Until recently, China didn’t accept foreign debit or credit cards, including PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Add in the fact that China is now largely cashless, paying as a tourist could feel… complicated. But that’s changed.
Since July 2023, foreign visitors can link international cards to WeChat Pay — making everyday payments in China accessible for travellers. In this complete WeChat Pay for Foreigners guide, we’ll show you exactly how to use WeChat Pay as a foreigner.
Read on to explore WeChat Pay’s key features, fees, and benefits, plus a simple walkthrough on adding your YouTrip card — even without a Chinese bank account. You’re just one setup away from smooth payments and competitive CNY exchange rates across China.
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TL;DR: WeChat Pay at a Glance| Topic | Key Details |
|---|---|
| What is WeChat Pay? | Digital wallet integrated into the WeChat messaging app for cashless payments across China |
| Can Foreigners Use WeChat Pay? | Yes! Foreign visitors can link international cards to WeChat Pay (available since July 2023) |
| Best Card to Link | YouTrip card for competitive CNY exchange rates with zero fees in 150+ countries |
| Setup Requirements | • Download WeChat app • Create/login to account • Verify passport details • Link foreign debit/credit card |
| WeChat Pay Transaction Fees | • FREE for purchases below 200 CNY (~S$37) • 3% fee for purchases above 200 CNY |
| WeChat Pay Spending Limits | • Per transaction: 6,000 CNY (~S$1,110) • Monthly: 50,000 CNY (~S$9,250) • Annual: 60,000 CNY (~S$11,100) |
| Payment Methods | • Scan merchant QR codes • Show your QR code to merchants • Use for metro/bus via mini-program |
| WeChat Pay Features | Money transfers, food delivery, transport, bill payments, hotel bookings, shopping, and more |
Table of Contents: WeChat Pay For ForeignersWeChat Pay is a popular digital wallet service integrated into the popular all-in-one Chinese messaging app WeChat. It lets users make quick, cashless payments straight from their smartphones — whether they’re shopping online, paying in-store, or settling everyday expenses on the go.
Image credits: Ecommerce Strategy China
Here’s a list of services WeChat Pay provides:
Related Guide: Alipay For Foreigners: How To Use Alipay In China
Yes — foreigners who aren’t Chinese citizens or permanent residents can use WeChat Pay. If you’re a Singaporean travelling to China, you can set it up before you go, as WeChat Pay is available in Singapore.
To make payments in China without a Chinese bank account, simply download the WeChat app and link your YouTrip card. You’ll be able to pay seamlessly and enjoy competitive CNY exchange rates throughout your trip (we’ll show you how below
).
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Image credits: China Daily
Signing Up or Logging Into an Old WeChat Account If you’ve previously downloaded WeChat on another device and registered using your mobile number, WeChat can be a little… protective. When logging in on a new device with the same number, you’ll need to do one of the following:
If you’re unable to follow through with the above, opt to sign up for a new WeChat account using your Facebook or Apple ID instead.
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YouTrip is a multi-currency travel wallet that lets you pay in over 150+ countries (including China!) with zero fees. Making payments in China? All you have to do is top up your YouTrip wallet in SGD within the app.
Once your YouTrip card is linked to WeChat Pay, our SmartExchange
technology will automatically convert SGD to CNY at the point of payment — giving you the best Chinese Yuan rates.
Ready to set it up? Here’s a step-by-step guide to adding your YouTrip card to WeChat Pay.

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Image credits: Medium
Using WeChat Pay to make payments is a straightforward process. Once you’ve linked your bank card to your WeChat Pay account, you can proceed to make payments in two ways.
Here are two ways you can pay with WeChat Pay in China:
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WeChat users can use the WeChat app to pay for metro and bus rides. But first, you’ll need to activate a mini-program. Note: This QR code is different from the one used for regular point-of-sale payments!
How to set it up:
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Q: Do all stores in China accept WeChat Pay as a payment method?
A: Not all merchants accept WeChat Pay. Look out for the WeChat Pay logo in-store or ask the staff before paying. As a backup, you can also use Alipay — check out our Alipay for Foreigners guide for setup tips.
Q: Can foreigners send or receive red packets (hongbao) with WeChat Pay?
A: At the moment, foreigners using WeChat Pay can’t send or receive red packets.
Q: Does WeChat Pay charge transaction fees?
A: Yes — but only in certain cases.
Q: Are there any spending limits on WeChat Pay?
A: Yes, there are a few caps to be aware of:
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WeChat uses multiple security measures, including encryption and established security protocols, to protect user data and transactions. According to WeChat’s official statements and privacy policies, user privacy and data protection remain a key priority across the platform.
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Yes, you can delete your WeChat account after leaving China. Just note that once it’s deleted, all account data will be permanently lost. This includes your chat history, contacts, and any linked services or payment information.
If you think you might use WeChat again in the future, you’ll need to set up a brand-new account.
Before deleting anything, make sure all payments and transactions linked to your account are fully settled.
Image credits: Unsplash
To delete your WeChat account when leaving China, follow these steps:
Related Guide: How to Use DiDi in China: Full Guide for Foreigners
Using WeChat Pay during your travels in China offers unparalleled convenience. Bookmark this WeChat Pay guide and share it with your friends and family! Don’t forget to link your YouTrip card to WeChat Pay to save extra with the best CNY rates!
Not a YouTrooper yet? Singapore’s go-to multi-currency wallet helps you save with great FX rates and zero fees. Skip the money changer and get a free YouTrip card + S$5 YouTrip credits with code <YTBLOG5>.
Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. Join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and Community Group (@YouTripSquad) for travel tips, event invites, and more!
Happy travels!
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