The core five
- Alipay or WeChat — payments and mini-programs.
- DiDi — ride-hailing with English interface.
- A translation app with offline Chinese.
- A map app with offline maps and Chinese addresses.
- 12306 or a rail app for high-speed tickets.
Useful extras
Food delivery (Meituan/Ele.me), travel booking, museum tickets, bike-sharing and a currency converter. Many services live inside Alipay/WeChat mini-programs, so you may not need a separate app for everything.
Set up before departure
Install, register and verify before you fly. Some apps require SMS to your home number; do it while you still have easy access. Save English customer-service links and screenshots of key addresses.
Reality check
The apps are easy; the verification is the hard part. Do it before you leave home.
Local tip: Save English customer-service links and screenshots of key addresses.
Step by step
- Install payment, transport, map and translation apps.
- Register and verify accounts.
- Download offline language/map data.
- Save hotel and embassy addresses.
- Test a small payment.
- Keep passwords and backup codes secure.
Typical costs
| Item | Cost / note |
|---|---|
| Apps | Free |
| Data | US$10–40 |
| Ride-hailing | Metered |
Prices are indicative and change. Confirm with the official provider before paying.
Documents to prepare
- Passport for verification
- Phone number
- Payment card
Common mistakes
- Waiting until arrival to install
- No offline maps
- Using unverified third-party apps
- Sharing verification codes
If things go wrong
- If an app will not verify, try another app or use the web version.
- If you lose access, use cash and ask hotel staff for help.
FAQ
Do I need Chinese apps?
For payments, taxis and trains, yes — or use international platforms that book the same services, often at a higher fee.
Can I use Google Maps?
Coverage and access vary. Download a China-friendly map and save addresses in Chinese.
Staying connected: the field guide
Connectivity is the difference between a smooth trip and a day of guessing addresses. Set up data and the core apps before you need them.
Choose the right connection
A local SIM gives you a Chinese number, which helps with taxis, deliveries and some registrations. A travel eSIM is convenient but often data-only. Roaming keeps your home number but can be expensive. For trips over a week, a local SIM plus a data eSIM backup is a good combination.
The app stack
Install a payment app, a ride-hailing app, a translation app with offline Chinese, a map with offline data and a rail app. Many services also live inside Alipay/WeChat mini-programs. Register and verify before you fly, because SMS verification is easier at home.
Internet rules and security
Some foreign websites and apps are not directly accessible from mainland China. Using unauthorised tools to bypass restrictions can be illegal; this guide does not provide circumvention advice. Use lawful services and trusted networks. Avoid banking on public Wi-Fi and keep two-factor authentication on.
Quick checks
- Local SIM or eSIM tested
- Payment, map, translation and transport apps installed
- Offline maps and addresses saved
- Family told which apps you can use
- Two-factor authentication enabled
Printable checklist
Print this page or save it as a PDF. Tick each item before you go.
- Passport for verification
- Phone number
- Payment card
- Install payment, transport, map and translation apps.
- Register and verify accounts.
- Download offline language/map data.
- Save hotel and embassy addresses.
- Test a small payment.
- Keep passwords and backup codes secure.
This guide is a practical summary, not an official or legal document. Rules and prices change. Use the official links below, and confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Last verified 2026-10-29. China Handbook is independent and not affiliated with any government. Information is provided for general guidance only.