💳 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
Illustrative image only

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
Illustrative image only

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
Illustrative image only

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
Illustrative image only

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
Illustrative image only

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.

Don't get stuck at Step 3.

This guide is part of the full kit. One purchase unlocks everything.

Get the full guide.

Unlock the full kit — $9.99

Terms apply. See our disclaimer.