📱

Must-Have Apps for China

Install these before you arrive. Your phone is your lifeline in China.

来华必备App——落地前全部装好

⏰ Installation Timeline

1-2 Weeks Before

VPN, Alipay, WeChat — these need setup time

3-5 Days Before

Maps, translation, Didi — download and test

Day of Flight

Verify everything works, screenshot key info

🔴 MUST HAVE 落地必备

Alipay

支付宝

Payment

Pay everywhere. Link foreign card or use Tour Pass.

WeChat

微信

Messaging+Payment

All-in-one: messaging, payments, mini-programs, everything.

Amap (高德地图)

高德地图

Maps+Navigation

Best maps app in China. Supports English. Taxi hailing, walking, transit.

Didi

滴滴出行

Transportation

China's Uber. English version available. hailing taxis and ride-sharing.

Pleco

Translation/Dictionary

Best Chinese dictionary. OCR camera translation, flashcards.

🟡 VERY USEFUL 非常有用

Baidu Maps

百度地图

Maps

Alternative to Amap. Also supports English.

Meituan

美团

Food Delivery+Services

Food delivery, hotel booking, movie tickets, everything local.

Ctrip/Trip.com

携程

Travel Booking

Book trains, flights, hotels. English interface available.

12306

Train Booking

Official train booking app. English version available.

WeChat Translate

微信翻译

Translation

Built-in camera translation in WeChat.

Tencent Translate

腾讯翻译君

Translation

Excellent voice and camera translation for Chinese.

Dianping

大众点评

Reviews

Find restaurants and reviews. Like Yelp for China.

🟢 NICE TO HAVE 锦上添花

Xiaohongshu

小红书

Travel Guide

China's travel buzz app. Real experiences, restaurant reviews.

Taobao

淘宝

Shopping

China's Amazon. Almost everything is cheaper here.

UnionPay

云闪付

Payment

China's card network app. Useful backup payment method.