What Apps Do I Need Before Going to China?

Short Answer

Smartphone with Chinese apps displayed

The right apps transform a China trip from frustrating to seamless

Deep Dive

Essential Apps (Download These First)

• What it does: Messaging, payments, social media, mini-programs, food delivery, ride-hailing, government services -- it does everything
• Why you need it: It's how Chinese people communicate and pay for things. Not having WeChat in China is like not having a phone
• Setup tips: Register with your home phone number before arriving. Link an international credit card for payments. Enable WeChat Pay in the "Me" tab

• What it does: Mobile payments, transportation QR codes, utility bills, financial services
• Why you need it: Some merchants only accept Alipay, not WeChat. Having both covers 99% of payment situations
• Setup tips: Alipay now supports international credit cards through the "Tour Pass" feature. Set this up before arrival

• What it does: Bypasses China's Great Firewall to access Google, Gmail, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter
• Why you need it: Without a VPN, you're cut off from most international websites and apps
• Recommended: ExpressVPN, Astrill, or LetsVPN. Download and test before entering China -- VPN websites are blocked inside China
• Important: VPN reliability fluctuates. Have at least two VPN services as backup

• What it does: Ride-hailing (China's Uber). Call taxis, private cars, and carpool rides
• Why you need it: The easiest way to get around cities without language barriers
• Setup tips: Available in English. Link to WeChat Pay or Alipay for automatic payment

• What it does: Navigation, transit routing, real-time traffic, points of interest
• Why you need it: Google Maps barely works in China. Gaode is far more accurate for Chinese addresses and transit
• Setup tips: Interface is in Chinese but usable with the translate camera function. Search by Chinese place names

• What it does: Text translation, voice translation, camera translation (point at Chinese text)
• Why you need it: Instant translation of menus, signs, and conversations
• Camera mode is incredibly useful -- point your camera at any Chinese text for instant English translation

• What it does: The best Chinese-English dictionary app available. Includes handwriting input, camera lookup, and flashcards
• Why you need it: More accurate than Google Translate for individual words and phrases. The handwriting input lets you look up characters by drawing them
• Free version is excellent; the paid add-ons (OCR, document reader) are worth it for longer stays

Very Useful Apps

• Food delivery, restaurant reviews, hotel booking, movie tickets, local deals
• Think of it as China's DoorDash + Yelp + Groupon combined
• Interface is Chinese-only but navigable with Baidu Translate camera

• Book flights, hotels, trains, and attraction tickets
• Excellent English interface -- the foreigner's best friend for travel bookings
• Train ticket booking and seat selection is especially useful

• China's Instagram-meets-Pinterest. Excellent for finding travel recommendations, restaurant reviews, and hidden gems
• Search in Chinese for best results. Many posts include addresses, prices, and honest reviews

• Alternative to Gaode Maps. Some prefer its interface
• Better English support than Gaode in some areas

Nice-to-Have Apps

• Metro QR codes for each city
• Bike sharing (Meituan Bike, Hello Bike)
• Hospital appointments
• Attraction ticket booking

Pre-Departure Checklist

• [ ] Download and set up WeChat with your home phone number
• [ ] Enable WeChat Pay and link your international card
• [ ] Download and configure Alipay with Tour Pass
• [ ] Install and test at least one VPN service
• [ ] Download offline maps in Gaode Maps for your destinations
• [ ] Save your hotel addresses in Chinese characters for taxi drivers
• [ ] Download Pleco and add basic phrases to your favorites
• [ ] Get a Chinese SIM card or eSIM for mobile data (see our SIM guide)
• [ ] Download Didi and link payment method
• [ ] Install Baidu Translate and download the offline Chinese language pack

What About Google Maps?

• Incomplete and outdated business listings
• No real-time transit data
• Navigation is unreliable
• Blocked without a VPN