The right apps turn China from confusing to effortless. The catch: several of the ones you'll rely on are awkward to download once you're behind the Great Firewall, so install and set them up before you leave home. Here's the short list that actually matters, grouped by what they do.
Payments — Alipay & WeChat
Alipay and WeChat are non-negotiable: link a foreign Visa/Mastercard and pay by QR code for nearly everything. WeChat doubles as China's main messaging app and hosts thousands of mini-programs (tickets, metro, services). Set these up first — full steps in our payments guide.
Maps — Amap or Baidu Maps
Google Maps is unreliable in China. Use Amap (Gaode) or Baidu Maps for accurate transit, walking and driving directions; both have some English. Apple Maps also works acceptably. Download before you go and save key routes offline.
Transport — Didi, Trip.com & Railway 12306
- Didi — ride-hailing with an English mode; set pickup/destination on the map.
- Trip.com — book high-speed trains, flights and hotels in English with international cards.
- Railway 12306 — the official train app, now supporting foreign passports if you prefer to book direct.
Translation — Pleco & a translator
Pleco is the gold-standard Chinese dictionary (offline, with camera OCR). Pair it with a translation app for menus and signs — note that Google Translate needs a VPN, so download offline language packs in advance or use a built-in translator. A screenshot of your destination in Chinese helps with taxi drivers.
Food & reviews — Meituan, Ele.me, Dianping
Meituan and Ele.me deliver food to your hotel; Dianping is China's Yelp for finding well-rated restaurants nearby. These are Chinese-language apps that work through WeChat/Alipay mini-programs too — handy once you're comfortable, optional on a short trip.
Connectivity — your VPN or eSIM app
If you're using a VPN, install and test it at home. If you're using an international eSIM, set it up so data is ready the moment you land. See the internet, eSIM & VPN guide for which approach suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google Maps work in China?
Not reliably — it's often misaligned and incomplete. Use Amap or Baidu Maps instead, which are accurate and have some English. Apple Maps also works reasonably well.
What's the best translation app for China?
Pleco is the best Chinese dictionary (offline, with camera OCR). For full translation, download offline language packs in advance since Google Translate needs a VPN; many travelers also use built-in translators in WeChat or a dedicated app.
Do I need WeChat as a tourist?
It's strongly recommended. WeChat is both a payment method and the gateway to mini-programs for tickets, metro and services, plus messaging if you connect with locals or guides.
Should I download these apps before arriving in China?
Yes. Several apps and the tools to reach them are awkward to download behind the Great Firewall. Install and set up payments, maps, transport and your VPN/eSIM before you fly.
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