Why Trust This Article?
- • Author: Hesham Al-Daaja (based in China since 2019)
- • Last updated: Sep 24, 2026
- • Based on direct field experience with Arab travelers and buyers
Introduction: Today's Announcement From Tencent Targets International Visitors Directly
I'm Hesham, living in China since 2019. Today (September 24, 2026), Tencent, the company behind WeChat, announced three new initiatives to make payments easier for international visitors in China, unveiled at the "Smart Payment Qianhai" event in Shenzhen -- ahead of China hosting the APEC 2026 summit in Shenzhen on November 17-19, 2026 (China's third time hosting APEC, and its first in 12 years). This is directly relevant if you're planning a trip to China soon, because one of the three changes is official Arabic-language support built into the payment app itself.
Quick Answer
Three initiatives: (1) US-based PayPal users can now pay by scanning a WeChat Pay QR code directly, with other markets to follow in phases, (2) a 90-day waiver of the usual 3% fee for first-time users linking an international bank card to WeChat, on daily spending up to RMB 1,000, and (3) in-app payment guidance in 16 languages including Arabic, plus service desks at Shenzhen airports and hotels with 24/7 multilingual support.
Initiative 1: Linking PayPal Directly to WeChat Pay
TenPay Global, Tencent's international payments arm, has partnered with PayPal World so PayPal users can scan a WeChat Pay QR code at any Chinese merchant that accepts it -- in practice, tens of millions of merchants nationwide. The service will launch first for US-based PayPal users, with other markets planned in later phases (it hasn't been announced yet whether Arab markets are included in the next wave).
Initiative 2: A 90-Day Waiver on the Usual 3% Fee
This is the most practical point for most readers: if you link an international bank card to WeChat for the first time, you get a waiver on the transfer fee (normally 3% on transactions over ¥200, as I explain in my full Alipay and WeChat Pay setup guide) for 90 consecutive days from your first transaction, on daily spending up to RMB 1,000. In practice: for the first three months of your trip or stay, you skip the usual card fee, as long as you stay within the daily cap.
Initiative 3: Official Support in 16 Languages, Including Arabic
For the first time, Arabic is part of WeChat Pay's official in-app guidance, alongside 15 other languages including English, Korean, Thai, Russian, and Spanish, covering most APEC economies. Tencent also announced physical service desks at airports, ports of entry, hotels, and commercial districts in Shenzhen, with 24/7 multilingual support.
What This Actually Means for You as an Arab Traveler
The core steps to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip haven't changed -- read my full step-by-step guide if you haven't activated your account yet. But this announcement adds an extra layer of support: if this is your first time linking a card, you automatically qualify for the fee waiver; and if you need help while using the app, there's now Arabic-language guidance built in, instead of relying entirely on translation apps or outside help.
Quick Summary
- 90-day 3% fee waiver for first-time international card linking, up to ¥1,000 daily spending
- Official Arabic support among 16 languages in the WeChat Pay app
- Service desks at Shenzhen airports and hotels with 24/7 support
- PayPal-to-WeChat Pay linking launches first for US users
Need Help Planning Your Trip?
I'm Hesham, living in China since 2019, and I help Arab travelers daily with every detail of their trip -- from setting up payment apps to private drivers and tailored consulting. Reach out directly on WhatsApp if you need help or have questions.
