💳 How to Set Up WeChat Pay / Alipay

Updated September 2026 · Tap any step to expand

1
Download the app
▶
Your App Store
🔍 Search "WeChat" or "Alipay"
W
WeChat
Developer: Tencent
A
Alipay
Developer: Ant Group
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Open the app store that came with your phone. Search for "WeChat" or "Alipay" and download the official app.

  • iPhone: open App Store, search "WeChat" or "Alipay"
  • Android: open Google Play or your phone's built-in app store
  • Verify the developer name before downloading
Can't find it in your app store? Use the official websites below.

Official websites:

WeChat official site Alipay official site
How to verify: WeChat = "Tencent", Alipay = "Ant Group".
2
Register with your phone number
▶
Sign Up
Country/Region
🇺🇸 United States (+1)
Phone Number
Enter your phone number
Verification Code
Enter 6-digit code · Send
Next
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Open the app and sign up with your phone number.

  • Use a number that can receive international SMS
  • If you don't receive the code, wait 60 seconds and try again
  • Some carriers block SMS from China
Common problem: SMS verification codes from Chinese apps are frequently blocked or delayed by foreign carriers.
3
Add your bank card
▶
Add Bank Card
Card Number
1234 5678 9012 3456
Expiry Date
MM / YY
CVV
•••
Cardholder Name
As shown on card
Add Card
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Go to Wallet → Add Bank Card. Enter your card details.

  • WeChat: Me → Services → Wallet → Bank Cards → Add Bank Card
  • Alipay: Me → Bank Cards → Add Bank Card
  • Your card must support international transactions
Common problem: Your card may be declined even though it works elsewhere.
4
Verify with your passport
▶
Identity Verification

Select your ID type

Passport
For international users
Other ID
Continue
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When prompted, choose "Passport" as your ID type.

  • Choose "Passport" — NOT "Other ID"
  • Your name must match your passport exactly
  • Make sure the passport photo is clear and not blurry
Common problem: If you selected the wrong ID type, you may not be able to change it.
5
Start scanning and paying
▶
Pay

Show this code to the cashier

Scan
Pay
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You're ready. Scan QR codes at shops, restaurants, and taxis.

  • Scan: tap the "Scan" button and point at the merchant's QR code
  • Pay: show your payment code to the cashier to scan
  • Some large purchases may not accept foreign cards — carry cash as backup
⚠ Common issues you may encounter ▶

The 5 steps above cover the basics. But here's what actually goes wrong:

  • Your card is declined even though it works elsewhere
  • You selected the wrong ID type and can't change it
  • Your name doesn't match your passport exactly
  • Your bank blocks the transaction for security
  • The verification fails and you don't know why
  • You can receive payments but can't make them
  • Your account gets flagged for unusual activity

The full guide covers 15+ issues with step-by-step fixes.

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Browse all 15 payment cases

Each opens its own free diagnosis + first-step page:

Your card is declined in China — but it works everywhere else You selected the wrong ID type and can't change it Your name doesn't match your passport exactly Your bank blocks the transaction for security The verification fails and you don't know why You can receive payments but can't make them Your account gets flagged for unusual activity Your SMS verification code never arrives You can't add more than one card Your payment fails at the moment of purchase Your payment limit is too low You need a refund to your foreign card You can't read the Chinese interface Your account is frozen You need a receipt or invoice