When traveling to China, having the right apps on your phone means your trip is already half-successful. Many apps commonly used by foreign tourists—such as Google Maps, Uber, and WhatsApp—do not work in mainland China. Familiarizing yourself with and installing local Chinese alternatives beforehand will make your journey much smoother. Below, we detail the functions and usage of these apps, categorized by how they are used.
I. Payment Services: Alipay and WeChat Pay
In China, the use of cash and credit cards is very limited; almost everything—from paying the bill at a restaurant to buying a bottle of water at a roadside stall—relies on mobile QR code payments. Alipay and WeChat Pay are the two dominant platforms.
1. Alipay（支付宝）
Alipay is widely considered the most foreigner-friendly payment option. Since 2023, foreign tourists have been able to link international credit cards (such as Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover) to Alipay.
Features:
QR code payments, online shopping, utility bill payments, money transfers, ride-hailing, hotel booking, ticket purchasing, etc.
Of course, in addition to the features mentioned above, you can also add friends and chat on Alipay.
How to use:
Download the Alipay app (available on the App Store or Google Play) before your trip.
Register using an overseas mobile number.
Link an international credit card under "Me" > "Bank Cards."
Scan to pay upon arrival in China.
For a detailed, practical tutorial, please see:Alipay Usage Process: Registration and Payment Guide
It is recommended to complete registration and link your card before arriving in China, as linking an international credit card may take some time.
2. WeChat（微信）
WeChat is China's most mainstream social media app, and WeChat Pay—its built-in digital wallet—is equally widely accepted.
Features:
QR code payments, money transfers, red packets, and lifestyle services—all integrated into the WeChat social app.
Registration and Linking Steps:
Download WeChat: Search for "WeChat" in the App Store or Google Play and download it.
Register an Account: Sign up using an overseas mobile number (select the appropriate country code, such as +1, +44, etc.).
Enable Payment: Go to "Me" → "Services" (labeled as "Pay" in some versions) → "Wallet" → "Identity Information."
Real-Name Verification: Upload a photo of your passport and complete facial verification.
Link a Bank Card: Add an international Visa or Mastercard to your wallet.
For a detailed, practical tutorial, please see：WeChat Guide for International Users: Setup & Use.
It is recommended to install at least one of the two payment apps. If you choose only one, Alipay is more foreigner-friendly and has a simpler registration process.
II. Navigation Maps
Does Google Maps work in China?
Google Maps loads unreliably in mainland China; satellite data is frequently restricted, and navigation directions may be inaccurate. Even when it does load, the data is often outdated.
1. Gaode Map（高德地图）
It features precise real-time navigation, covering subway information, bus routes, and real-time traffic updates. The mobile version of Amap offers a full English interface. Additionally, Amap has launched an international version, "Amap Global," providing ride-hailing services for international travelers.
Features:
Map navigation, real-time traffic updates, public transport (bus/subway) information, walking navigation, ride-hailing services.
How to use:
Search for "Amap" or "高德地图" in the App Store or Google Play to download the app.
Once opened, you can switch the interface to English in the settings.
Enter your destination to get various route options, including driving, public transport, and walking.
2. Baidu Maps（百度地图）
Baidu Maps is another mainstream mapping app that may offer better coverage in rural areas. If you are traveling extensively in China, it is recommended to download both.
Features:
Map navigation, real-time traffic, nearby search, and public transit information.
Tips:
Apple Maps works without a VPN and can handle basic navigation needs.
It is recommended to download Amap (Gaode Maps) and switch it to the appropriate language mode before arriving in China.
III. Ride-hailing Apps
DiDi Chuxing (滴滴出行)
DiDi is China's most popular ride-hailing app and an essential tool for efficient travel, offering functionality similar to Uber. The app is very user-friendly for overseas visitors, featuring a full English interface and comprehensive support for international credit card payments in major cities. It also includes a built-in automatic translation feature for driver chats, enabling smooth communication with drivers who do not speak English.
Features:
Ride-hailing (taxis, economy rides, premium cars, carpooling), designated driver services, and bike-sharing.
Registration and Usage Steps：
Download the App: Search for "DiDi – Ride Hailing in China" on the App Store or Google Play; make sure to download the official version.
Switch to English: Open the app, go to Settings → Language, and select English.
Register an Account: Sign up using your international mobile number (select the correct country code) and verify it via the SMS code received. A Chinese mobile number is not required, but your phone must be able to receive international text messages.
Add a Payment Method: In the payment settings, link your Alipay account (Alipay accounts already linked to an international card can be used directly) or add an international bank card.
Book a Ride: Enable GPS location services and enter your destination to book a ride. You can enter the destination in either Chinese or English.
Other ride-hailing options:
Ride-hailing via Amap/Baidu Maps: You can book a ride directly within the Amap or Baidu Maps apps, which integrate multiple platforms.
Meituan Ride-hailing: Ride-hailing services are also available within the Meituan app.
IV. Transportation and Ticketing Apps
1. Trip.com
It is the most convenient booking platform in China for foreign tourists, offering an English interface and reliable user reviews, and enabling one-stop booking for train tickets, flights, hotels, and attraction tickets.
Functions:
Book flight tickets, train tickets, attraction tickets, and hotels.
Important Note: Train and flight tickets in China are subject to a real-name ticketing system, so passport details are required at the time of booking. We recommend entering your passport information and setting up payment details on Trip.com in advance, rather than waiting until the day of travel.
2. 12306 (Official China Railway App)
China Railway's official ticketing platform offers both an English website and a
n app. It is recommended to complete passport verification and set up payment methods before ticket sales begin.
Function: Book tickets for all trains in China.
Railway website: https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html
V. Food Delivery and Lifestyle Service Apps
Meituan（美团）
Meituan functions much like a combination of Uber Eats and Google Reviews, offering food delivery, restaurant recommendations, and local experience services—often at prices lower than dining in person. While its interface and merchant listings are primarily in Chinese, the app supports a switch to an English interface, catering to the needs of expatriates and other users who prefer English.
Features:
Food delivery, restaurant reservations, tourist attractions, movie tickets, hotels, and local lifestyle services.
Simplified option: You can find the Ele.me mini-program (now known as Taobao Flash Buy) within the English version of Alipay; the process is relatively straightforward and suitable for short-term visitors.
Alternatively, you can search for the Meituan mini-program; these mini-programs are also available on WeChat.
VI. Network Connectivity: eSIM and VPN
If you need to access blocked services such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail, there are two main methods.
Method 1: International Roaming eSIM (Recommended)
Purchase a China-specific eSIM data plan before departure.
Data is routed via overseas servers (typically through Hong Kong or Singapore), bypassing Chinese internet restrictions.
Access apps like Google and WhatsApp without needing a VPN.
Advantages: Seamless connectivity, low power consumption, and stable, reliable performance.
Method 2: VPN
Free VPNs are often unreliable and frequently blocked.
China is tightening regulations on unauthorized VPN services leading up to 2026.
Business travelers can use corporate VPNs provided by their companies.
Note: If you purchase a local SIM card after arriving in China, you will be subject to China's internet censorship restrictions—services such as Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube will be inaccessible.
Summary: Quick List of Must-Have Apps
Payments: Alipay, WeChat Pay
Navigation: Amap (Gaode Maps), Baidu Maps
Ride-hailing: Didi Chuxing
Translation: Baidu Translate, WeChat Translate
Booking: Trip.com, 12306
Food Delivery: Meituan
Preparations needed before setting off：
Download Alipay and link an international credit card.
Download WeChat and complete the registration process.
Download Amap (Gaode Maps) and set the interface to English.
Download DiDi and link a payment method.
Purchase an international roaming eSIM if you need to access apps/services from the US.
Carry a small amount of cash (approximately 1,000 RMB) for emergencies.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for reference only and was last updated on . Requirements and regulations may change. Always verify with official sources before making travel plans.
