertgittings8662]

​@@gibbontravelogue*Only if they are registered to use Visa card or MasterCard POS system otherwise no matter what card you link, unless it is from China, it would not work*

[@gibbontravelogue]

That’s not my experience. I am not a Chinese national butI have successfully linked my non-Chinese credit card to my WeChat account. I have no problems using it for my payments in China.

[@mr.yalauz1497]

just curious , are you from singapore ? cuz ur accent sounds like singaporean 😂

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hey! Alamak, my ascent gave me away! Indeed I’m a Singaporean. Are you too?

[@mr.yalauz1497]

@@gibbontravelogue nah im a hker 🤪

[@gibbontravelogue]

@@mr.yalauz1497 that’s great! HK my second home!

[@mingokie9388]

Can anyone miss use my personal info

[@gibbontravelogue]

Personal info is not contained in the payload of the QR code. It should be fine.

[@marktn9851]

Criminal misuse hardly happened, however, errors made by own self is common. Learn before using it properly.

[@wiktoriavictor8671]

china has expensives visas 200 USD so better stay home

[@gibbontravelogue]

I notice that the visa cost for US citizens starts from usd140. Well, if you intend to have a longer visit to China, it could be well worth the money.

[@Kiki-en9vm]

Advice---never expose your datas in China.

[@Liliparis115]

You will nevers go there anyway

[@2hotnspicy1]

I added fund to WeChat but when trying to use it in a taxi, it kept asking for all sort of identity verification which is frustrating especially when I was trying to pay for the taxi. China needs to fix this if they want more foreign tourists.

[@gibbontravelogue]

Hi, wonder how you have added fund as you would require a Chinese account to add fund to the wallet. For foreigners, you simply need to add your debit or credit card. It should work. Hope this is useful to you.