The App: WeChat
What's That? WeChat is the largest communication app in China. Released at the start of 2011 this app has left texting, phone calls and even apps like WhatsApp in their wake, offering free communication, money transfer, etc. to its users.
Price: Free
What's Included?
WeChat offers voice and video calling, texting, wallet services, credit card and coupon storage, etc. It also has options to “find” people nearby (via “Shake,” “People Nearby” or “Friend Radar”), broadcast messages (where you send messages to multiple people at once) and news updates.
Outside basic services, WeChat is a vital resource for those looking to market products and events, or join communities with like-minded people. WeChat groups are a feature that adds numerous people to one conversation stream. In this group chat, you can follow an on-going conversation, tag people who you want to direct a comment, etc. For those running weekly events or marketing a service, it can also be a great way to update group members about upcoming events, discounts, etc. (Don't worry: You can mute conversations that are particularly active so you can avoid constant updates without missing a message from your best friend.)
WeChat Wallet has rapidly risen as a go-to for day-to-day payments, competing with Alipay around Beijing. You can transfer funds between WeChat accounts, or send along a hóngbāo, or “red packet gift” with whatever amount (in yuan) you choose. Many businesses are offering the option to use WeChat Pay – simply scan your code and they'll snag the payment from funds in your account.
WeChat Moments are largely used in lieu of a working VPN. Those familiar with Facebook or Twitter will appreciate the Moments – it's essentially a feed of your contacts' recent posts and photos. In this feed, folks share recent events or updates on their lives. They also tease to events they're going to, news articles they find interesting, or funny screen grabs that'll have you chuckling over your lunch break. You can “like” and “comment” just as you can on Facebook, and it will notify you as others “like” your post.
Other services include: ordering a taxi (much as you would an Uber or Lift); real-time location; games you can then play with other WeChat connections.
Compatible with: All phones, foreign and domestic. This includes Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Phones and Symbian. It, of course, will also work with all Chinese brands – Xiaomi, Huawei, etc. It will work outside China, too, for family members and friends in other countries. Tablets can also access WeChat, as can desktop computers. The caveat is that you will log out of your phone's account and into that new device. So remember, upon logging off, to reboot your phone's log-in so you get notifications for the rest of your day.
Why WeChat?
As the (adopted) saying goes, “When in China ...” Born and bred in China, it's the most ubiquitous and reliable communication method nationwide. “Can I get your WeChat?” is a common question upon first meetings or when networking at an event. To say you'd be out of the loop without it is an understatement. Most employers will opt to communicate through WeChat, as will friends and colleagues alike. Companies offer specials or event updates via groups or subscriptions, making it a powerful tool for anyone marketing an event, or simply looking for ways to spend their Saturday night. The “Wallet” feature is increasingly used across Beijing – whether you're paying a tutor, settling a loan with a friend or buying a soda from Seven Eleven.
Those back in Europe and America can also download the app, allowing you access to free text, voice and video calls with loved ones back home. Note: In my experience, WeChat notifications rarely show up while in America or Europe. So it's good to remind family or friends to check the app to see if you've written recently.
In my experience:
Since moving to Beijing, I've been slow to embrace all WeChat has to offer. Sure, I knew how to get some cool stickers (GIFs created for WeChat texting), and I had posted a moment or two.
Then I was added to my first few groups.
The steady stream jumped from funny jokes to job postings to offers for discounted items on sale. Soon I had a collection groups based on my own interests or needs. As a regular participant of a storytelling event in Gulou, I was part of the “Storytelling” group that updated members on the week's themes. I'd made it into a women's group that discussed women's topics, offered networking opportunities and shared gender-related articles. My “Pizza” group was just a handful of folks who liked to head to local pizza joints every Tuesday. The book club I joined had its own literature discussions, frequently posting articles related to that month's book. One of my favorite bars uses its group to post nightly deals and events, hoping to lure us all out after work.
It was overwhelming at first, but I soon discovered the power of the groups. Feminists can hop into a like-minded group, as could those looking for a friendly community of LGBT members and allies. If you're looking to have a party, create a group and invite your friends to a conversation about the details and what to bring. Find friends to create a mini group with, and fill it with jokes and gossip throughout the day. There's no limit to what they can be used for, and with in-group tagging, you can network, converse or simply follow along for the ride.
Find them online: For the desktop version, go to: https://web.wechat.com/
Dictionary:
hóngbāo || Pronounced "hong (with a rising inflection) + bow (with a sustained tone) || Directly, this translates into "red bag." Traditionally, these red packets are given during holidays or special occasions (weddings, graduations, etc.). On WeChat, they are either presented as gifts, typically in small amounts, in lieu of sending actual RMB.
What's That? WeChat is the largest communication app in China. Released at the start of 2011 this app has left texting, phone calls and even apps like WhatsApp in their wake, offering free communication, money transfer, etc. to its users.
Price: Free
What's Included?
WeChat offers voice and video calling, texting, wallet services, credit card and coupon storage, etc. It also has options to “find” people nearby (via “Shake,” “People Nearby” or “Friend Radar”), broadcast messages (where you send messages to multiple people at once) and news updates.
Outside basic services, WeChat is a vital resource for those looking to market products and events, or join communities with like-minded people. WeChat groups are a feature that adds numerous people to one conversation stream. In this group chat, you can follow an on-going conversation, tag people who you want to direct a comment, etc. For those running weekly events or marketing a service, it can also be a great way to update group members about upcoming events, discounts, etc. (Don't worry: You can mute conversations that are particularly active so you can avoid constant updates without missing a message from your best friend.)
WeChat Wallet has rapidly risen as a go-to for day-to-day payments, competing with Alipay around Beijing. You can transfer funds between WeChat accounts, or send along a hóngbāo, or “red packet gift” with whatever amount (in yuan) you choose. Many businesses are offering the option to use WeChat Pay – simply scan your code and they'll snag the payment from funds in your account.
WeChat Moments are largely used in lieu of a working VPN. Those familiar with Facebook or Twitter will appreciate the Moments – it's essentially a feed of your contacts' recent posts and photos. In this feed, folks share recent events or updates on their lives. They also tease to events they're going to, news articles they find interesting, or funny screen grabs that'll have you chuckling over your lunch break. You can “like” and “comment” just as you can on Facebook, and it will notify you as others “like” your post.
Other services include: ordering a taxi (much as you would an Uber or Lift); real-time location; games you can then play with other WeChat connections.
Compatible with: All phones, foreign and domestic. This includes Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Phones and Symbian. It, of course, will also work with all Chinese brands – Xiaomi, Huawei, etc. It will work outside China, too, for family members and friends in other countries. Tablets can also access WeChat, as can desktop computers. The caveat is that you will log out of your phone's account and into that new device. So remember, upon logging off, to reboot your phone's log-in so you get notifications for the rest of your day.
Why WeChat?
As the (adopted) saying goes, “When in China ...” Born and bred in China, it's the most ubiquitous and reliable communication method nationwide. “Can I get your WeChat?” is a common question upon first meetings or when networking at an event. To say you'd be out of the loop without it is an understatement. Most employers will opt to communicate through WeChat, as will friends and colleagues alike. Companies offer specials or event updates via groups or subscriptions, making it a powerful tool for anyone marketing an event, or simply looking for ways to spend their Saturday night. The “Wallet” feature is increasingly used across Beijing – whether you're paying a tutor, settling a loan with a friend or buying a soda from Seven Eleven.
Those back in Europe and America can also download the app, allowing you access to free text, voice and video calls with loved ones back home. Note: In my experience, WeChat notifications rarely show up while in America or Europe. So it's good to remind family or friends to check the app to see if you've written recently.
In my experience:
Since moving to Beijing, I've been slow to embrace all WeChat has to offer. Sure, I knew how to get some cool stickers (GIFs created for WeChat texting), and I had posted a moment or two.
Then I was added to my first few groups.
The steady stream jumped from funny jokes to job postings to offers for discounted items on sale. Soon I had a collection groups based on my own interests or needs. As a regular participant of a storytelling event in Gulou, I was part of the “Storytelling” group that updated members on the week's themes. I'd made it into a women's group that discussed women's topics, offered networking opportunities and shared gender-related articles. My “Pizza” group was just a handful of folks who liked to head to local pizza joints every Tuesday. The book club I joined had its own literature discussions, frequently posting articles related to that month's book. One of my favorite bars uses its group to post nightly deals and events, hoping to lure us all out after work.
It was overwhelming at first, but I soon discovered the power of the groups. Feminists can hop into a like-minded group, as could those looking for a friendly community of LGBT members and allies. If you're looking to have a party, create a group and invite your friends to a conversation about the details and what to bring. Find friends to create a mini group with, and fill it with jokes and gossip throughout the day. There's no limit to what they can be used for, and with in-group tagging, you can network, converse or simply follow along for the ride.
Find them online: For the desktop version, go to: https://web.wechat.com/
Dictionary:
hóngbāo || Pronounced "hong (with a rising inflection) + bow (with a sustained tone) || Directly, this translates into "red bag." Traditionally, these red packets are given during holidays or special occasions (weddings, graduations, etc.). On WeChat, they are either presented as gifts, typically in small amounts, in lieu of sending actual RMB.