China runs on your phone. Hailing a taxi, paying for noodles, buying a metro ticket, and finding your way through a hutong all happen through apps. That might sound intimidating, but with a little preparation, it makes travelling here smoother than almost anywhere else in the world.
The key word is preparation. Some of the apps you rely on at home don’t work in China, and the ones that do work need to be set up before you arrive. Here is what to download, what each app is for, and the common traps to avoid.
1. Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay
Mobile payment is how most people in China pay for everything, from restaurants to street snacks to taxis. The good news is that both major platforms now let foreign visitors link an international Visa or Mastercard, without needing a Chinese bank account.
- Alipay is the one we recommend setting up first. It has a clear English interface, and it works well for shopping, dining, and transport.
- WeChat Pay works as a backup. Many local services run through WeChat’s “mini-programs,” so it is worth having too.
Tips:
- Set up both apps before you fly. You will need your passport and a phone number that can receive an SMS.
- Transaction limits and fees for foreign cards have changed several times and are reported differently by different sources. Check the in-app details and ask your home bank about foreign transaction fees.
- Foreign cards generally can’t be used to send money to friends or send red packets. Those features are for locally linked accounts.
- Very small vendors occasionally can’t accept foreign-linked cards. Keep a little cash and a physical card as a backup. Large hotels, attractions, and shops generally accept cards and cash.
2. Maps and Navigation: Amap and Apple Maps
Google Maps is unreliable in China, and its map data is often inaccurate. Use one of these instead:
- Amap (Gaode Map) is the most accurate for walking, driving, and public transport. It has an English mode, though some place names still appear in Chinese.
- Apple Maps is a handy alternative for iPhone users, and it works in English.
- Baidu Maps is another widely used option, but its interface is mostly in Chinese.
Tip: Save your hotel’s name and address in Chinese, and keep a screenshot. If your phone dies, show it to a taxi driver.
3. Translation: Google Translate, Pleco, and DeepL
Even in major cities, English is not widely spoken outside hotels and tourist sites. A good translation toolkit helps a great deal.
- Google Translate is great for camera translation of menus and signs, but you need to download the Chinese language pack offline before you arrive, as the app may not connect reliably in China.
- Pleco is a Chinese dictionary with a handwriting and camera function, and it is popular with travellers who want to understand characters.
- Apple’s built-in Translate and DeepL are useful alternatives.
Tip: Practice a few phrases such as nǐ hǎo (hello), xièxie (thank you), and duōshao qián? (how much?). Locals appreciate the effort.
4. Getting Around: DiDi and Trip.com
- DiDi is China’s main ride-hailing app, similar to Uber. It has an English interface and can be paid via Alipay or a linked international card. It is useful for short rides in the city.
- Trip.com is an English-language platform for booking high-speed trains, domestic flights, and hotels. It is by far the easiest way for foreign visitors to book rail and air tickets themselves.
- 12306 is the official national railway app, but it is more complex for foreign users, and Trip.com is usually simpler.
Tips:
- Popular high-speed train routes can sell out, especially around public holidays. Book early.
- You need your passport to board trains and to enter many attractions. Carry the original, not a photocopy.
- Many metro systems now accept QR-code payment through mobile apps, so check before you buy a paper ticket.
5. Staying in Touch: WeChat
WeChat is China’s all-in-one app for messaging, calling, payments, and mini-programs. Even a basic account lets you chat with local contacts, hotels, and guides, and you can book tickets and order food through its mini-programs.
Tip: WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Gmail, and many Google services are blocked in mainland China without special tools. Download WeChat in advance, and let family and friends know how to reach you.
6. Staying Connected: eSIM and Roaming
A reliable data connection is the foundation of all these apps.
- A travel eSIM is the easiest way to get online as soon as you land, with no need to hunt for a SIM card kiosk. Install it before you leave home.
- Roaming from your home provider often gives access to services that are blocked on a local connection, but it can be expensive. Check your plan.
- Airport and hotel Wi-Fi is available, but your apps may not all work on it.
Tip: Install and test all of your apps before you leave. If you wait until you arrive in China, you may not be able to download them.
Quick Checklist Before You Fly
- Alipay and WeChat set up, with a card linked and passport verified
- Amap or Apple Maps installed
- Google Translate with offline Chinese downloaded, plus Pleco
- DiDi and Trip.com installed
- eSIM or roaming plan active
- Hotel name and address saved in Chinese
- Some cash and a physical bank card as backup
- Passport copies on your phone, original on you
Or Let Us Handle the Apps
Apps are a great help, but a holiday should not feel like a to-do list. At IL Compass, we handle the details that matter, so you can focus on the journey itself:
- Train, flight, and attraction tickets are booked for you in advance, with no booking apps to learn.
- A private driver takes you door to door, so there is no need to hail a ride in an unfamiliar city.
- A private guide who speaks your language (English, French, Italian, Spanish, Korean, and more) translates, navigates, and helps with payments and local questions.
- Everything is arranged in one itinerary, tailored to your interests and pace, with no hidden costs.
You can still use the apps above for the moments you want to explore on your own, such as a stroll through the evening market or a coffee in a quiet lane. Your team is always there when you need them.
Planning a trip to China? Contact IL Compass to start building your tailored journey, from Beijing’s palaces to the pandas of Chengdu and the shores of Erhai Lake.