This has been a frequent topic between us for quite some time since one of us lives in China and uses WeChat Pay every day (Mirko) and one lives in Germany, but would love to use WeChat Pay during his China trips (Björn).

Until last year there was indeed a little loophole: a registered user of WeChat Pay could send money to a foreigner’s wallet, which then could be used to pay with WeChat. Hurray.

But as the article below clarifies that has changed sometime over the last couple of months: now you need a a Chinese mobile phone number AND a Chinese bank account even to use the wallet.

So, can a foreigner use WeChat Pay in China? The answer right now in Summer 2019 is: NO F*CKING CHANCE! Unfortunately. 😟

Travel China Cheaper: How Add Money to WeChat (Domestic & International)