WeChat Pay — Setup, Scan/Show to Pay, Red Packets, Split Bills & Safety
WeChat Pay (微信支付) is built into the WeChat app and works almost everywhere in China—cafés, taxis, vending machines, ticket counters, and mini-programs. This guide shows au pairs and students how to enable it, pay confidently, split bills, and fix common issues. Availability of features and supported cards can vary by country and bank—start with a small test purchase.
Enable WeChat Pay (Step by Step)
1) Install & Sign In
- Download WeChat → sign up with your mobile number (SMS code).
- Complete basic profile; keep notifications on for payment alerts.
2) Turn On Wallet
- Go to Me → Services/Wallet. If Wallet isn’t visible, it may appear after adding a card or when you’re in China.
- Follow prompts for real-name info if requested (passport details).
- Set a payment PIN and enable Face/Touch ID.
Some regions unlock Wallet only after you arrive in China or after adding a supported card.
Add a Way to Pay
Link a Card
- Wallet/Services → Cards/Bank Cards → Add.
- Enter card info; name should match your passport.
- Start with a small test (e.g., bottled water) to confirm it works.
Other Methods
- Some users add a local bank account after arrival.
- Top-ups and features vary—ask your coordinator or classmates what works for your nationality.
Keep a little cash during week one while payments are being set up.
Two Ways to Pay In-Store
A) Scan the Merchant’s QR (扫商家码)
- Tap + → Scan (or Me → Services → Scan).
- Point at the shop’s QR near the cashier.
- If asked, enter the amount → confirm with PIN/Face ID.
- Show the success screen if they ask.
B) Show Your Payment Code (出示付款码)
- Go to Me → Services/Wallet → Money/Pay.
- Your dynamic QR appears; the cashier scans it.
- Approve if prompted; you’ll see a tick and the amount.
Street stalls often use static codes where you type the amount. Double-check the merchant name and amount before confirming.
Online, Transit & Mini-Programs
- Mini-programs inside WeChat handle taxis, food delivery, tickets, phone top-ups, etc.
- Transit: many cities let you add a metro/bus QR card in the Services area (rules vary).
- For vending machines/kiosks, scan the screen QR and confirm the amount.
Split Bills, Transfers & Red Packets
Split Bill in a Group Chat
- In a group → + → choose Split Bill (if available).
- Enter total → select who shares → send request.
Transfer (转账)
- Open a chat → + → Transfer → amount → note → send.
- Great when one person paid the whole bill.
Red Packet (红包)
- Send small payments in a fun envelope—1-to-1 or to a group.
- Useful for quick reimbursements or gifts.
Receipts, Records & Fapiao
Payment History
- See past payments in Me → Services/Wallet → Bills.
- Screenshot the details page for reimbursements.
Invoice (发票, Fapiao)
- Ask the merchant if they issue e-fapiao; often via a mini-program.
- Provide tax details if your company/school needs them.
Safety & Best Practices
- Verify merchant name after scanning; if it looks wrong, cancel.
- Only pay inside official WeChat flows; avoid external links/QRs from strangers.
- Confirm the amount before paying; say it aloud with the cashier.
- Enable PIN/biometrics and consider a modest per-payment limit.
- Refunds should return to the original channel; avoid refunds to “personal codes”.
Troubleshooting (Fast Fixes)
Payment Fails
- Toggle Wi-Fi/data; retry.
- Try the other method (scan vs show) or a small amount.
- Re-add card; check name/passport match.
Scan Works, No Charge
- Static QR: enter the amount manually.
- Reduce screen glare; clean camera; ask for the shop’s scanner.
Limits & Verification
- Complete real-name prompts.
- Some accounts have daily/transaction limits—adjust in Wallet settings if available.
Useful Mandarin at the Counter
- 可以用微信支付吗？— Can I pay with WeChat?
- 我自己输入金额吗？— Do I enter the amount myself?
- 请扫我的付款码。— Please scan my payment code.
- 这个金额对吗？— Is this amount correct?
- 可以开发票吗？— Can you issue a fapiao?
- 可以分开付吗？— Can we split the bill?
First-Week Checklist
- Enable Wallet → set payment PIN → turn on alerts.
- Add a card or supported method → do a small test purchase.
- Practice both flows: scan a merchant & show your code.
- Try a transfer/red packet with a friend; keep a cash backup.
Get Confident with WeChat Pay
We’ll guide setup, test purchases, and safety habits—and share Chinese phrases for cafés, taxis, and returns—so paying in China feels easy from day one.
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