LOCAL TRAVEL APPS · ASIA

Essential Apps for Travelers in China

Mobile apps are the main way to pay, navigate, order food, and get around in China. Download and set up these essentials before you land to avoid being locked out of services that require a Chinese phone number.

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Before You Arrive in China

  • Install WeChat and Alipay, complete identity verification, and link an international bank card so you can use mobile payments immediately.
  • Download offline translation and map packs, and save your hotel address in Chinese to show taxi or ride-hail drivers.

Top Apps for Travelers in China

WeChat

English, Chinese

All-in-one messaging, social, and mini-app platform; use WeChat Pay for person-to-person transfers, merchant QR payments, and many daily services.

Alipay

English, Chinese

Digital wallet and lifestyle app; link an international card to pay by QR code, book transport, order taxis, and access mini-programs.

Didi Chuxing

English, Chinese

Ride-hailing app for taxis, private cars, and carpooling; enter destinations in English and pay through Alipay, WeChat Pay, or a linked card.

Amap

Chinese only

Detailed China mapping and navigation app with real-time traffic, public transit directions, and location search in Chinese.

Meituan

Chinese only

Local services app for restaurant discovery, food delivery, groceries, movie tickets, and hotel bookings; pay with WeChat or Alipay.

Xiaohongshu (RED)

Chinese (English partially supported)

Social-commerce app where users share reviews, travel guides, and shopping tips. Great for discovering hidden gems and trendy spots; search for your destination to get insider recommendations from locals and fellow travelers.

Ele.me

Chinese only

Food delivery app for restaurant and convenience-store ordering; use a Chinese address and pay through Alipay or WeChat.

Pleco

English

Offline Chinese dictionary with handwriting, camera OCR, and document reader; useful for reading menus, labels, and signs.

Baidu Translate

Multilingual

Text, voice, and camera translation between Chinese and many languages; supports offline language packs.

Taobao

Chinese only

Mainland e-commerce marketplace for goods, electronics, clothing, and more; many sellers ship to local addresses and some accept Alipay international cards.

JD.com

Chinese only

One of China's largest e-commerce platforms, known for electronics and branded goods with fast, reliable delivery. Many items can be shipped to a local address.

Tips for Using Apps in China

  1. Get a Chinese phone number if possible; many services require SMS verification and it makes delivery and ride-hailing easier.
  2. Many services live inside WeChat and Alipay mini-programs, so you may not need separate apps for every task.
  3. Keep a portable battery and consider an international data plan or travel eSIM with a VPN if you need access to apps blocked in mainland China.

Conclusion

Downloading these apps before your trip and setting up payments in advance will make daily travel in China far smoother. Most urban services are designed around QR codes and mobile apps, so a little preparation goes a long way.

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