The steps
- Enter mainland China.
- Set up Weixin Pay with your passport. Tencent also lists the Mainland Travel Permit, the Mainland Residence Permit for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents, and the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card.
- Link an international credit or debit card.
- Pay by scanning QR codes, showing a payment code, using Mini Programs or paying in apps.
This follows Tencent’s article of 20 Jul 2023. The article links to a separate card guide that we did not read, so follow the prompts in the app for the exact screens.
Cards and fees
Tencent names these networks: Visa, American Express, Discover Global Network including Diners Club, JCB and Mastercard. It says transaction fees are waived for single payments of 200 RMB or less, subject to the payment page.
The article gives no fee for larger payments and no maximum amount. Check the payment screen before you confirm a large purchase.
Before you fly
- Have your passport and the card with you; the setup happens after you arrive.
- Install your eSIM first, so you can reach the app and its verification step at the airport.
- Set up Alipay too, as a second wallet.
- Make a small first payment to confirm that everything works.
Compare China eSIM plans
Yesim
CHINA- 1 GB, 30 days
- 5 GB, 30 days: $13.20
- Unlimited, 5 days: $21.60
- Speed may be reduced under the network’s fair-use policy.
Airalo
CHINA- 1 GB, 3 days
- 5 GB, 30 days: $14.50
- Unlimited, 5 days: $19.00
- Throttled to 1 Mbps after 3 GB per day.
Saily
CHINA- 1 GB, 7 days
- 5 GB, 30 days: $15.99
- Unlimited, 5 days: $22.99
- 5 GB per day at full speed, then up to 1 Mbps.
Check eSIM compatibility, carrier unlock, coverage and when validity starts. Buy and install while you have reliable Wi-Fi. Prices in US dollars, from each provider’s China page on the date shown. They change often.
Questions before you go
Can I set up WeChat Pay before I arrive?
Tencent’s article describes the steps as starting after you enter the mainland. Check the app for any change.
Which cards can I link?
Visa, American Express, Discover Global Network including Diners Club, JCB and Mastercard.
What does it cost?
Fees are waived for single payments of 200 RMB or less. The article does not state fees above that.
Sources & review notes
- Tencent: Weixin Pay for overseas visitors, 20 Jul 2023 ↗ · Reviewed
- Tencent visitor payment guide ↗ · Reviewed
Product prices use their own dates. Provider statements are not independent connection tests. Recheck time-sensitive details before booking.