Must-Have Essential Apps Before Travelling To China

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Travelling to China today is an adventure in digitalization. Unlike nearly any other major destination, the reliance on mobile apps for everyday life—from payments to navigation—is absolute. Cash is nearly obsolete, and many familiar Western services are inaccessible due to the Great Firewall.

Efficiency, seamless connectivity, and access to all of China usual resources, preparation is paramount. You must download and configure these essential apps before your flight lands.

Category 1: Connectivity & Communication

These apps are the keys to unlocking your phone's full potential in China.

1. A Reliable, Paid VPN (Virtual Private Network)

If you want to use popular Western services like Google, Gmail, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, or your usual news sites, a VPN is non-negotiable.

• Why You Need It: The Great Firewall blocks most major Western platforms. You must download and subscribe to a reputable VPN while outside of China, as VPN provider websites are often blocked once you arrive.

• Top Recommendations: ExpressVPN (known for consistency and speed) and NordVPN (known for security and affordability) are frequently cited as the most reliable services for bypassing restrictions.

• Pro Tip: Look for a VPN that offers an obfuscation feature, which disguises your VPN traffic, making it harder to detect and block. Test it before you leave!

2. WeChat (微信 - Wēixìn)

WeChat is more than a messenger; it is China’s all-in-one "Super App" for communication and social networking.

• Why You Need It: This is the primary way locals, guides, and businesses communicate. You will need it to chat with hotel concierges, share your location, and access crucial "Mini Programs" (small apps within WeChat) for local services.

Category 2: Payments

As China is a cashless society, mobile payment apps are accepted virtually everywhere, from high-end hotels to street food stalls.

3. Alipay (支付宝 - Zhīfùbǎo)

Alipay is China’s most widely accepted mobile wallet.

• Why You Need It: It is essential for buying literally anything. Crucially for foreigners, Alipay has a Tour Pass feature, that allows you to link your international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) directly to the app, solving the payment barrier for tourists.

• Pro Tip: Set up and verify your international card before you leave. Have both WeChat Pay (which can also link international cards) and Alipay ready for maximum coverage.

Category 3: Navigation & Transport

Forget Google Maps; in China, you need local, accurate data.

4. Amap (高德地图 - Gāodé Dìtú)

Often cited as the most accurate and up-to-date mapping service in China, especially for public transit. Amap is China's most-used navigation + public-transport planner + real-time traffic app.

• Why You Need It: Google Maps is unreliable or non-functional. Amap provides accurate real-time traffic, public transit directions, and walking routes. While traditionally Chinese-only, Amap now offers a functional English-language interface making navigation much simpler and more accessible.

With features like voice-guided directions, offline maps, and easy transit options, international travellers can now explore China confidently and without trouble.This English version of the app is mainly intended for tourists visiting the country. Amap must be downloaded from an international app store.

5. Alternate: Apple Maps

You can take advantage of Apple Maps to use when travelling in China. For international travellers, this is a convenient option.

• Why You Need It: Apple Maps in China does not require signing in with an Apple ID; instead, the app uses random identifiers, which helps protect users’ personal information.

6. MetroMan & China Metro

Both smart apps are great assistants for travelling in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, etc. MetroMan China can be use for offline metro maps but China Metro will need to have internet.

• Why You Need It: Use both apps to look up routes, number of transfers, travel time and metro system maps by city. You can add an electronic metro card to Alipay to scan the code when entering/exiting the station – extremely fast and convenient.

7. DiDi (滴滴出行 - Dī dī Chūxíng)

China’s version of Uber/Lyft. If you do not have internet, the DiDi driver can also rely on your PIN code to pick you up in the most convenient way.

• Why You Need It: Essential for ride-hailing. It eliminates the language barrier (you type your destination in the app) and allows for seamless mobile payment through Alipay or WeChat Pay.The app allows travellers to book their vehicle preferences from luxury cars to regular taxis. The friendly interface, English support version and especially the instant message translation feature help travellers communicate effectively with drivers without knowing Chinese.

Category 4: Translation & Booking

Don't let the language barrier or the local booking systems slow you down.

8. Waygo (外国)

A personal offline language translation app that easily translates Chinese characters and signs into English with just a simple scan.

• Why You Need It: Extremely useful when travellers travel to places with weak signals or no Wi-Fi, as it does not require an internet connection. Also works with Japanese and Korean languages.

9. Pieco (派科

A powerful Chinese-English Dictionary tool for looking up characters and definitions, which works entirely offline.

• Why You Need It: Look up words in a document simply by tapping on them, by drawing words on the screen, and researching unknown Chinese words using your device’s camera.

10. Alternate: Google Translate

Despite Google being blocked, the Google Translate app itself works well for text and camera translation, especially when you have downloaded the Mandarin language pack for offline use before you enter China.

• Why You Need It: The camera feature is invaluable for instantly translating menus, signs, and instructions that are only in Chinese characters.

11. Trip.com (Ctrip 携程)

The largest and most comprehensive travel booking platform in China, with a full English interface.

• Why You Need It: The most straightforward way to book domestic flights, hotels, and, most importantly, high-speed train tickets (CRH) using an international credit card and passport details. Trying to use the official Chinese railway app (12306) can be significantly more complex.

12. Klool (克鲁尔)

Klook is the largest ticket and entertainment booking platform in Asia.

• Why You Need It: Travellers can book hotels, cars, tours and activities, tickets to attractions, shows and participate in cultural activities such as cooking classes, craft workshops, etc. at great prices. Thanks to the convenient app in 15 languages, travellers can access the most popular attractions and hidden gems at their fingertips. Klool has its own e-Sim (available for 60 countries) which can be activated in its app after purchasing.

Category 5: Food

Discovering unique culinary culture is an indispensable part of your China travels.

13. Meituan (美团) & Dianping (大众点评)

• Why You Need it: Meituan is the largest food delivery platform in China, with a friendly and easy-to-use interface. Turn on the automatic translation feature and choose restaurants and dishes that suit your taste buds. The apps also integrate pre-booking tables, buying movie tickets, spa, tours and other lifestyle services. Note that you'll need a local number to order delivery in China - eSims will not work. Your concierge or hotel reception will gladly help out. On the other hand, Dianping helps travellers find authentic local dining.

Category 6: Air Quality

The Air Matters app helps you monitor the air pollution index and protect your health.

14. AirMatters

• Why You Need It: Air Matters is a useful Chinese travel app that helps you monitor the air quality at locations during your trip, especially if you are concerned about air pollution and want to protect your health in an environment with problematic air quality.

Aside from digital anxiety when it comes to China cashless society, is there a way to avoid downloading all these essential apps separately without the bloat? There is. An access system: Mini App.

The Mini App is an aggregation of compact, self-contained, light-weight mobile applications offering a myriad of services and functions seamlessly embedded within the WeChat and Alipay Super Apps, (apps within an app). Mini Apps load instantly from the cloud, saving on time and international roaming data.

How Mini Programs Work

• WeChat and Alipay Mini Programs work well with foreign numbers and payment cards. You can register using an international phone number, link Visa or MasterCard, and complete payments easily. Mini Apps automatically inherit your passport-verified identity and payment authorization from the host app.

• The built-in translation function also helps overcome language barriers. ​Most popular programs offer English interfaces or automatic translation.

• Mini programs on WeChat and Alipay, can be found using the search bar, for example, ‘Ctrip’, scanning a QR code anywhere and a history section.

• The Mini App acts as a “Payment Bridge.” It routes your payment request through the highly encrypted and compliant WeChat/Alipay API, which is specifically optimized and authorized to handle international card verification.

• Note that if a Mini App demands a +86 (China mobile number) and no international entry field, the specific service can only work with a Chinese SIM card.

Mini App Pre‑Departure Checklist

• Card Pre‑Authorization: Before you fly, run a quick test purchase with your linked card inside the Mini App. This step activates the card with the international payment system and helps avoid rejection from your bank’s security filters once you arrive.

• Location Access Verification: Double‑check that both WeChat and Alipay have continuous location permissions enabled in your phone’s settings — even when the apps are closed. This is essential for geo‑fenced services like transport codes and ride‑hailing.

• Cache Clearing: If you’ve recently updated your Super App, go into settings and clear the local cache. Doing so prevents outdated data from interfering with the app’s connection to the local network when you land.

The true power of Alipay and WeChat Mini Apps is their ability to turn complexity into simplicity. By seamlessly merging your identity, payment methods, location services, and access to essential tools into one secure hub, they become your all‑in‑one travel companion. No more carrying cash or cards, battling language barriers, downloading endless apps or stressing over paper tickets — everything you need is right at your fingertips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which apps do I absolutely need to download before I arrive in China?

A: You absolutely must download and set up a reliable VPN (like ExpressVPN or NordVPN), WeChat, and Alipay (with your international card linked). These three apps are the foundation for communication, connectivity, and payment.

Q: Can I use my foreign credit card for payments in China?

A: Yes, you can. You must download Alipay (and/or WeChat Pay) and use the app's dedicated feature to successfully link your international credit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) for seamless, QR code-based mobile payments.

Q: Does Google Maps work in China for navigation?

A: No, Google Maps is unreliable or blocked in China. You should download a local alternative like Amap (Gaode Map) or, for iPhone users, rely on Apple Maps, as these use accurate local data for real-time traffic and public transit.

Q: Why do I need a VPN if I only want to use local Chinese apps?

A: Even if you only use local apps, you may need a VPN to access essential services like your personal Gmail or WhatsApp or Telegram to communicate with family/colleagues outside of China. It's best to have it installed and working before you land.

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