How to Register WeChat Pay

Complete guide to registering and using the WeChat Pay payment system for Russian users

Need help registering WeChat Pay?

✓ Verification assistance
✓ Consultation in Russian
✓ Help with account top-up
✓ Account issue resolution
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Why do you need WeChat?

– In short: FOR EVERYTHING. WeChat is a universal solution to all issues in China. It's impossible to live in China without using WeChat; sooner or later you will have to install it.

WeChat has all the same functions as Alipay, but many more. In WeChat you can:

  • Chat, write, call, exchange contacts with Chinese people
  • Open menus and place orders in most establishments, for example at Starbucks in the airport without queuing
  • Find unique groups with unique people
  • Arrange services, for example get a virtual Chinese phone number
  • Complete various verifications, such as banking
  • Manage banking services and track transactions
Important: If you come to China for just a few days as a tourist, you don't need WeChat, but it certainly won't hurt.

1. How to register in WeChat

Note: This section is not needed if you are already registered in WeChat.

1 Download the app

Find the WeChat app in your app store and install it:

2 Register with a phone number

Fill in your details. Your name can be your nickname. Enter your phone number, password, check the box. You can add an avatar later.

BE SURE TO WRITE DOWN YOUR PASSWORD! In some circumstances, you may not be able to recover it!

3 Verify your number

Complete the simple captcha and ensure that your phone can receive calls and SMS.

IMPORTANT! At this stage, don't "annoy" WeChat. Do not try to resend the code if it does not arrive; try turning airplane mode on/off or try again later! If you do not follow this recommendation, your account may be subject to additional checks or be blocked!

Also check other apps – the SMS may even arrive via WhatsApp.

4 Account setup

Agree to and allow everything proposed on the following screens until you reach the screen with chat lists where you see "WeChat team".

It is important to add 2 contacts so that in case of additional checks or account recovery, you can pass verification. Do not rush to add all your friends at once, otherwise you may be blocked.

If you have no one to add, add me by nickname g741000.

2. Activate WeChat Pay

1 Open services section

Tap "Me" and open the Services section. If this section is not available, write to WeChat g741000 and ask for help activating "Services".

2 Open wallet

Open the Wallet; later you can explore this page and see what opportunities are available.

3 Open balance

Open the "Balance" section.

4 Complete KYC

Go through KYC step by step. Agree as if we have a choice and we are making it.

5 Fill in passport details

Fill in the data from your international passport.

  • ID effective Date – passport issue date
  • ID Expiration Date – passport expiration date

If you have difficulties finding Russia, the Chinese characters for Russia are 俄罗斯 (search by "e"), and for Ukraine 乌克兰 (search by "w"). For other CIS countries there should be no difficulties.

6 Verify your phone

Verify your phone number. You do not need to link a bank card at this stage. You can link a non-Russian card later if you wish. Having a card is NOT required to use WeChat Pay!

7 Set payment password

Set a payment password. This password will be used for payments and you must not forget it; I recommend writing it down.

8 Upload document

Upload the document (passport scan). Don't laugh at this stage, otherwise everything will start over :)

9 Complete verification

Click Verify, on the next screen just press the green button.

All done! Now you can use WeChat Pay.

3. Using WeChat Pay

1 Receiving payments

To receive yuan or pay on the spot: open the "Money" section.

2 Receive money

The current QR code works for payment where you are asked to show the payment code. Go to the "Receive money" section.

3 Save payment code

Be sure to click "Save payment code". Whoever takes a screenshot – minus a bowl of rice!

4 Send the code

Send the saved image with the green background to the person transferring money to you.

5 Quick access

On the main WeChat screen, if you tap the plus sign, you can immediately open the "Money" section or scan a QR code for a transfer.

Topping up your WeChat Pay account

1 Start the bot

Start @ZGC_Exchange_bot on Telegram.

2 Provide information

Share your phone number with the bot – this is for security.

3 Follow instructions

Follow the steps in the bot. If you have any questions, you can always ask them after opening a ticket.

You may also need to provide:

  • The phone number used during registration, in the format 7-XXXXXXXXXXX
  • Your surname and given name as in the passport (Latin letters)
After opening a ticket you will be answered by real people, so you can ask them any questions you have. In any disputable situation, an administrator is involved who can always see your conversation with the operator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if registration asks for someone to scan a QR code?

Try reinstalling the app and logging in again, or contact someone you know personally. You can also complete verification for a fee of 1000 rubles via the Telegram bot @ZGC_Exchange_bot.

SMS to Russian numbers does not arrive, what should I do?

SMS to Russian numbers are temporarily almost not arriving; look for a notification in WhatsApp or another app.

Can I use WeChat Pay without linking a bank card?

Yes, having a card is NOT required to use WeChat Pay! You can top up your account via exchange services.

Useful resources about China