Why Most People Get Stuck
You've heard that Tencent Cloud offers servers at a fraction of AWS pricing. You want in. But when you try to sign up, you hit a wall: the registration asks for an overseas phone number, the verification process seems designed for Chinese citizens, and you can't figure out which site to use — the domestic one or the international one.
Here's the good news: Tencent Cloud International does not require an overseas phone number. You can register with just an email address. The confusion comes from people ending up on the wrong site or misunderstanding the verification requirements. This guide will walk you through the exact steps, avoiding every common pitfall along the way.
Step 1: Go to the RIGHT Website
This is where 90% of people go wrong. Tencent Cloud has two completely separate platforms:
- International site (USE THIS): tencentcloud.com — supports English, accepts foreign credit cards and PayPal, no Chinese phone number needed
- Domestic site (DO NOT USE): cloud.tencent.com — Chinese-only, requires Chinese phone number and ID, not for international users
Make sure you're on tencentcloud.com (not cloud.tencent.com). The international site has a language switcher in the top-right corner and shows pricing in USD.
Step 2: Create Your Account
- Click "Sign Up" in the top-right corner
- Enter your email address (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo — any email works)
- Set a password (8+ characters, mix of letters and numbers)
- Verify your email by clicking the link sent to your inbox
- That's it — you now have a Tencent Cloud International account
No phone number required. No Chinese ID. No WeChat. Just an email address.
Step 3: Complete Identity Verification
Tencent Cloud requires identity verification before you can purchase services. This is standard practice for cloud providers and helps prevent fraud. Here's what you need:
- For individuals: A clear photo of your passport or national ID card. All four corners must be visible, text must be readable. Selfies are NOT accepted.
- For companies: Business registration certificate or articles of incorporation
Upload the document through the console. Verification typically takes 5-30 minutes, though it can be instant in some cases. You'll receive an email notification once approved.
Step 4: Add a Payment Method
Tencent Cloud International accepts multiple payment methods, all designed for international users:
- Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and most major international cards
- PayPal: Link your PayPal account for easy payments
- Wire transfer: Available for enterprise accounts with larger purchases
Go to Billing Center → Payment Method to add your card or PayPal. No charge is made until you actually purchase a product.
4 Critical Pitfalls to Avoid
| Pitfall | Solution |
|---|---|
| Account locked (risk control) | Don't use VPN when registering. Use your real IP. Don't create multiple accounts. |
| Can't find Seoul region | Go to Products → Cloud Virtual Machine, then select "Seoul" from region dropdown |
| Unexpected charges | Check auto-renewal: Billing → Auto-Renewal. Disable for resources you don't want to renew. |
| Verification rejected | Ensure photo is clear, all 4 corners visible, name matches your account name exactly |
Claim Your Free Credits
New Tencent Cloud International users can receive $100 in free credits to try the platform. These credits can be applied to any cloud service including VPS, databases, and storage. Check the promotions page after registration to claim yours.
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