Meituan in English: Use It Without a Chinese Number (2026)

Quick answer: The Meituan app supports English as a language option, alongside Simplified Chinese, Japanese and Korean, per its Google Play listing. Menus switch but restaurant names, dishes and reviews stay Chinese. A Chinese number is not strictly required, since the app accepts foreign numbers at login, but SMS can fail. You also need Alipay or WeChat Pay to check out.

What Meituan is

Meituan (美团) is China's largest local services platform. It covers food delivery (外卖), grocery delivery, dine-in deals, bike and e-bike rentals, and more. It also owns Dianping, the review app. See Meituan vs Dianping.

Download

• iPhone: In the US App Store the Meituan app is listed as "Meituan-Eat Better,Live Better". The delivery-focused app is listed in Chinese as 美团外卖. Availability depends on your store region.
• Android: Search Meituan on Google Play, or use your phone maker's store.

Both app listings declare English as a supported language.

Switch to English

1. Open the app and tap 我的 (Mine).
2. Open 设置 (Settings).
3. Look for 语言 (Language) or a language option and pick English.

The exact path can change by version. Update the app first. Restaurant names, menus and reviews are supplied by merchants and users, so they remain Chinese. Use your phone translation for those: see best translation apps for China.

Sign up without a Chinese number

1. Tap 我的, then log in.
2. Enter your country code and number, and the SMS code.
3. If the SMS fails, try WeChat login if you have set up WeChat (WeChat setup guide).

Foreign numbers are accepted at login on Meituan, but delivery of the SMS depends on your carrier and country. Plans for a local SIM are in China SIM card options. A data-only eSIM has no number and cannot receive SMS.

One more catch: the delivery rider usually calls the number on the order. A foreign number may not receive that call. Set a note to leave the food at the front desk (请放在前台), see below.

Order food delivery step by step

1. Set an address in Chinese. Tap 外卖 (Food delivery) on the home screen, then the address bar. Ask your hotel for the Chinese address on a card, or copy it from a map app such as Amap. Add the room number.
2. Browse. Each restaurant card shows photos, a rating, monthly orders (月销), delivery time and a delivery fee.
3. Choose dishes by photo. Start with 热销 (best sellers) or 套餐 (set meals). Use the + button to add items.
4. Check out. Review the cart, confirm the address and phone, and pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay. See Alipay setup and WeChat Pay for foreigners.
5. Add a note (备注). For a hotel: 请放在前台 (please leave at front desk). For allergies, see the Chinese allergy card, but delivery restaurants cannot reliably guarantee allergen-free preparation.
6. Track. The app shows the rider on a map. Meet them in the lobby if the hotel needs it.

Prices are shown in yuan. Use the CNY converter if you want a quick US dollar figure at about ¥6.7 to US$1. Foreign cards used through Alipay or WeChat Pay carry no platform fee at ¥200 or less per payment, and a 3% fee above that, under the commonly published terms, so check the wallet's help page.

Useful Chinese words

Meituan vs Ele.me

Ele.me is the main rival, owned by Alibaba. It has been rebranded in the Taobao ecosystem (Taobao Shangou, 淘宝闪购), and is also reachable from Alipay. If a restaurant is not on Meituan, check there. For the general delivery process see how to order food delivery in China.

Common problems

FAQ

Does Meituan have an English version?

Yes. The app supports English as a language option, along with Simplified Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Content from restaurants stays Chinese.

How do I order on Meituan without a China number?

Sign up with your foreign number or WeChat login, set a Chinese delivery address, and pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay. Ask for the food to be left at the front desk, since the rider may not reach a foreign number.

How do I use Meituan without a Chinese number if the SMS never arrives?

Try WeChat login, switch networks, or get a local SIM with a real +86 number and SMS. A data-only eSIM cannot receive the code.

Can Meituan deliver to a hotel?

Usually yes. Enter the hotel address and room number, and add a note to leave it at the front desk. Some hotels restrict outside deliveries, so ask at reception.

Can foreigners use Meituan?

Yes. Registration with a foreign number is supported, though results vary, and you need a working Alipay or WeChat Pay for checkout.

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Need help setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay first? The China Survival Kit walks you through everything step by step.