China runs on apps. Not just some apps — specific Chinese apps. Google Maps doesn't work properly. WhatsApp is blocked. Even Google Translate needs alternatives for real-time use.
This guide covers every app you need to download before you arrive — because setting them up with a Chinese phone number after landing is way more annoying.
💡 Pro tip: Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before you fly. Linking a foreign card takes 10-15 minutes, and you'll need payment on day one. See our full Alipay guide.
Payment & Money
1. Alipay (支付宝) — Absolute Must-Have
The app that lets you pay for everything — taxis, restaurants, street vendors, even temple donations.
- What it does: Mobile payments, QR code scanning, mini-programs
- Setup: Download → Register with foreign number → Link international Visa/Mastercard
- Works with: Visa, Mastercard, some prepaid cards
- Fee: 3% for transactions over ¥200 (free under ¥200)
- Download: App Store / Google Play
2. WeChat (微信) — Payment + Everything Else
China's super-app. Messaging, payments, mini-programs, even booking flights.
- What it does: Messaging, payments (WeChat Pay), social media, bookings
- Setup: Same as Alipay — link your foreign card
- Why you need both: Some vendors accept only one or the other
- Download: App Store / Google Play
Navigation
3. Amap (高德地图) — The Real Chinese Google Maps
Google Maps in China has outdated data, wrong addresses, and missing metro lines. Amap is what locals use.
- What it does: Turn-by-turn navigation, public transit routing, taxi booking
- Limitation: Chinese-only interface — but the map visuals are intuitive
- Alternative: Apple Maps works well in China (uses Amap data)
- Download: App Store (China region) / Google Play
4. Baidu Maps (百度地图)
Similar to Amap. Some people prefer its interface. Having both is overkill but free.
- Best for: Indoor navigation in shopping malls, real-time traffic
- Download: App Store / Google Play
Translation
5. Pleco — The Best Chinese Dictionary App
Not a translator — it's a dictionary. But for travelers, it's the gold standard for looking up characters you see on menus, signs, and products.
- What it does: Character lookup, handwriting input, camera OCR, pronunciation
- Pro tip: Buy the OCR add-on ($9.99) — point your camera at any Chinese text and it translates
- Download: App Store / Google Play
6. Google Translate (Offline Mode)
Works offline if you download the Chinese language pack before you arrive.
- What it does: Text translation, camera translation, conversation mode
- Limitation: Blocked in China — use it offline only or with a VPN
- Setup: Download Chinese language pack in Settings → Offline Translation
- Download: App Store / Google Play
7. iTranslate / Microsoft Translator
Alternatives if Google Translate doesn't work for you. Microsoft Translator has a great conversation mode.
Transport
8. Didi (滴滴出行) — China's Uber
The easiest way to get around any Chinese city without speaking Chinese.
- What it does: Ride-hailing (car, taxi, bike, premium)
- English version: Yes! The international Didi app has English interface
- Payment: Link Alipay or WeChat Pay for automatic payment
- Download: App Store / Google Play (search "DiDi")
9. Trip.com — Flights, Trains, Hotels
The English-language version of China's biggest travel platform.
- What it does: Book flights, trains, hotels, attractions
- Why better than Booking.com: More China-specific options, accepts foreign cards
- Train tickets: Book high-speed rail tickets directly through the app
- Download: App Store / Google Play
Communication
10. WeChat (微信) — Already Listed, But Worth Repeating
This is your primary communication tool in China.
- With whom: Your local guide, hotel, new Chinese friends, drivers
- Features: Voice messages (easier than typing Chinese), video calls, file sharing
- Group chats: Your travel guide will add you to a group with all service providers
Survival & Convenience
11. MetroMan — Subway Navigation
Works offline and covers all major Chinese cities with English interface.
- What it does: Subway route planning, station names in English + Chinese
- Cities covered: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and more
- Bonus: Shows you the Chinese name of each station — show it to the driver
- Download: App Store / Google Play
12. China Train Booking / 12306
The official Chinese railway app.
- What it does: Book train tickets, check schedules
- Alternative: Trip.com is easier for foreigners (English UI, foreign card support)
- Pro tip: Book popular routes (Beijing-Shanghai) at least 3 days ahead
13. Baidu Translate / 百度翻译
A solid alternative to Google Translate that works inside China without a VPN.
- What it does: Text, voice, and camera translation
- Why use it: Not blocked by the Great Firewall
- Download: App Store / Google Play
VPN / Internet Access
14. VPN Apps — Download Before Arrival
This is critical: you cannot download a VPN after arriving in China — the app stores are blocked.
- Download before you fly: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Astrill, or Shadowrocket
- Set up before arrival: Configure and test it before your flight
- What it unblocks: Google, Gmail, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook
- ⚠️ Warning: VPN legality in China is a grey area. Enforcement targets providers, not users, but be discreet.
15. eSIM Apps — Airalo, Holafly
If your phone supports eSIM, this is the easiest way to get data in China.
- What it does: Prepaid mobile data for China
- Price: ~$5-15 for 1-10 GB
- Why better than roaming: Cheaper than your carrier's international plan
- Setup: Install before arrival, activate when you land
Pre-Arrival Setup Checklist
Do these before you leave home:
| Task | App | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Link foreign card to Alipay | Alipay | 15 min |
| Link foreign card to WeChat Pay | 15 min | |
| Download offline translation packs | Google Translate | 5 min |
| Install and test VPN | Any VPN | 10 min |
| Set up eSIM (if applicable) | Airalo/Holafly | 5 min |
| Download offline maps | Amap/MetroMan | 5 min |
| Register Didi account | Didi | 5 min |
Total prep time: ~1 hour. Do it the night before your flight.
For more on navigating China without speaking the language, check out our guide on traveling China without Chinese.
FAQ
Do I really need all 15 apps?
No. The absolute essentials are: Alipay, WeChat, Didi, one translation app, and one navigation app. The rest are nice-to-haves.
Will these apps work with my foreign phone number?
Alipay, WeChat, Didi, and Trip.com all support international numbers. MetroMan and Pleco don't need registration.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in China?
No. Apple Pay works at some high-end stores, but 99% of payments go through Alipay or WeChat Pay.
What if I forget to download a VPN before arriving?
You'll need to use hotel WiFi (often has built-in access) or ask your local guide for help. Prevention is much easier.
Need help setting up? Start planning your trip with our AI Trip Planner — we'll send you a personalized checklist with all the apps you need based on your itinerary.