WeChat & SIM
SIM/eSIM options, WeChat Pay setup, and visa-free guidance for SinoEZ travelers.
Complete WeChat Pay Setup Guide
Installing the WeChat App
Download the official WeChat app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If you already have WeChat installed, make sure to update it to the latest version!
Registration
WeChat requires a phone number to register, but it does not need to be a Chinese mainland (+86) number. Any international phone number that can receive SMS verification codes will work.
- 1. Enter your full name, region, phone number, and set a password.
- 2. Read the Terms of Service, and then click Accept and Continue.
- 3. Verify your phone number with the SMS code sent to you.
Security Verification
After registration, WeChat requires a security verification process to keep out spammers. There are three ways to verify:
💡 We recommend activating WeChat Pay as it will make your travel much easier!
- • Add a payment card
- • Invite a user who has been using WeChat for 6 months to scan your QR code
- • Activate WeChat Pay (recommended)
Linking a Foreign Bank Card
If you already have WeChat and want to activate WeChat Pay, follow these steps:
Supported Card Types:
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Discover, Diners Club International
- Tap "Me" > "Services" (or "Settings" > "General" > "Tools" > "WeChat Pay" > "Enable")
- Tap "Wallet" > "Bank Cards" > "Add A Bank Card"
- Enter your card information and set a 6-digit payment password
⚠️ Note: $0.05 will be deducted as a verification fee. Make sure the "Default Payment" is set to your bank card, not "Wallet Balance."
Spending Limits
Without real-name authentication, you can spend up to ¥15,000 (approx. $2,000) total during your stay in China.
Basic Limit
¥15,000
Without real-name authentication
Verified Limit
Higher
After real-name authentication
Real-name Authentication (Optional)
To increase your spending limit, complete real-name authentication. This is a standard step in compliance with China's anti-money laundering laws.
Accepted Documents:
- • Foreign passport
- • Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents
- • Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents
- • Residence Permits for Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan residents
- • Foreign Permanent Residence card
- Go to "Me" > "Pay and Services" > "Money"
- Tap on any unavailable service (e.g., "Receive Money") and click "Complete Now"
- Follow the prompts to upload your passport photo and complete verification
Using WeChat Pay for Payments
You're all set! Now it's time to start using WeChat Pay like a local.
Scan Merchant's Code
Open WeChat, tap "Scan" and scan the merchant's QR code to pay.
Show Your Code
Tap "Money" to show your payment QR code for the merchant to scan.
Mini Programs
Explore Chinese apps through WeChat's mini programs - built-in apps that bring services right to your fingertips!
Unlinking Your Bank Card
If you wish to unlink your bank card after your trip:
- Navigate to "Me" > "Pay and Services" > "Wallet" > "Bank Cards"
- Find the card you want to remove, tap the three dots in the top right corner
- Enter your payment password to confirm removal
WeChat Pay Setup Helper
Hands-on guidance to register and link a foreign card.
$9
- • Step-by-step onboarding
- • Card linking support
- • Usage tips + safety checklist