WeChat is a popular social media application, predominantly used in China, but its usage and setup process can be challenging for non-residents and foreign visitors.
This article suggests that a few years ago, it was virtually impossible for a foreigner to set up a WeChat account independently. The only feasible way was to have a friend in China set up a WeChat pay account using their local mobile phone number and credit card details and provide the login details.
Setting up WeChat pay for foreigners
The process of setting up a WeChat pay for foreigners involves entering a mobile number that can recieve sms verification code and having them assist in the registration process.
Having a referral from a verified WeChat user can facilitate the setup process. This can be a significant hurdle for foreign users who do not have contacts in China.
While WeChat is a valuable social media platform, its setup process can be complex and challenging for non-residents and foreign users visiting China.
Binding overseas credit card in WeChat pay
WeChat pay is now accessible by foreigners via a binding foreign credit card using a passport. Here are the 3 steps to bind your local credit card to WeChat pay:
WeChat pay for foreigners challenges
While people couldn’t top up their account with an RMB balance or send money to friends, they were able to use it for mobile payments like making purchases from shops and using DiDi, a popular ride-hailing service in Mainland China.
For mobile payments to smaller street food vendors, scan vendor’s QR code would pay them with Alipay or WeChat pay as the following QR code (green is vendor’s WeChat QR code, blue is vendor’s AliPay code ):
Topping up a WeChat Pay account requires a local bank account. If you’ve linked your passport, you should be able to pay using your international bank card like Visa or Mastercard, but you won’t be able to top up your account.
WeChat payment system has been a source of frustration for many users, particularly tourists. The system often fails to function smoothly for international tourists.
This is especially true for tourists who are required to register with their real names and Chinese ID cards to access museums and other attractions. This process can be quite a hassle for those visiting from outside Mainland China.
One workaround is to sign up Alipay. Choose the right payment solutions for you, Alipay or WeChat pay?
Another issue with WeChat pay for foreigners is the customer service, which is not very obvious to find. Users have to click on a link at the bottom of the ‘View Solution’ page to access a form where they can upload documents to get unblocked. This process often needs to be repeated multiple times, as WeChat pay support keep asking for documents related to each card added to the wallet, even if it has been removed.
Does WeChat pay for foreigners to monitor your personal chats and potentially report you to the authorities?
WeChat, a popular messaging app, does monitor personal chats and has the potential to report users to authorities.
The likelihood of being reported depends on several factors, though:
Criticizing minor events may result in a low probability of being reported, but the risk increases with the significance of the event. For instance, criticizing Xi Jinping personally carries the highest risk.
The user’s identity also plays a role. Foreigners are less likely to be reported than Chinese citizens. Regardless of these factors, WeChat retains all chat records. Even if users are not immediately reported or arrested, a record of their activities is maintained.
WeChat also employs word detection. If certain trigger words are used, the chat may be reported. Additionally, authorities can easily access full chat histories if a user is implicated in real-world activities. There have been instances where users were banned from WeChat for discussing politics, but not reported to the police or authorities.
WeChat’s monitoring extends beyond text to include image and emoticon detection. Sending politically sensitive images or emoticons can result in detection and potential banning. Sometimes, the app restricts certain words and images so that only the sender can see them, but not the receiver.
Therefore, while WeChat does monitor personal chats, the extent of its reporting varies based on several factors.
WeChat Pay for Foreigners Alternatives
An alternative to WeChat Pay for foreigners is Alipay, check our comprehensive guide of Alipay 2024 (which I tested in person and worked perfectly in 2024).
Some other alternatives of WeChat’s messaging platform are Apple’s iMessages and FaceTime. These platforms are not blocked, however, they are only functional on Apple devices. Another alternative is Microsoft Teams, which is accessible in China and has a client for almost every device. Skype is also a viable option as it is not blocked and is free to use.
However, there have been issues with the search function, but it is unclear whether this is device-specific or related to the firewall.
Email is a more traditional method for text-based communication. Before using it, it is also suggested that you set up a VPN on the phone. QQ is considered the only real alternative in China.
Skype is not completely banned in China and can be used for chatting, voice calls, and video calls. Tencent TIM (QQ without add-ons) is also an option, but it is censored.
As for VPN, NordVPN is not recommended as it no longer works in China, those VPNs are still working 2024 in China. Therefore, the main alternatives to WeChat are Apple’s iMessages and FaceTime, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Alipay, iMessage, and QQ.
WeChat requires roaming
WeChat requires roaming to function optimally. This has been observed by users in various locations, including Thailand. Despite the roaming requirement, normal instant messaging still works fine, indicating that the basic communication features of the app are not affected by the roaming condition. However, the speed of receiving files is noticeably slower, which could be a result of the roaming requirement.
Moreover, using the WeChat app straight up, without any modifications or additional settings, may not work most of the time. This suggests that the app’s performance is significantly influenced by the roaming condition, and users may need to adjust their settings or usage habits to ensure smooth operation.
Interestingly, the app’s behavior may also vary depending on its title: WeChat or WeiXin. For instance, if the app is opened under the title ‘WeChat’, it might behave differently than when it is opened under the title ‘Weixin’.
This could be due to different settings or features associated with each title: Accounts tied to a Chinese mainland phone number will access Weixin, while those with a foreign number will use WeChat. Therefore, users should be aware of these potential differences and adjust their usage accordingly.
In conclusion, while WeChat requires roaming, its basic messaging feature remains functional. However, users may experience slower file reception and occasional operational issues. The app’s behavior may also vary depending on its title.
