WeChat in China: How to Use WeChat in China?

Top Reasons to Use WeChat in China

Learn why you should use WeChat in China! WeChat (known as Weixin微信 in Chinese) is a multi-functional social media app developed by Tencent and is one of the most popular and widely used apps in China. It goes far beyond just messaging - it’s an all-in-one platform for communication, payments, social networking, and much more.

Super App - An Essential in China

WeChat is indispensable for daily life in China. From paying for groceries to communicating with taxi drivers, it’s the ultimate app for handling everything you need while navigating daily life in China.

Free to Use - Accessible for Everyone

WeChat offers free basic features such as messaging, video calls, and Moments, making communication easy and cost-effective for everyone. It’s accessible and straightforward, ensuring you stay connected without any additional charges.

Easy Communication - Anytime, Anywhere

Stay connected using WeChat, the most popular messaging app. Send text, voice, and video messages to stay in touch with your China travel experts. Enjoy free, high-quality voice and video calls to reach out whenever you need help.

Global Reach - No Geographic Limits

WeChat supports global messaging and calling, making it ideal for staying connected with friends and family worldwide. With WeChat Pay’s international expansion, you can also make payments in supported countries outside of China.

Convenient Payments with Weixin Pay

Link your international bank card easily and enjoy no service charges when booking your China tour. Use Weixin Pay for hotels, restaurants, taxis, groceries, utilities, or even street vendors via QR codes or in-app payments.

Social Networking - Share Your Moments

Post photos, videos, and updates just like on Instagram or Facebook. Join interest-based groups or professional communities to meet like-minded people and expand your social network while sharing your travel experiences.

Use Wechat - Plan, Travel, and Explore China with Confidence

Let’s plan a trip with Asia Odyssey Travel, without boundaries. Connect with our travel experts anytime to discuss anything! Break down the walls and gain more confidence in your China tours. Step by step, explore China worry-free with us!

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Enjoy free consultations with our travel consultants for personalized assistance.

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Modify your itinerary easily via text or call anytime until you are satisfied.

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Make payments hassle-free with no service fees or time-zone concerns.

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Contact Asia Odyssey Travel for valuable travel tips before your journey to China.

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Share your ideas and feedback during your trip for a seamless travel experience.

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Our guides and travel experts will capture and share photos and videos of your trip.

Where Do You Need to Use WeChat Pay During China Tour?

WeChat Pay covers every aspect of your journey in China

Dining
Transportation
Sightseeing
Hotels
Shopping
Entertainment
Health Care

Dining (Restaurants & Street Vendors)

When dining in China for lunch or dinner, you can use WeChat Pay to make payments directly at restaurants. While exploring food streets and trying local snacks, simply scan the vendors' WeChat Pay QR codes for a quick payment.

Transportation (Flight, Train, Taxi, Metro, Bus)

The WeChat app offers services for booking flights, train tickets, or hiring taxis. You can book a taxi through the app and pay after your ride. If you prefer to explore on your own, you can also purchase metro/bus tickets directly via WeChat.

Sightseeing (When Visiting Attractions)

Many tourist spots, such as museums, require real-name reservations. All reservations can be made through the WeChat Official Account.

Hotels (Booking & Pay)

If you want to book hotels in China on your own, you can use the WeChat Hotel Booking service. Based on your location and preferences, you can easily find and book a hotel through the WeChat service.

Shopping (Malls, Shops)

When traveling in China, whether you’re exploring shops along the streets or purchasing items at supermarkets or malls, WeChat Pay is the preferred payment method.

Entertainment (Performances, Shows)

To enrich your life in China, use WeChat to book local performances or amazing shows like Sichuan Opera or Kung Fu, or pay for services such as spa treatments, hair styling, and more.

Health Care (Hospital, Medicine)

In case of an emergency, you need to go to the hospital and register first, which can be done via WeChat. Alternatively, payments at pharmacies are easy if you need to buy medicine.

Traveler's Guide to Using WeChat in China

4 Best Tips from Asia Odyssey Travel

How to Set Up Wechat on Your Phone

The first step: learn how to set up WeChat, and your fun journey begins!

Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) to download and install the app. Click the following icons to download!
Then, watch our video, edited by Asia Odyssey Travel, to learn how to install WeChat step by step!

How to Add Friends and Share Things on Wechat

Method 01. Add by WeChat ID or Phone Number:

Tap the “Contacts” tab at the bottom.
Click the “+” icon in the top-right corner and select “Add Contacts”.
Enter the person's WeChat ID or phone number in the search bar.
Tap Search, and when their profile appears, click Add.

Method 02. Scan a QR Code:

Ask the person to show their WeChat QR code.
Open WeChat and tap the “+” icon.
Select “Scan” to open the QR scanner.
Point your camera at their QR code.
Once scanned, tap Add to send a friend request.

How to Set Up WeChat Pay

WeChat Pay: Supports linking Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, Discover, and other bank cards.

Go to Wallet: Open WeChat, tap "Me", then "Wallet" or "WeChat Pay".
Add a Payment Method: Link your bank card by selecting "Add Card".
Enter Card Details: Input your name, card number, and other required details.
Verify Identity: Complete verification via SMS or bank authentication.
Set Payment Password: Create a secure 6-digit payment password.
Start Using: Use WeChat Pay for transfers, purchases, and more.

Learn more about: How to Pay in China as a Foreigner (Wechat & Alipay)?

How Do You Pay with WeChat Pay?

No need to exchange cash! Pay like a local – secure and easy!

Open WeChat: Go to the "Me" tab and select "Pay".
Scan QR Code: Use the "Scan" option to scan the merchant's QR code.
Show Your QR Code: Tap "Money" to display your payment QR code for the merchant to scan.
Confirm Payment: Enter your payment password if prompted.
Payment Complete: Wait for the confirmation message.

Frequently Asked Questions about WeChat in China

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1. Is WeChat available in all countries?+

WeChat is available in over 200 countries and regions worldwide.

It is accessible via your mobile's data network as well as Wi-Fi, so you can connect with anyone around the world.
2. What can I do on WeChat?+

With WeChat, you can easily stay in touch with your friends and family through free video and voice calls, videos, pictures, games, stickers, and text messages. You can also discover new friends through location-based services (LBS) or the Shake feature.
3. What is a QR Code?+

QR codes (abbreviated from Quick Response Codes) are a type of two-dimensional barcode that can be read using smartphones and dedicated QR reading devices. QR codes link directly to text, images, webpages, apps, games, music, emails, and more!
4. Which operating systems does WeChat support?+
You can download and install WeChat on the following operating systems:
- iOS 9.0 and above
- Android 4.4 and above
5. How do I use my personal WeChat QR code?+

You can find your personal WeChat QR code by going to Me, tapping your profile photo, and selecting My QR Code. Your friends can scan your QR code to add you instantly. Similarly, you can scan your friends’ QR codes to add them.
6. Where is the WeChat QR code scanner?+
You can open the WeChat QR code scanner using the following methods:
1. At the top right corner of WeChat, tap "+"> Scan.
2. Tap Discover> Scan.
7. Which countries does WeChat support for registering or linking by mobile number?+

WeChat supports signing up with and linking mobile numbers from over 200 countries and regions, including the United States, Indonesia, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, and Macao SAR.
8. Can I register or bind multiple accounts with one phone number?+

Each phone number can only be used to sign up for or be bound to one WeChat or Weixin account. If your current mobile number is not already linked to another WeChat or Weixin account, it can be used for a new registration.
9. Set a password to avoid logging in via SMS verification every time+
To avoid having to complete the SMS verification process every time you log in, set a password.

After setting a password, you can also log in using any other identifiers you've linked to your account (e.g., QQ, phone number, or email).

To set a password:
1. From the Metab, choose Settings > Account Security.
2. Tap on the Passwordfield and follow the prompts.
10. Sharing photos and short videos on Moments+
On Moments, you can share photos and videos with your friends and stay updated on what they're up to.
- To share, tap the Discovertab, then select Moments.
- Tap the camera icon in the top right corner and choose photos or videos from your phone’s camera roll.
- You can also add text to accompany your post before sharing it with friends.
11. What is an Official Account?+
Follow your favorite brands and businesses to receive news and services from them.

To find an Official Account:
1. From the main page, tap the search box.
2. Select Official Accounts.
3. Type the name of the company you're interested in into the search box at the top.
4. Once you've found the account, tap its name and then tap the Follow.
12. How do I enable account protection?+

You can protect your account by setting up a list of trusted devices for the same WeChat ID. You may delete any device from this list, but you will need to verify your identity when logging in on a deleted device.

Follow the instructions below to manage your trusted devices:

Add a Device to the List:

If you've successfully verified your mobile number or email on an infrequently used phone, this phone will automatically be added to your trusted device list.

Change the Name of a Device:

Go to Me > Settings > Account Security > Manage Devices.

Select a device, tap Name on the details page, edit the new name, and save it.

Delete Devices from the List:

To remove a phone from the trusted device list, go to Me > Settings > Account Security > Manage Devices > Edit.

Tap the minus icon next to the specific device to delete it.
13. Why do I have to link a mobile number to my WeChat account?+

Linking a mobile number is necessary to keep your WeChat account safe and secure. It also helps WeChat comply with local laws and regulations in the countries and regions where it operates.

Previously, WeChat users could register an account using methods such as email, Facebook, Google, QQ, or Sign in with Apple. However, these users are now required to link a mobile number to their account.

To continue using WeChat, link a mobile number to your account as soon as possible. If you don’t link a mobile number, you may no longer be able to log in to your account.
14. Why can't my friend receive my friend request even though I have already sent one?+
First, ask your friend to check if they have received a friend request by going to New Friends within the Contacts tab. If not, the request may not have been sent. This could happen if you’ve been sending an excessive number of friend requests that day. Try sending the request again later.

Notes:
1. If your account is reported for sending an excessive number of friend requests to strangers, the friend request feature for your account will be temporarily restricted. However, your friends can still add you as a friend. The restriction cannot be lifted manually, but your ability to send friend requests will automatically be restored after 3 to 7 days.
2. Your friend request may not go through if your WeChat nickname or the content of your friend request violates our Service Terms.
15. How do I delete friends?+
To delete WeChat friends:
1. Go to Contacts.
2. Select the friend you want to delete and open their profile.
3. Tap the "..." icon in the top right corner of the profile page, then select Delete.
16. I would like to confirm contacts before adding them.+
By enabling Friend Confirmation, other users are required to send a friend request to connect with you as a contact. You can then decide whether to accept or ignore their friend request. You can change your Friend Confirmation settings at any time.

To turn on this setting:
1. Go to the Metab and select Settings.
2. Tap Privacyand enable or disable Friend Confirmation by toggling the switch.
17. How do I prevent someone from adding me?+
By default, WeChat users can add you to their contact lists using your WeChat ID or your linked mobile number.

To prevent others from adding you via WeChat ID or mobile number:
1. Go to the Metab and select Settings.
2. Tap Privacy> Methods for Friending Me and toggle the switches off.
18. How do I know whether my message has been read?+

WeChat values user privacy. To ensure maximum privacy, WeChat does not provide read receipts or any way to see whether your message has been read.
19. How do I recall a sent message?+
To recall a sent message:
1. Hold down on the message.
2. Choose Recall from the menu.
Notes:
1. You can only recall the last message you sent within 2 minutes of sending it. After the message is recalled, recipients will be notified.
2. All types of messages can be recalled, including voice, text, image, video, contact card, and location messages.
20. How do I translate a message in a chat?+
To translate a message in a chat:
1. Long press the message you want to translate.
2. A menu will appear - select the TranslateThe message will be translated into the interface language you set for WeChat.
21. How do I convert a voice message to text during recording?+
To convert a voice message to text during recording:
1. While recording, swipe your finger to the top-right corner and release to convert the message to text. WeChat will automatically recognize your current WeChat language for conversion.
Note: Currently, only Mandarin, English, and Cantonese are supported for conversion.
22. How do I post text updates to Moments?+
To post a text update to Moments:
1. Open the Moments
2. Long press the camera icon in the top-right corner.
3. A text box will appear - enter your text update and submit it.Your new text update will appear on Moments.
23. How do I post a video to Moments?+
You can record and post a video to Moments using the Camera feature in the latest version of WeChat.

To post a video:
1. Go to Momentsand tap the camera icon in the top-right corner.
2. Choose Camerato record a short video or tap Choose from Album to post an existing video.
Note:
- Only videos within 15 seconds can be posted directly from the album when using the Choose from Album
- For videos longer than 15 seconds, tap Editin the bottom-right corner to adjust the duration.
24. How do I unlink bank card(s) from WeChat Pay?+
To link bank cards:
1. Tap Me> Pay and Services > Wallet.
2. In Wallet, tap Bank Cards.
3. Tap Add a Bank Cardand follow the instructions to link credit or debit cards.
To unlink bank cards:
1. Tap Me> Pay and Services > Wallet.
2. In Wallet, tap Bank Cards.
3. Select the card you want to unlink and tap it to open the details page.
4. Tap the **"..."**menu in the top-right corner.
5. Tap Unlinkat the bottom of the page to remove the bank card.
25. How do I change the payment password?+
To change your payment password:
1. Log in to WeChat.
2. Go to Me> Pay and Services > Wallet > Payment Settings (at the bottom of the page) > Change Payment Password.
3. Enter your current payment password to verify your identity.
4. Enter a new password and re-enter it to confirm.
26. I'd like to use WeChat Pay in Mainland China. What is required to use WeChat Pay?+
During the process of linking and verifying your account, you will need to provide the following information:
1. Debit or credit card number.
2. Your full name (exactly as listed on the bank account).
3. ID number used to open the account (e.g., passport, Mainland China ID card, Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, or Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents).
4. Country/region (same as listed on your ID).
5. Mobile number registered with the bank account.
After entering this information, an SMS code will be sent to the mobile number registered with your bank account. Enter this code to verify and link the card.

Note:
- Make sure to enter your full name exactly as it appears on your bank account, including capitalization, spaces, and punctuation. This can be found in your account opening documents or account deposit book.
- Ensure that the mobile number entered is currently registered with the bank account and can receive SMS messages to complete verification.
27. How do I cancel my Weixin Pay?+
To cancel your Weixin Pay account:
1. Log in to WeChat.
2. Go to Me> Pay and Services > Wallet > Payment Settings (at the bottom of the page) > Cancel Weixin Pay.
3. Follow the instructions to cancel your Weixin Pay account.
Before canceling Weixin Pay, ensure that you meet the following conditions:
1. The Weixin Pay account has been registered for at least 15 days.
2. There are no pending transactions.
3. No direct debit services are linked.
4. The Weixin Pay Score has been disabled.
5. The account has no balance.
Notes:
1. After cancellation, all data - including the cardholder profile (name and identity document number), transaction history, remaining funds in Balance, and Balance details—will be cleared and cannot be restored.
2. If real-name verification has not been completed, the Cancel Weixin Pay button will not appear.
28. How do I add WeChat friends or Official Accounts to the home screen?+
To add a friend to the desktop:
1. Open WeChat> tap Contacts.
2. Select a friend > tap the "..." icon in the top-right corner.
3. Tap Add to Desktop.
To add an Official Account to the desktop:
1. Open WeChat > tap Contacts > Official Accounts.
2. Select an Official Account > tap the top-right icon > tap the **"..."**icon in the top-right corner.
3. Tap Settings > Add to Desktop.
29. How do I use WeChat for Windows or Mac?+
Step 1: Download and Install
1. Download the latest version of WeChat for Windows or Mac from wechat.com.
2. Follow the installation instructions to set it up.
Step 2: Log In
1. Open WeChat for Windows/Mac on your PC.
2. Confirm your login on mobile. Users cannot log in to WeChat for Windows/Mac without logging in on their mobile devices.
3. To log in, scan the QR code on your PC screen using your mobile device:
  - Open WeChat on your mobile.
  - Tap "+" in the top-right corner > Scan.
  - Scan the QR code and confirm your login.
Step 3: Switching Accounts
1. To switch accounts, select Switch Accounton the login page of WeChat for Windows/Mac.
2. Open WeChat on your mobile, tap **"+"**in the top-right corner > Scan.
3. Log in to the new account.
Note:

At this time, it is not possible to log in to Web WeChat and WeChat for Windows/Mac with the same account simultaneously.