WeChat paves the way for international payments in China with foreign cards
Shopping in China just got easier for international visitors! As of July 20, 2023 WeChat once again allows foreign visitors to link their international bank card to a WeChat account. This update offers considerable convenience for foreign travelers in China, where electronic payments are now predominant and the use of cash is increasingly rare in daily life.
How do you link your foreign credit card to your WeChat account?
With this latest update, travelers entering the country, including those with passports and various permits, can now use WeChat Pay seamlessly. In this way, they can link their international bank cards and carry out transactions with a multitude of local merchants.
WeChat Pay accepts only international cards issued by Visa, Mastercard, JCB or Discover Global Network.
Find out how to link your international bank card to your WeChat account and enjoy the benefits of WeChat Pay when traveling in China by downloading our guide.
Frequently asked questions :
- Are there any limitations for foreign cards on WeChat Pay?
It is important to note certain limitations when using foreign bank cards with WeChat Pay. Currently, foreign cards do not support features such as “red envelopes” (known as “hongbao” in Chinese) and direct transfers.
Specific transaction limits apply when using foreign cards with WeChat Pay.
– Individual transactions are limited to a maximum of RMB 6,000 (€774).
– Cumulative monthly limit of RMB 50,000 (€6366)
– Annual cumulative limit of RMB 60,000 (€7640)
- How is the exchange rate determined?
The exchange rate is calculated according to the exchange rates of the card issuer and the bank issuing the international card.
- Are there any transaction fees?
With the latest update, transaction fees will be waived for individual transactions of less than 200 RMB (€25). Transactions exceeding 200 RMB (€25) will be subject to a 3% transaction fee.
- What are the differences between Alipay and WeChat Pay?
Alipay’s international card service is quite similar to WeChat Pay in terms of usage, transaction fees and exchange rate calculations. However, WeChat Pay has expanded its range of international card types by adding JCB cards, while Alipay does not offer this option.
What’s more, when it comes to transaction limits, Alipay allows a maximum of 3,000 RMB (€382) per transaction, while WeChat Pay allows up to 6,000 RMB (€774) per transaction.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our team!
