The apps to install before your trip to China
Quick answer
Install and set up Alipay, WeChat, Trip.com, a map app and a translator before you leave home. Some apps are hard to download or register once you're in China.
On this page
| App | What it's for | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Alipay | Paying by QR code, DiDi taxis | DiDi inside Alipay can switch to English. Set it up |
| WeChat Pay; Meituan food delivery | Registration often needs someone to scan a code. Set it up | |
| Trip.com | Hotels, flights, train tickets | English, takes foreign cards |
| Maps | Getting around | Amap (Gaode) has an English mode. Apple Maps works in China (it uses Amap data). Google Maps is often inaccurate in China |
| Translator | Ordering food, talking to drivers | Microsoft Translator or your phone's built-in translator. Download the offline Chinese pack before you fly |
Why set them up at home
- You'll need taxis and payments the moment you land, so have them ready instead of setting up at the airport.
- Sign-up and card linking send text codes, and those arrive most reliably at home.
- You can link cards and run a ¥1 payment test before you need them.
Save these in Chinese
Screenshot or save your hotel's name and address in Chinese. Show it to taxi drivers, paste it into DiDi or food delivery, and use it on your arrival card.