Essential Apps for China: Payments, Maps, Taxis and Staying Online

China is one of the most digital countries in the world. With the right apps on your phone, paying, getting around and ordering food are easier than at home. Set them up before you fly, while your home app store and SMS codes work normally.

1. Stay online first

Many international services, including Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube, do not open on local Chinese networks. The simplest fix:

• Use international roaming or a travel eSIM. Data then routes through your home or eSIM provider, so your usual apps keep working.
• Buy the eSIM before you leave and install it at home. Check that your phone supports eSIM.
• Hotel Wi-Fi is fast, but it follows local rules, so keep mobile data on for your messaging apps.

2. Pay like a local: Alipay and WeChat

Almost every shop, taxi and street stall takes QR-code payments. Both Alipay and WeChat Pay accept foreign Visa and Mastercard cards. Our payment guide explains setup, fees and how much cash to carry.

3. Maps

• Apple Maps works well in China on iPhone, with good local data.
• Amap (Gaode) is the local favourite, with the most accurate directions and live traffic. It is mostly in Chinese, but you can search in English and copy addresses.
• Google Maps is not reliable in China, even with roaming data.

4. Taxis and getting around

• DiDi is China's Uber. It has an English version and also works inside Alipay, so you can book rides and pay with your foreign card.
• Metro systems in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other big cities have English signs. In many cities you can pay with a QR code in Alipay, and single tickets are always available from machines.
• High-speed trains can be booked on Trip.com or the official 12306 app (it has an English version). You always need your passport to travel.

5. Translation

• Apple Translate and Microsoft Translator work offline once you download Chinese.
• WeChat translates messages, menus and signs with its built-in camera tool.
• Point your camera at a menu and the translation appears over the dishes. It's a lifesaver in small restaurants.

6. Food and reviews

Meituan and Dianping are China's review and delivery apps, mostly in Chinese. With a local guide you rarely need them: your guide reads the reviews, books the tables and explains the dishes.

Checklist before you fly

1. Install an eSIM or turn on a roaming plan.
2. Set up Alipay with your card, and WeChat as a backup.
3. Download Amap or check that Apple Maps works.
4. Install DiDi and an offline Chinese translation pack.
5. Save your hotel addresses in Chinese.

How we help

On a private trip with us, your driver and multilingual guide take care of transport, bookings and translations, so the apps become a convenience rather than a necessity. Ask us on WhatsApp if you'd like help setting them up before you travel.

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