WeChat - Messaging, Payments, and QR Codes
WeChat is the super app for communication, payments, and daily life in China.
Quick answer
WeChat is required for daily communication and QR-based payments, and many services depend on it.
WeChat is more than messaging
WeChat is the core platform for messaging, payments, and access to services through QR codes. Many businesses only provide WeChat-based support.
Even if you are using other payment apps, WeChat remains the easiest way to contact hotels, drivers, or local contacts.
In-app translation service
WeChat can translate messages, voice notes, and even signs, which makes day-to-day communication much easier if you do not read Chinese.
Long-press a message to translate it, use the write-and-translate input to send replies in Chinese, and scan signs or menus with the built-in camera translate option.
- Long-press messages to translate
- Write-and-translate your replies
- Scan to translate signs and menus
Payment setup for visitors
Foreign visitors can often link a credit or debit card to WeChat Pay. Verify your identity early and test a small transaction.
Keep a backup payment method because some merchants accept only Alipay or cash.
QR codes and mini programs
Many services use QR codes for entry, ordering, or access. Scan a code and it opens a mini program within WeChat.
Mini programs can replace separate apps for metro tickets, museums, and tourist attractions.
- Scan to pay
- Scan to access services
- Use mini programs for tickets
Easy Mode for senior travelers
Easy Mode (Care Mode) simplifies the interface with larger text, higher-contrast visuals, and bigger buttons, which helps senior travelers navigate confidently.
Enable it in Settings to make chats, payments, and scanning easier to see, and turn on the listen-to-text option for spoken message playback.
- Bigger text and high-contrast UI
- Larger buttons reduce mis-taps
- Optional listen-to-text playback