I don't think this is true. I've been using Wechat from US. I can see all the people's moments in China and in some groups fine. All the services I've tried so far have worked okay.

I also don't think this is true. I've been using a US based version of WeChat for a couple years now, and I have had no problems adding and chatting with people in and outside of China. I do want to add that while I didn't have to jump through any hoops to activate my account, I've had westener friends get stuck on having to be verified. I can't remember if I was able to vouch for them or not.

I looked into this for my business. I think you can talk to Chinese users, but there are restrictions on how your own content is seen and broadcast.

Can't remember the specifics though.

I was in a wedding in China, so naturally WeChat was how the groomsman communicated. Afterwards, I was looking forward to staying in touch with whom I met there. While in transit back to California my account was marked suspicious. I was never able to gain access again. I created a new WeChat account that works, but would've enjoyed having my original.

From experience, this is simply not true. My version of wechat is registered with a US phone number, installed from the google play store on a google phone, not sponsored, and while I can't put money into wechat pay my friend can still transfer it

You can also still use all the social features everyone is used to in China.

> while I can't put money into wechat pay my friend can still transfer it

Really? I've had people send me red packets but I can't accep them as I don't have a Chinese bank account or Chinese ID

Can you talk to Chinese users?

Same situation here, and I talk to Chinese friends exclusevly through WeChat

That's completely untrue. There is no firewall at all. I'm using it right now.

This is not true. I signed up using my Australian mobile number, the wechat app was downloaded from Google Store which is not even accessible in China.