Overview
Having the right apps is essential for traveling in China. Many Western apps don’t work here, so you need Chinese alternatives and workarounds. Download everything before arriving - you won’t be able to access app stores once in China without a VPN.
:::warning Critical: Download ALL apps and create accounts BEFORE arrival in China. Google Play and many international services are inaccessible within China. :::
Essential Apps Checklist
| Category | App | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Payment | Alipay | ✅ Essential |
| Communication | ✅ Essential | |
| Navigation | Gaode Maps | ✅ Essential |
| Transport | Didi | ✅ Essential |
| Translation | Pleco | ✅ Highly recommended |
| VPN | Your chosen VPN | ✅ Essential |
| Food | Meituan | Recommended |
Navigation Apps
Gaode Maps (高德地图) ⭐
The best navigation app in China - more accurate than Google Maps for Chinese addresses.
- Real-time traffic and routing
- Public transit directions (metro, bus)
- Walking and cycling routes
- Works offline (download maps first)
- English interface available
- In Chinese: search “高德地图”
Baidu Maps (百度地图)
Alternative navigation - good backup
- Accurate location services
- Walking directions excellent
- Some English support
- Alternative: Apple Maps (works but limited)
City-Specific Metro Apps
| City | App |
|---|---|
| Beijing | 亿通行 (Yikatong) or Beijing Subway app |
| Shanghai | Metro or 大都会 (Daduhui) |
| Shenzhen | 深圳通 (Shenzhen Tong) |
| Guangzhou | 广州地铁 (Guangzhou Metro) |
Transportation Apps
Didi (滴滴出行) ⭐
China’s Uber/ride-hailing - essential for getting around
- Book taxis, express, premium, and拼车 (shared) rides
- In-app payment via Alipay or WeChat Pay
- English interface available (tap English flag)
- Note: Didi requires Chinese phone number for verification
- Alternative: Use hotel concierge to book rides
China Railway (12306)
Official train booking - for high-speed rail
- Book tickets for D-trains and G-trains
- ID required (passport works)
- English version available
- Note: Tickets can also be purchased at stations
Payment Apps
Alipay (支付宝) ⭐
Must-have payment app - accepted everywhere
- Direct card binding (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- TourCard option for prepaid balance
- QR code payments
- Transport QR code for metro/bus
- See our Alipay Guide for setup
WeChat (微信) ⭐
More than messaging - essential for Chinese contacts
- WeChat Pay for payments
- Connect with hotels, guides, drivers
- Mini-programs for services
- WeChat Pay Guide
Communication Apps
Primary communication in China
- Voice and video calls
- Text messages
- Official accounts for businesses
- Connect with local contacts
- WeChat Moments (social feed)
WhatsApp ❌
Does NOT work in China - use instead:
- WeChat (for China contacts)
- Telegram (with VPN)
- Skype (international calls)
Skype
For international calls
- Call China landlines/mobiles cheap
- Works with VPN
- Good backup for international communication
Translation Apps
Pleco ⭐
The essential Chinese dictionary
- Camera translation (point at text)
- Word lookup and flashcards
- Full offline dictionary
- Sentence examples
- Download before arrival
Google Translate ❌
Limited without VPN - but still useful
- Camera translation works offline
- Conversation mode useful
- Download offline Chinese package before trip
Papago
Korean/Japanese translation
- Good accuracy for CJK languages
- Camera and text translation
- Works in China
Food & Delivery
Meituan (美团) ⭐
Super app for food delivery and more
- Food delivery (major restaurants)
- Hotel and flight booking
- Movie tickets
- Grocery delivery
- English interface available
Ele.me (饿了么)
Alibaba’s food delivery
- Large restaurant selection
- Fast delivery
- Lower prices than Meituan sometimes
Dianping (大众点评)
Chinese Yelp - restaurant reviews
- Find highly-rated local restaurants
- Discounts and coupons
- English interface improving
Booking Apps
Trip.com (携程) ⭐
All-in-one travel booking
- Flights, trains, hotels
- English interface excellent
- International cards accepted
- 24/7 customer service
Ctrip (同程)
Alternative booking platform
- Good for trains and flights
- English support available
Booking.com
Hotels if you prefer
- International card payment
- English 24/7 support
VPN Apps ⚠️
Essential for accessing blocked services
What Needs VPN
| Blocked Without VPN | Works Without VPN |
|---|---|
| Google (Search, Maps, Gmail) | |
| YouTube | Alipay |
| Baidu, Gaode Maps | |
| Facebook, Instagram | Taobao |
| Twitter, Reddit | Didi |
| Wikipedia | Meituan |
Recommended VPNs
| VPN | Quality | Price | China Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ | Good |
| NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $$ | Good |
| Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐ | $ | Moderate |
:::warning VPN status varies - Some VPNs are blocked intermittently. Purchase before arrival and keep backup options. Some eSIM providers (like Holafly) include built-in VPN. :::
Apps That Won’t Work
Without VPN, these don’t work:
- ❌ Google Search, Maps, Gmail
- ❌ YouTube
- ❌ Telegram (sometimes)
- ❌ Wikipedia
- ❌ Dropbox
- ❌ Slack
Download Before Arrival
Create accounts while you still have access:
- Alipay - download and verify identity
- WeChat - create account with international number
- Gaode Maps - download offline maps
- Pleco - download dictionary
- VPN - purchase subscription, download, test
- Didi - register account
- Meituan - download and explore
- Trip.com - create account
Pro Tips
- Download all before arrival - App stores limited in China
- Screenshot important QR codes - Screenshots work even offline
- Enable international roaming - For backup data
- Get a local data plan - eSIM recommended (see our eSIM guide)
- Keep screenshots of - Hotel address in Chinese, passport, visa
- Learn basic WeChat - Payment requires basic WeChat skills
Quick Reference
| Need | App |
|---|---|
| Pay for anything | Alipay |
| Message locals | |
| Navigate city | Gaode Maps |
| Get a ride | Didi |
| Translate text | Pleco |
| Order food | Meituan |
| Access Google | VPN |
| Book transport | Trip.com |