From how to get started to adding your YouTrip card for seamless payments, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about using WeChat Pay in China!
In today’s interconnected world, digital payment systems have revolutionised the way we shop online and pay for services or food. WeChat Pay has been one of the pioneers leading this charge, offering users a convenient and secure platform to handle all their financial needs.
ICYMI, previously, China banned the use of foreign debit and credit cards, and paying with Apple Pay or Google Pay proved tricky. But we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be exploring WeChat Pay and its features, fees, benefits, and how to get started by adding your YouTrip card to WeChat — even if you don’t have a Chinese bank account!
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What is WeChat Pay?
WeChat Pay is a mobile payment platform integrated into the popular messaging app WeChat, developed by Chinese tech giant Tencent. With WeChat Pay, users can conveniently make payments, transfer money to friends and family, split bills, pay utility bills, and even shop online within the WeChat ecosystem. It has become an indispensable tool for millions, offering a seamless and efficient way to manage finances.
Image credits: Ecommerce Strategy China
It also facilitates money transfers into your wallet via QR and Rewards codes. You have full control over the amount of money to transfer by linking your bank card to your WeChat Pay wallet. Additionally, you can withdraw funds back to your bank cards. WeChat Pay offers an extensive array of financial functions, encompassing various money-oriented services:
- Money transfers
- Bank-to-bank card transfers
- Ordering food delivery and restaurant payments
- Bill-sharing and splitting
- Payment of utility and credit card bills
- Share Bike Hiring (Scan and Go)
- Grocery shopping, general shopping, and online retail
- Food purchases and restaurant bills
- Event ticket purchases
- Selling your products and services
- Buying and selling second-hand goods
- Flash sales
- Insurance services
- Housing and accommodation payments
- Hotel bookings
- Taxi hailing
- Rail and flight bookings
How To Use WeChat Pay In China: All You Need To Know — Find out more about WeChat here
Features & Fees:
WeChat Pay boasts a range of features designed to enhance the user experience. Users can link their bank accounts, debit cards, and credit cards to their WeChat Pay account, providing flexibility in top-up/funding options. Additionally, WeChat Pay offers QR code payments, allowing users to simply scan a merchant’s QR code to complete a transaction swiftly.
✅ Can foreigners send or receive red packets (hongbao) with WeChat Pay?
As of now, foreigners using WeChat Pay cannot send or receive red packets on WeChat222.
✅ Transaction Fees
In terms of fees, WeChat Pay charges a 3% transaction fee for purchases above RMB 200 (~S$38.10). However, for smaller purchases below RMB 200, there are no transaction fees.
✅ Spending Limitations
There are also some spending limits to keep in mind:
1️⃣ You can spend up to RMB 6,000 (~S$1,142) on each transaction
2️⃣ The monthly spending limit is RMB 50,000 (~S$9,519)
3️⃣ The annual spending limit is RMB 60,000 (~S$11,423)
How To Use WeChat Pay In China: Check out our guide on the best things to do in Shanghai here
Installing WeChat App
Image credits: China Daily
1️⃣ Download the WeChat App on your phone via the App Store or on Google Play
2️⃣ Launch the app and tap the ‘Sign Up’ option.
3️⃣ Fill in your personal details and tap the ‘Sign Up’ button.
4️⃣ Follow the screen instructions until your account is successfully created.
❗ Things to take note when signing up or logging back into an old account
When signing up for WeChat, do take note that if you’ve downloaded the app previously on a separate device and signed up with your mobile number, WeChat will only allow you to sign in on a new device with the same mobile number if you:
1️⃣ Use your original device to scan the QR code
2️⃣ Ask a friend on WeChat to verify your identity by sending the following numbers displayed on the app to your WeChat account
If you’re unable to follow through with the above, opt to sign up for a new account through your Facebook or Apple ID instead.
How To Use WeChat Pay In China: All You Need To Know — Check out the best things to do in Beijing here
Setting Up WeChat Pay with Your YouTrip Card
YouTrip is a multi-currency travel wallet that enables users to pay in multiple currencies without incurring additional fees. Here’s how to set up WeChat Pay with your YouTrip card:
1️⃣ Sign up for a YouTrip account on your mobile device and complete the verification process (Psst, if you’re new, use this promo code for FREE S$5: YTBLOG5)
2️⃣ Top up your YouTrip wallet via PayNow or with a debit/credit card
3️⃣ Once your YouTrip account is funded (in SGD), open the WeChat app and navigate to the ‘Me’ tab. Note that you won’t be able to view ‘Services’ under this tab until you have verified your details
4️⃣ Select ‘General’ > ‘Tools’ > ‘Weixin Pay’ > ‘Enable’ > you’ll receive a Weixin Pay notification — tap on it!
5️⃣ Tap ‘Activate Weixin Pay’ and verify your full details — including your passport details & an image of your passport
6️⃣ Head to ‘Me’ once again. This time you should be able to see ‘Services’ — tap on it.
7️⃣ Tap ‘Wallet’ > ‘Cards’ > ‘Add a card’ > Enter your payment password (you would’ve already set this up under the verification process)
8️⃣ Enter your YouTrip card details, including the card number, expiry date, and CVV. After entering your card details, your card type should automatically select ‘MASTERCARD’ under Card Type
9️⃣ Follow the prompts to verify your card, which may involve receiving a one-time password (OTP) via SMS or email.
🔟 Once your YouTrip card is successfully added to WeChat Pay, you can start using it for seamless payments and transactions throughout China.
How To Use WeChat Pay In China: All You Need To Know — Read this article on how to set up Alipay
Making Payments
Image credits: Medium
Using WeChat Pay to make payments is a straightforward process. Once your payment method is linked, you can proceed to make payments in 2 simple ways:
✅ Scan the QR code provided by the merchant or by entering their WeChat ID
- Click on the ‘+’ sign on the WeChat homepage
- Select ‘Scan’ to scan the QR code
- Enter the amount you’d like to transfer
- Confirm the transaction with your payment password
- Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a notification confirming the transaction.
✅ Utilise Quick Pay and have your QR code ready for the vendor to scan
- Click on ‘Me’ > ‘Services’
- Click on ‘Money’ at the top lefthand corner of the screen
- Display your QR code to the vendor for scanning
How To Use WeChat Pay In China: All You Need To Know — Check out our guide to visiting Guangzhou here
Can I delete my WeChat account when I leave China?
Yes, you can delete your WeChat account when leaving China. However, it’s important to note that once you delete your account, you will lose access to all your account data including chat history, contacts, and any linked services. If you plan to use WeChat again in the future, you’ll need to create a new account. Additionally, ensure that you’ve settled any outstanding payments or transactions linked to your account before deleting it.
Image credits: Unsplash
To delete your WeChat account when leaving China, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Log in to your WeChat account and navigate to ‘Me’ or your profile section.
2️⃣ Click on ‘Settings’ > ‘Account Security’ > ‘WeChat Security Center’
3️⃣ Head to ‘Safety Tools’ and select ‘Account Cancellation’ You may need to submit an application, delete all data, and verify your identity or provide additional information to proceed.
4️⃣ Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the deletion of your account. This may involve agreeing to terms and conditions or entering a verification code sent to your phone number.
5️⃣ Once confirmed, your WeChat account will be deleted permanently, and you will lose access to all associated data.
6️⃣ If prompted, log out of the WeChat app to ensure that your account deletion is finalised.
How To Use WeChat Pay In China: All You Need To Know — Click here for WeChat’s FAQ page
Is WeChat safe?
WeChat employs various security measures to safeguard user data and ensure the platform’s safety. As per WeChat’s official statements and privacy policies, prioritising user privacy and data protection remains their top priority.
How To Use WeChat Pay In China: All You Need To Know — Find out more here
Why is WeChat so popular in China?
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WeChat’s widespread adoption in China can be attributed to a multitude of factors that establish itself as an integral part of a user’s daily life. Its versatility, which is not limited to messaging but also social networking, gaming, and mobile payments, resonates with users seeking a unified platform for diverse needs. Moreover, the seamless integration of third-party services, coupled with the emphasis on social connections and the platform’s compliance with government regulations, further solidifies its position as the go-to app for millions.
How To Use WeChat Pay In China: All You Need To Know — Read this guide for hot spots to visit in China!
Have You Added Your YouTrip Card To WeChat Pay Yet?
Using WeChat and WeChat Pay during your travels in China offers unparalleled convenience. Bookmark this guide and share it with your friends and family! Don’t forget to maximise the benefits of WeChat and WeChat Pay by adding your YouTrip card to get the best CNY rates all day!
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.
And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜
Happy Travels!
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