If you’re planning to visit China, learning how to use WeChat is essential before heading there. This all-in-one app is much more than just a messaging platform; it’s vital for daily life in China. From communication and payments to navigation and social networking, WeChat can simplify many aspects of your travel experience. Here’s a detailed guide to help you familiarise yourself with this super app.

In This How To Use WeChat Guide:

Getting Started with WeChat

Downloading and Setting Up the App

• Download: WeChat is available on the App Store for iOS users and Google Play for Android users.
• Registration: You can register using your mobile phone number. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your number through an SMS code. You will need to set up a password and optionally add a profile photo.
• Language: The app offers multiple language options, including English. You can set your preferred language under the “Me” tab > “Settings” > “General” > “Language”.

Understanding the WeChat Interface

WeChat’s interface is divided into four main sections: Chats, Contacts, Discover, and Me.

• Chats: This is where you can view and send messages to your contacts. WeChat supports text, voice messages, photos, videos, and location sharing.
• Contacts: A list of your contacts, including friends, official accounts, and group chats.
• Discover: Here, you can explore social features like Moments (similar to a Facebook timeline), Scan QR codes, Shake, and People Nearby to find other users.
• Me: Your personal profile, settings, and WeChat Pay are found in this section.

Messaging and Social Networking

Messaging

This part of the app is straightforward and very similar to other messaging apps in the market, like Whatsapp. You can access the messaging function through the Chat section of the app.

• Send texts, voice messages, photos, videos, and even short video clips directly to friends or group chats.
• Hold down the “+” icon in chats to access additional features such as file sharing and location sharing.

Adding Friends

• Go to “Contacts” section, click the “+” icon on the top right, choose the option you prefer
• Add friends by scanning their QR code, searching their phone number or WeChat ID
• You can also add people by syncing your phone contacts
• To access your QR code, go to “Me” section and click on the top section, followed by My QR Code. You can also get it from “Discover” > “Scan”> “My QR Code”

Social Features

• Moments: Share photos, videos, and status updates on your feed. You can also comment on or like your friends’ posts.
• Channels: This feature allows users to post longer videos and live streams. It’s a great way to discover content from other users.

You can access both Moments and Channels through the “Discover” section of the Wechat app.

WeChat Pay: Your Digital Wallet in China

WeChat Pay is a game-changer for foreigners in China, as cash usage is declining and credit cards from outside China are often not accepted. This, in my opinion, is the most important function that you have to familiarise yourself with for your trip. Here’s how to set it up:

Setting Up WeChat Pay

• Linking bank card: Go to the “Me” tab > “Pay and Services” > “Wallet” > “Bank Cards”
• Link your bank card. Most international cards (like Visa and Mastercard) can be linked to WeChat Pay. It’s recommended to have a Chinese bank account or a local prepaid card if possible.
• Wechat Balance: In order to top up your Wechat balance, you’ll need to verify your identity by keying in your ID or passport details. This step is not crucial, I would suggest just skipping it if you’re just visiting for a short period.

Using WeChat Pay

• Payments: There are 2 ways to pay via Wechat, by allowing the shop to scan your QR code, or by scanning the shop’s QR code.
• To show the cashier your QR code, go to “Me” tab > “Pay and Services” > “Money”. Show the cashier the barcode when making payment. Tap on “Change” below the QR code to change the card.
• To scan the shop’s QR code, go to “Discover” > “Scan” or click the + button on the top right of the Chats section and then “Scan”
• Money Transfer and Red Packets: A fun way to send money in group chats, especially during special occasions. However, this requires having money balance in Wechat, China bank account or China bank card, so this option is not available for most foreigners.

Mini-Programs (小程序): Apps Within WeChat

WeChat’s mini-programs are like apps within the app, offering services ranging from food delivery and ride-hailing to shopping and booking tickets. Knowing how mini programs work is also essential for making your China trip a smooth one, especially for ordering food. Many shops have a self-ordering system, and require you to order through mini program.

There are a few ways you can access Mini Programs:

• By swiping down on the Chat screen, you’ll see the mini programs you used recently and can also search for other mini programs
• Go to “Discover” > “Search”. Here you can type the name of the mini program or brand you are looking for.
• You can also scan the QR code in shops to quickly access their mini program
• Under “Me” > “Pay and Services”, there are also popular mini programs like Didi (ride hailing) and Meituan (food delivery)

There are mini programs for essentially everything in China; you can even take the train with each city’s transport mini program. For example, in Guangzhou, you can use the 广州地铁小程序 and scan the mini program’s QR code when entering the gantry, instead of having to buy a transport card.

Tip: Always check the outlet indicated in the mini program before ordering food. The outlet indicated in the mini program is often based on your GPS location and may not be the outlet you are actually in, even if you accessed the mini program by scanning the QR code in the shop! Always ask the shop staff if you’re unsure. I’ve made the mistake of ordering before confirming if the outlet indicated is correct. It was a waste of money as we couldn’t go to that outlet to collect the food.

Tip: Open up the Meituan mini program while in your home country as it requires OTP verification when accessing for the first time. You can get the OTP with your local phone number for the OTP verification. This way, you’ll be able to use the Meituan mini program for food delivery while in China.

Troubleshooting/Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use Wechat without a Chinese number?

Yes, you just have to install and set up Wechat with your local number while still in your home country, or wherever you’re able to get the OTP via SMS for verification.

2. Why is something missing from my “Discover” section? Why does my “Discover” section look different?

Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Manage Discover” to adjust what appears in your Discover section.