How to Use Meituan for Foreigners? Food, Lifestyle & More

Practical Meituan tutorial for foreign users. Know app download, account setup, foreign phone registration, payment linkage, food delivery, group purchase, taxi, shared bike, movie, live show, salon and spa booking.

What is Meituan App?

Meituan (美团) is China’s largest all-in-one lifestyle super app. It combines food delivery, restaurant group deals, taxi & bike hailing, travel bookings, movie/show/livehouse tickets, and local services like spa, massage, haircuts, and home repairs.
For foreigners in China, Meituan replaces 5–10 separate apps. It works in all major cities, has massive merchant coverage, and supports international phones and cards (with limits).

Meituan App Functions at a Glance

• Food: Delivery, dine-in group buys, grocery & fresh produce
• Transport: Taxi, ride-hail, shared bike, car rental
• Entertainment: Movies, livehouse, stand-up comedy, theater, concerts
• Local services: Spa, massage, haircut, nail, beauty, cleaning, pet care
• Daily needs: Pharmacy, flower delivery, package delivery, printing

Meituan App - Download, Setup, Payment

How to Download Meituan App

iOS Download

• Change App Store region to Mainland China.
• Search 美团 (Meituan).
• Install the official yellow kangaroo logo app.

Android Download

• Download from Meituan official website or trusted Chinese app stores.
• Not available on Google Play (overseas version not released).

Register Meituan with Phone Number

• Open app → 我的 (My) → 登录 (Log in).
• Enter foreign phone number in full international format (e.g., +1xxxxxx).
• Receive SMS code and verify.
• No Chinese ID required for basic use.

Important: Some advanced features (e.g., high-value group buys) may ask for Chinese ID; foreigners can skip or use the WeChat Mini-Program instead.

Set Your Location

Tap location icon on homepage, allow system automatic positioning to match surrounding stores and services. Manual input specific Chinese address is also available to lock service scope, ensuring accurate delivery and nearby merchant matching.

Bind Payment Method

Head to personal center and enter wallet page. Select add payment card option, fill in card number, valid period and security code of Visa, Mastercard and other international credit cards. Complete bank verification steps, then all generated orders can directly deduct fees via bound payment channel. Local Chinese bank cards and linked WeChat Pay are also acceptable payment choices.

How to Use Meituan in English?

Credit: Xiaohongshu, Mydetra

Can You Switch Meituan App to English?

Meituan app does NOT have a full official English setting.

• A small number of users see partial English in beta; most interfaces remain Chinese.
• No “Language → English” option in app settings for general users.

Best English Solution: Meituan WeChat Mini-Program

This is the most reliable way for foreigners.

1. Open WeChat → Swipe down → Search 美团.
2. Open the Mini-Program.
3. Tap“・・・” (three dots) at top right corner.
4. Tap 翻译 (Translate) → Page turns to English instantly.

• Works if your WeChat language is set to English.
• Menus, buttons, and most merchant info translate well.

Meituan App - Food Delivery and Restaurant Group Deals

Meituan App - Food Delivery

1. Homepage → 外卖 (Food Delivery).
2. Allow location or enter address in Chinese.
3. Browse restaurants; filter by rating, price, cuisine.
4. Add dishes to cart → 去结算 (Checkout).
5. Confirm address → Select payment → 提交订单 (Submit).
6. Track rider in real time.

Meituan App - Group Deals (团购)

1. Homepage → 团购 (Group Buy).
2. Filter: Restaurants, spas, salons, etc.
3. Choose discounted package (e.g., ¥99 2-person meal).
4. Buy and get a voucher code.
5. Show code at store to redeem before expiry.

Meituan App - Taxi and Shared Bike Service

Meituan Taxi

Tap taxi icon, set departure spot and destination. Choose vehicle types including regular car, premium car and ride sharing. Confirm booking and wait nearby for driver pickup. Payment settles automatically after trip ends.

Meituan Shared Bike

Access shared bike service entry. Scan QR code on bike body via app. Unlock vehicle and start riding. Lock bike at designated parking area after use, system calculates charging fee and deducts money automatically.

Meituan App - Spa, Haircut & Local Services

1. Homepage → 休闲娱乐 / 丽人 (Leisure/Beauty).
2. Search: Spa, massage, haircut, nail, facial, cleaning.
3. Filter by distance, rating, price.
4. Book time → Pay deposit or full amount.
5. Go to store and enjoy service.

Meituan App - Movies, Livehouse & Shows

1. Homepage → 电影 / 演出 (Movies/Shows).
2. Browse: New movies, stand-up comedy, livehouse, concerts, theater.
3. Select date, time, seat.
4. Pay → Get e-ticket QR code.
5. Scan code at venue entrance.

[5% Off] Must-Visit Attractions in China

Check some of the top attractions in China below!👀

Great Wall of China

Ticket: ¥40-80 (Seasonal)

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Terracotta Army

Ticket: ¥120-150

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Forbidden City

Ticket: ¥40-60

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Shanghai Tower

Ticket: ¥180-220

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Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Ticket: ¥130-165

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Yu Garden

Ticket: ¥30-40

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*Prices are approximate and vary by season, availability, and ticket type. All prices in CNY.

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