Do you have WeChat?

...this question is heard and asked very often here. WeChat is the ultimate phone app. In essence, it is similar to WhatsApp, you can communicate, create groups, make calls, or video chat.

It is quite normal to exchange WeChat contacts. To do that, one person scans the other and then sends a 'friend request'. Once in contact, you can send messages, photos, videos, and even money. This way, you can pay for things or services. To be able to make payments, you link your Chinese bank card to your WeChat account. Everyone, from a flower vendor to the supermarket cashier to the restaurant, has a small sign with a green-bordered barcode somewhere to stick or hang. You simply scan it, enter the amount and PIN, and you receive a message from your bank about the last transaction and the new account balance, also on WeChat. However, if you receive more than 200,000RMB per year, official authorities will ask annoying questions if you have not registered a business. This was reported to me by Hans, he and his Chinese girlfriend run a business selling Western sausage and cheese specialties.

In some restaurants, there is a barcode sticker on the tables. After scanning it, the menu opens and you can order your food and pay later.

Ordering bread rolls for breakfast on the weekends? You order and pay via WeChat. Of course, the goods are then delivered by one of the countless scooter couriers.

In the so-called 'Moments', you can tell the world what you are currently doing or advertise something. This way, Michael, the manager of my favorite pub, keeps us up to date on WeChat Moments about what is currently happening.

If you have arranged to meet someone, you can share your location with each other and then see where the other person is.

Even recharging your phone card, paying the electricity bill, or buying train tickets can be done with small add-on programs.

The Chinese everyday life would not only be unthinkable without WeChat, but it would also not be possible anymore. It is quite normal to leave the house without a wallet because you pay with WeChat. Cash is still accepted but unusual, credit cards, especially Western ones, are mostly not accepted.

WeChat is definitely one of the things that makes the difference to life in Germany.