China's digital ecosystem is completely different from the West. Google doesn't work. Uber doesn't exist. Your banking app won't help you buy street food.
But don't worry. A handful of apps will replace everything you're used to. Here's exactly what to download.
The "4+3" Rule
4 apps you can't survive without + 3 that make it way easier.
Alipay, WeChat, DiDi, Trip.com
VPN, Dianping, rednote
Must-Have #1: Alipay & WeChat
95% of places don't take cash or foreign cards. Everything runs on QR code payments.
These two apps replace almost everything you use back home:
- ๐ณ Apple Pay / Credit Card โ Alipay & WeChat
- ๐ Transit Card / Oyster โ Alipay & WeChat
- ๐ฝ๏ธ "Waiter, please!" โ WeChat (scan to order)
- ๐ฌ WhatsApp โ WeChat (message locals)
Alipay vs WeChat: Which one first?
| Feature | Alipay | |
|---|---|---|
| QR Payment | โ | โ |
| Foreign Cards | โ Better support | โ |
| Transit Code | โ | โ |
| Mini Programs | โ | โ |
| Scan to Order | โ | โ |
| Messaging | โ | โ |
๐ก Our recommendation:
Alipay first. Better international support for foreign cards.
WeChat for restaurant ordering + contacting people.
DiDi & Meituan: download the standalone app, don't rely on mini-programs.
โ ๏ธ Heads up: WeChat registration sometimes requires an existing WeChat user to scan a QR code to verify you. Do this at home, not at the airport. If you get stuck, message us on WhatsApp.
๐ก Tip: For the full setup walkthrough, see our dedicated guide โ Payment Setup
Must-Have #2: DiDi
Uber โ DiDi
DiDi is how you get around by car in Chinese cities. Economy, premium, shared rides, even traditional taxis. All in one app.
- ๐ Full English interface. Just pin your destination.
- ๐ฐ Estimated fare shown before you confirm. No surprises.
- ๐ณ Pay with Alipay, WeChat Pay, or international card.
- ๐ Tip: Paste destination in Chinese for better GPS accuracy.
- โญ Also available as an Alipay mini program. No extra download needed.
Must-Have #3: Amap
Google Maps โ Amap (้ซๅพทๅฐๅพ)
Google Maps doesn't work in China. Amap is your best alternative with full English interface.
- ๐ Real-time bus & subway tracking. Even tells you which metro car to board for the fastest exit.
- ๐ถ Walking navigation through narrow alleys, malls, and hutongs.
- ๐ Search nearby restaurants, ATMs, hospitals, anything.
- ๐ Built-in ride-hailing. Book a car without switching apps. (See our transport guide for more.)
๐ก iPhone users: Apple Maps also works in China (it uses Amap's data). Not as detailed, but fully in English.
Must-Have #4: Trip.com
Booking.com โ Trip.com
Your one-stop travel app for China. Hotels, trains, flights, all in English, all accepting foreign cards.
- ๐จ "Accepts Foreign Guests" filter. Avoid getting turned away at midnight.
- ๐ Book high-speed rail without dealing with 12306's Chinese interface.
- โ๏ธ Flights, car rentals, attraction tickets. All in one place.
- ๐ 24/7 English-speaking customer service.
- ๐ณ Pay with Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal. No Chinese payment needed.
๐ก Tip: The "Accepts Foreign Guests" filter is a lifesaver. Not all hotels in China are licensed to host foreigners. Using this filter prevents unpleasant surprises at check-in.
Recommended: VPN
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram are all blocked in China. A VPN gets you past the firewall.
- ๐ฅ Download BEFORE you land. VPN apps can't be downloaded inside China.
- โ๏ธ Install at least 2. No single one works 100% of the time.
- ๐ธ Screenshot everything before you disconnect. Hotel address, bookings, maps.
- โ ๏ธ Airport Wi-Fi requires a Chinese phone number for SMS verification.
- โ WeChat & Apple Maps work without VPN. They're your lifeline in China.
For the full guide on VPN, eSIM, and SIM cards โ Internet & VPN
Recommended: Dianping (ๅคงไผ็น่ฏ)
TripAdvisor โ Dianping
China's TripAdvisor + Google Maps Reviews. If you want to eat well in China, this is the app.
- ๐ธ Real dish photos from actual diners. See exactly what you're ordering.
- โญ Star ratings you can trust. Millions of verified local reviews.
- ๐ Search nearby for restaurants, cafes, bars, and street food.
- ๐ก Tip: Tap the floating ๐ท button to translate reviews instantly.
Recommended: rednote (ๅฐ็บขไนฆ)
Instagram โ rednote
China's Everything App for Discovery. Part social media, part search engine. Almost anything you want to know about China can be found here.
- ๐ Search any city + "travel". Real tips from millions of Chinese locals.
- ๐ Restaurants, street food, hidden gems that only locals know.
- ๐ Built-in translation for Chinese posts. Read anything instantly.
- ๐ก Use it like Google. Search anything you want to know about China.
Pre-Travel Download Checklist
Download and set up all of these before you board your flight.
Must-Have
- Alipay (ๆฏไปๅฎ) โ register + link foreign card (setup guide)
- WeChat (ๅพฎไฟก) โ register + link bank card
- DiDi (ๆปดๆปด) โ download + sign in
- Trip.com โ register for trains & hotels
Recommended
- VPN (at least 2) โ see Internet & VPN
- Dianping (ๅคงไผ็น่ฏ) โ download for restaurant reviews
- rednote (ๅฐ็บขไนฆ) โ download for local tips & discovery
Also Useful
- Amap (้ซๅพทๅฐๅพ) โ download + offline maps
- Google Translate (Google ็ฟป่ฏ) โ download Chinese offline pack
Quick Summary
- โ 4 Must-Have apps: Alipay, WeChat, DiDi, Trip.com
- โ 3 Recommended apps: VPN, Dianping, rednote
- โ Alipay first. Best foreign card support.
- โ Download everything before departure. Some apps aren't in China's App Store.
- โ Dianping for food. rednote for everything else.
- โ Don't rely on Google apps. Maps, Gmail, Search are all blocked.
- โ Don't skip WeChat. It's how China communicates.
Too many apps? Don't know where to start?
Send us a message. We'll tell you exactly which apps you need for your specific trip.
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