Must-Have Apps for China: 7 Essential Apps for Travelers

Planning a trip to China? A few well-chosen apps can make everything from paying for lunch to catching a high-speed train much easier.

China has its own digital ecosystem, and some familiar international apps may not work reliably on local networks. The key is to download and set up essential apps before you arrive, especially those requiring phone verification or payment details.

Here are seven must-have apps for China travel, plus a few tips to help you avoid common problems.

Alipay is one of the most useful apps for foreigners visiting China. QR-code payments are common in restaurants, shops, cafés, and many tourist attractions.

Eligible international travelers can link supported overseas bank cards to Alipay, making it possible to pay without opening a Chinese bank account.

Before you go: Install Alipay, register with your phone number, add your bank card, and complete any required verification. Not all cards or transactions are supported, so keep a backup payment method.

For detailed setup instructions, see our guide to using Alipay in China.

WeChat is China's most widely used all-in-one communication app. Hotels, tour guides, and local businesses often use it to communicate with customers.

Beyond messaging, WeChat offers mini programs for various services and WeChat Pay for eligible users.

Before you go: Create your account and complete any required security verification. If you plan to use WeChat Pay, check whether your international card is supported.

Having both Alipay and WeChat gives you more flexibility, especially when a merchant prefers one payment platform.

Amap (高德地图) is a popular navigation app in China, offering detailed walking, driving, and public transportation routes.

It's particularly helpful for finding subway stations, restaurants, attractions, and local businesses.

However, parts of the interface may be in Chinese, and English-language features can vary.

Before you go: Search for your hotel and major attractions to check whether the app meets your needs.

If you use an iPhone, Apple Maps is another option worth testing for a more familiar English-language interface.

English isn't widely spoken in every part of China, particularly outside major hotels and popular tourist areas.

Google Translate can help you understand menus, signs, and simple conversations. However, its online services may be inaccessible on ordinary mainland Chinese networks.

Before you go: Download available offline Chinese translation resources and test them in airplane mode.

Save a few useful phrases, especially:

• 请带我去这个地址。 — Please take me to this address.
• 我不会说中文。 — I don't speak Chinese.
• 可以刷卡吗？ — Can I pay by card?

Consider keeping another translation app as a backup.

Optional walkthrough by The Travel Coaches, focused on downloading offline languages. Test your required functions in airplane mode; a downloaded language does not make every camera, voice or AI feature work offline.

Download offline translation languages, 9:01–10:21Optional video · YouTube

YouTube may not load in mainland China. You can follow the written steps in this guide.

Ask Buddy

Trip.com is particularly convenient for international travelers planning a multi-city China itinerary.

Its English-language platform allows you to book hotels, domestic flights, and high-speed train tickets without navigating several Chinese-language websites.

You can also manage reservations and access booking support through the app.

Before you go: Save your hotel confirmations and check that the Chinese hotel name, address, and contact number are included.

For train bookings, confirm that your ticket has actually been issued rather than simply requested.

Railway 12306 is China's official railway ticketing platform.

If you're planning to travel between cities such as Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, or Chengdu, it can be useful for checking schedules, purchasing tickets, and managing bookings.

Foreign travelers can use eligible passports for train reservations, although identity verification may be required.

Before you go: Register an account and make sure your passport details are entered correctly.

If you prefer an international-facing booking platform, Trip.com is an alternative. You generally don't need both apps for every journey.

Use the official China Railway English website to check the current booking and passport-verification instructions.

DiDi is a major ride-hailing service in China, similar in purpose to Uber.

It's especially useful when traveling with luggage, arriving at an airport, or visiting places that aren't convenient to reach by subway.

The China-focused DiDi app supports English-language features and international users, although available services and payment methods may vary.

Before you go: Register your account, check your payment options, and learn how to select pickup locations.

At airports and railway stations, follow the app's designated pickup instructions rather than assuming your driver can meet you at the nearest exit.

Downloading the apps is only the first step. Some require identity verification, bank authorization, or SMS codes that may be harder to receive after leaving home.

Use this quick checklist:

• Payments: Add an eligible bank card to Alipay and prepare a backup payment method.
• Communication: Register WeChat and check your account access.
• Navigation: Save your hotel and key destinations in Chinese.
• Translation: Download available offline language resources.
• Transport: Check train booking requirements and ride-hailing registration.
• Bookings: Save hotel, flight, and train confirmations offline.
• Security: Enable a screen lock and keep account recovery methods available.

You should also save your hotel's address in both English and Chinese. This simple step can be invaluable when speaking with a taxi driver or asking for directions.

Travel app preparation, illustrated: complete verification and download useful offline material before flying. Save your hotel address and bookings so essential information remains available without a connection.

Not every international app works normally on mainland Chinese internet connections.

Google services, WhatsApp, and certain social media platforms may be inaccessible or unreliable on local networks.

Before departure, check your international roaming or travel eSIM options. Some services may work through particular roaming arrangements, but access is not guaranteed and depends on your provider.

For essential tasks, always have a backup that doesn't depend on internet access.

Keep offline copies of your hotel address, travel confirmations, emergency contacts, and important Chinese phrases. Carry a charging cable and a power bank that meets your airline's and China's applicable transport requirements.

Can foreigners use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China?

Yes. Eligible foreign visitors can link supported international bank cards to Alipay and WeChat Pay. Verification requirements, transaction limits, fees, and merchant acceptance may vary.

Does Google Maps work in China?

Google Maps may be inaccessible on mainland Chinese networks, and its local navigation experience may be limited. Amap and Apple Maps are useful alternatives to test before traveling.

Do I need a Chinese phone number for these apps?

Not always. Several major apps support overseas phone numbers, but certain features may require additional verification. Register and test your accounts before departure.

You don't need dozens of apps to travel comfortably in China.

For most first-time visitors, Alipay, WeChat, a reliable map app, and a translation app are the best starting points. Add Trip.com, Railway 12306, or DiDi depending on your itinerary.

Most importantly, don't just download your apps—set them up, test their essential features, and prepare offline backups before your flight.

A little preparation can save you considerable time and frustration once you arrive.

Sources

• Tencent — WeChat registration and payments for overseas visitors
• Shanghai Government — Linking overseas bank cards to payment apps
• Google Translate Help — Download languages for offline use
• Beijing Government — Transport ticketing and accepted identity documents
• DiDi — English-language service, translated messages and international payment support
• Optional walkthrough: Google Translate travel features, by The Travel Coaches.