Until recently, expats without Chinese language skills had little chance of ordering a taxi online or buying movie tickets over the Internet. Popular apps like Dianping still don’t have an English version. With the help of WeChat Wallet, several new opportunities are opening up for foreigners in China. Companies can also use the virtual wallet for themselves, for example as part of marketing campaigns.

Setting up the WeChat Wallet is extremely easy:

You can access WeChat Wallet on your profile directly below the “Favorites” tab and above the “Sticker Gallery”. If you have problems finding your wallet, it could be because you are using an outdated version of WeChat. When you click on “Wallet”, a selection of products that you can pay for via WeChat (Weixin) will appear.

Selecting “Bank Card” allows you to link your account to your WeChat account. WeChat will first ask you for your name and credit card number. Alternatively, you can also enter the number of a Chinese direct debit card. You will also be asked to provide your telephone number.

WeChat Wallet offers you the opportunity to pay for a large number of services online:

These include gas and electricity bills (utilities), movie tickets, flight tickets, and taxis. In the Mobile Top Ups category, WeChat users have the opportunity to top up their mobile phone credit, and under Lucky Money, there is the option of sending a “red envelope”. The virtual envelopes are often sent out, especially for Chinese New Year or other family occasions, and they can also be used excellently as part of an online marketing campaign. With the help of Quick Pay, you have the opportunity to shop in a variety of partner stores, for example at the convenience store operator FamilyMart or 7Eleven.