The best China travel apps to download before you go are Alipay, WeChat, Trip.com, MetroMan, Apple Maps or Amap, a translation app and a reliable eSIM or VPN. I used these across Shanghai, Qingdao and Beijing in 2026, and they made travelling China dramatically easier as a foreigner.
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The Best Apps for Travelling China in 2026
| Need | Best app for China | Set up before arrival? | Why you need it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payments | Alipay | Yes | Pay for food, taxis, metro tickets, shops and QR codes |
| Backup payments and chat | Yes | Useful for QR codes, messages and occasional payments | |
| Trains and hotels | Trip.com | Yes | Easier for foreign travellers booking bullet trains and hotels |
| Taxis | DiDi inside Alipay | Yes | China’s Uber-style option without needing another app |
| Maps | Apple Maps or Amap | Yes | Google Maps is unreliable in mainland China |
| Metro | MetroMan | Yes | Offline metro maps for big Chinese cities |
| Translation | Apple Translate / Google Translate | Yes | Menus, signs, screenshots and quick conversations |
| Internet | eSIM or VPN | Yes | Keeps you connected when Western apps struggle |
Planning a trip to China can feel weirdly intimidating before you go. Everyone tells you Google does not really work, cash is awkward, foreign cards can be hit and miss, and suddenly ordering a coffee in Shanghai starts to sound like admin warfare.
But honestly? Once my phone was set up properly, China became one of the easiest countries I’ve ever travelled through.
I used these China travel apps independently across Shanghai, Qingdao and Beijing in April 2026, for everything from paying for jianbing on the street to booking bullet trains, calling DiDi taxis, translating menus, unlocking rental bikes and finding my way through giant metro stations.
This is not a theoretical list of nice apps to have. This is the exact phone setup I’d use again if I were landing in China tomorrow.
Read Next: How to Visit the Great Wall of China with Zero Crowds: The Ultimate Mutianyu Guide
Why trust this China apps guide?
I tested these apps myself while travelling independently through China in April 2026, covering Shanghai, Qingdao and Beijing without a tour group, Chinese bank account or Chinese phone number.
I used them for real travel moments: paying with Alipay, booking bullet trains through Trip.com, calling DiDi taxis, using MetroMan underground, translating vegetarian menus, navigating with Apple Maps and keeping connected with an eSIM.
Some apps were brilliant. Some were useful but not essential. Some I would only bother with if you are staying longer or want to dig deeper into local food, cafés and hidden spots. This guide is based on what actually helped once I landed, not a recycled list of every app that exists in China.
Quick Answer: What Apps Do Foreigners Need in China?
The best apps that will make your China trip seamless:
Download These Apps Before Flying to China:
- Alipay
Essential for payments, Didi taxis, bike rentals, mini apps and daily life. - WeChat
Messaging, QR codes, some payments and communication with locals. - Trip.com
Best app for booking trains, hotels and flights as a foreign traveller. - MetroMan
Offline metro maps for major Chinese cities. - Google Translate or Apple Translate
Critical for menus, signs and conversations. - Apple Maps or Amap (Gaode Maps)
Google Maps barely functions properly in China. - Holafly eSIM
Easiest way to get internet access immediately after landing. - GetYourGuide
Helpful for attractions, tours and comparing prices against Trip.com.
I tested these apps while travelling independently through Shanghai, Qingdao and Beijing in April 2026, using them for payments, taxis, bullet trains, metro journeys, restaurants, coffee orders and translation as a foreign traveller.
Before You Arrive in China:
- Add your bank card to Alipay
- Set up Alipay and WeChat
- Download offline translations and maps
- Install your eSIM
- Save hotel addresses and key phrases in Chinese
If You Only Download 5 Apps for China, Make Them These
- Alipay: payments, taxis, metro, mini apps, QR codes
- WeChat: backup payments, messaging, QR codes
- Trip.com: trains, hotels, flights, attraction tickets
- Apple Maps or Amap: navigation that actually works in China
- Translation app: menus, screenshots, signs and conversations
MetroMan and an eSIM are not optional for me either, but if you are trying to get your head around the absolute essentials first, start with these five. WeChat wasn’t used nearly as much as I thought it would, but it came in useful on the few occasions where Alipay couldn’t be accepted.
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The Biggest Mistake First-Time Travellers Make in China
Most people massively overestimate how difficult China is.
I did too.
Before my trip, I’d read endless Reddit threads making it sound like stepping into China meant entering some digital apocalypse where nothing worked and every app exploded on arrival.
Reality? It was one of the smoothest countries I’ve ever travelled through.
The catch is this: China runs on apps.
Everything runs through your phone. Payments. Metro tickets. Coffee orders. Bike rentals. Food. Trains. You need to make sure you’re set up before you land.
There’s something surreal about ordering a coffee, unlocking a rental bike with one tap, paying 60p for dumplings via QR code, all from one app – then jumping onto a bullet train doing 350km/h to visit a cyberpunk city on the coast.
China feels futuristic because it genuinely is.
Why Alipay Is the Most Important App in China
If You Download One App for China, Make It Alipay
Alipay is basically your wallet, transport card, taxi app and convenience tool rolled into one.
I genuinely don’t think I touched physical cash once during my trip.
Not once.
You use Alipay for:
- Restaurants
- Convenience shops
- Tourist attractions
- Metro payments
- Vending machines
- Didi taxis
- Bike rentals
- Ordering coffee
- QR code payments everywhere
Even tiny street food stalls accept it. Alipay is without a doubt one of the best apps for travelling China. You’ll use it every day.
How Alipay Works for Foreigners
This is the bit that many people might not be aware of, especially if they are getting information from old sources.
Foreign bank cards actually work pretty well now – despite reports from others explaining difficulties.
I linked my international Mastercard before arriving and had no issues.
How to Set Up Alipay Before Travelling to China
Setting up Alipay is one of the most important things you should do before flying to China.
Without it, you’ll find it difficult to do even some of the simplest tasks when travelling in China.
1. Download Alipay and Create an Account
First:
- Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play
- Open the app
- Select your country or region code
- Enter your mobile number
- Verify the SMS code sent to your phone
That creates your account.
2. Add Your International Bank Card
One of the best changes in recent years is that foreign bank cards now work properly with Alipay for most travellers.
To add your card:
- Tap Me in the bottom-right corner
- Select Bank Cards
- Tap Add Card
- Enter your card details
Alipay accepts many international cards including:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Discover
You’ll also create a 6-digit payment password, which you’ll use to approve purchases.
3. Complete Real-Name Verification
To unlock full payment features, you’ll need to verify your identity.
Go to:
Me → Settings → Account and Security → Real-name Verification
You’ll then:
- Upload a passport photo
- Complete a quick facial recognition scan
This step increases your payment limits and helps avoid payment issues later during your trip.
4. How Paying Actually Works in China
Once set up, paying for things is incredibly simple.
You usually pay in one of two ways:
Scan the Merchant QR Code
- Open Alipay
- Tap Scan
- Scan the shop’s QR code
- Enter the amount if needed
- Confirm payment with your password
Show Your Own QR Code
- Tap Pay/Receive
- A barcode or QR code appears
- The cashier scans your phone
Above: Paying for Metro tickets on Shanghai Metro using Alipay QR code. It’s almost as simple as tapping your bank card.
After a day or two, it becomes second nature. You’ll find yourself coming home and having to stop yourself from saying “Alipay?” when buying things.
Pro Tips for Foreign Travellers Using Alipay
Set It Up Before You Fly
Do everything at home on reliable Wi-Fi before arriving in China.
This matters more than people realise. Sometimes banks block the first setup attempts, so having time to fix issues before departure saves stress later.
Check Foreign Transaction Fees
You’ll be spending in Chinese Yuan (CNY), so your bank may charge FX fees.
I found cards like Monzo and Starling worked especially well with Alipay while travelling China. Others report that Wise works well, but we didn’t try this card.
Top Tip: Set up Alipay fully before travelling, link your card, verify your passport, and China becomes dramatically easier to navigate as a foreigner.
If you encounter issues, you can contact Alipay’s international customer service directly within the app to assist with the verification process.
The Secret Alipay Feature Most Tourists Don’t Know About: Mini Apps
Mini apps inside Alipay are an absolute game changer.
Instead of downloading separate apps for everything, China often runs services inside Alipay itself.
We used mini apps for:
- Ordering Luckin Coffee
- Unlocking rental bikes
- Booking taxis
- Food ordering
- Public transport
Above: Ordering Luckin Coffee from the Alipay mini app. If you are in China soon, I recommend this drink so much. The Grape Lemon tea continuously sold out while we were there, and we had to hit up multiple locations to get our hands on this drink.
At one point I realised I’d spent an entire day in Shanghai using one app for basically everything. some of them even come with a translation tool so you can live translate content within the app. Zero screenshots, zero hassle. The translate tool can be slow to catch up sometimes, but when it works it works!
Using Didi Inside Alipay
DiDi is China’s version of Uber.
Except honestly… I found it better. We didn’t get kidnapped which was a big bonus.
The cars arrived quickly, prices were cheap, and using it through Alipay meant I didn’t need another separate setup.
A 90-minute Didi ride from Beijing to the Great Wall of China cost less than a 15 minute taxi to the airport back home.
Top Tip: Alipay is the operating system for travelling China. Don’t leave home without it!
Do You Still Need WeChat in China?
WeChat is still important, but not quite as essential for tourists as it used to be.
Years ago, travellers struggled because many businesses only accepted WeChat Pay. That’s changed a lot.
I personally used Alipay far more.
But WeChat is still useful for one or two things – where Alipay wasn’t accepted or at least it wasn’t offered to us as a payment method.
Think of it as China’s version of WhatsApp mixed with Instagram, Apple Pay. When it comes to the best apps for travelling China, this is secondary to Alipay, but don’t skip it. Just in case.
Should Foreigners Set Up WeChat Pay?
You can.
But honestly, if your Alipay works properly, you probably won’t need to rely on it heavily.
I’d still recommend downloading it before travelling though.
Because the moment you don’t have it is inevitably the moment somebody asks you to scan a WeChat QR code.
The Best App for Booking Trains and Hotels in China
Why Trip.com Is a Lifesaver for Foreigners
Trip.com made travelling China dramatically easier for us.
China’s rail system is phenomenal. Fast, clean, efficient and kind of mind-blowing.
But booking trains directly through local Chinese platforms can be painful for foreigners.
Trip.com fixes that. We used it for:
- High-speed rail tickets
- Hotels
- Attraction tickets
The app works smoothly in English and handles passport details properly.
Booking China’s High-Speed Trains
This was one of my favourite parts of travelling China.
The bullet trains are absurdly good.
You glide between giant futuristic cities at speeds that make European rail feel slightly medieval, unless of course you’re travelling on the second largest high-speed network in the world. Yes, I’m looking at you, Spain!
A few things I learned:
- Book popular routes early
- Arrive at stations earlier than you think
- Passport = your ticket
- Stations are enormous
What Surprised Me Most About Chinese Hotels
Hotels in China were far better value than I expected.
In cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Qingdao, I stayed in genuinely lovely hotels for prices that would barely get you a hostel bunk in parts of Europe.
One thing worth knowing:
Some hotels still don’t accept foreign guests.
Trip.com usually labels this clearly, which saves awkward reception desk conversations at midnight.
Trip.com removes most of the friction from travelling China as a foreigner. Make sure you download it before you arrive.
Oh, and if anyone can tell me what that gorgeous scent is in Chinese hotel lobbies, please let me know. White tea? Jasmine? Lotus? I’m obsessed. Every hotel we stayed in had a unique twist and I can’t recreate it at home.
The Best Maps App for China
Why Google Maps Barely Works in China
This catches almost everyone off guard.
Google Maps technically opens in China… but functionality is unreliable.
Locations can be inaccurate.
Businesses information is painfully out of date.
Directions fail.
Live navigation becomes chaotic.
I quickly gave up on it.
Apple Maps Actually Works Shockingly Well
Apple Maps was genuinely excellent during my trip.
I didn’t expect this.
But for walking, metro navigation and finding businesses, it worked surprisingly well across multiple cities.
If you have an iPhone, this is probably your easiest option.
Should You Download Amap?
Amap is the local Chinese maps app many residents use.
It’s more powerful than Apple Maps in some ways, especially for:
- Live transport updates
- Detailed directions
- Local business accuracy
But the English experience can feel rough.
I’d recommend:
- Apple Maps for simplicity
- Amap if you want deeper local functionality, or an Android user
The Best Translation Apps for China
Language barriers in China are real. Especially outside major tourist areas.
But translation apps make things dramatically easier now.
Google Translate Still Helps
Google Translate was useful for:
- Camera translation
- Menus
- Signs
- Quick phrases
Download offline Mandarin before your trip.
Apple Translate Worked Better Than Expected
Apple Translate handled simple conversations surprisingly well for me.
The microphone translation feature was genuinely useful in restaurants.
My Most Useful Translation Trick
Screenshots.
I constantly screenshotted things and translated them afterwards.
Menus.
Train information.
Random notifications.
Above: Essential purchases were made much easier when we used screenshots of common phrases in China.
China becomes easier the second you stop panicking about not understanding everything instantly. That said, good luck to you if you can decipher some of the poetic menu items you’ll come across on your travels. My first encounter with red bean paste involved a lot of references to shrimp – which of course is not an ingredient!
MetroMan Makes Chinese Public Transport Ridiculously Easy
MetroMan was one of the simplest but most useful apps I downloaded.
Chinese metro systems are huge.
Shanghai’s metro alone feels endless.
MetroMan gives:
- Offline maps
- Route planning
- Station transfers
- Journey times
It saved me repeatedly underground when my signal vanished. Big shout out to Kasia for this tip, as I hadn’t seen it listed on other resources I had been looking at.
Is GetYourGuide Worth Using in China?
GetYourGuide is surprisingly useful in China, especially if:
- you want English-language tours
- you prefer structured activities
- you want price comparisons
I often checked both GetYourGuide and Trip.com before booking attractions.
Sometimes one was cheaper.
Sometimes one had better cancellation policies.
What I Actually Used GetYourGuide For in China
- Great Wall tickets
- Attraction comparisons
- Last-minute bookings
- Reviews in English
Not essential. But definitely useful. And, definitely worthy of a place on this best China travel apps list.
Good to know: You’ll receive QR code style tickets for attractions through your email or WhatsApp if booking on GetYourGuide. At least, in my case this was true for the tickets we bought on the platform.
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Best eSIM App for Travelling China
The Best eSIM for China: Holafly
You’ll Need Mobile Data Immediately
Do not land in China without internet access sorted.
Seriously.
Because once you arrive:
- you need maps
- you need Alipay
- you need hotel directions
- you need translations
- you need QR codes for basically everything. Including accessing the country. Don’t forget to complete your arrival form online before you depart.
Why I Used Holafly
Holafly made things incredibly easy.
I activated my eSIM before departure and had internet almost immediately after landing.
No airport SIM queues.
No passport paperwork.
No confusion.
- eSIM providers like Holafly help access apps like Google and WhatsApp with a built-in VPN
- Use my Holafly discount code to save money on your purchase: IRISHTRAVELADDICT
One Weird Bonus
Using an international eSIM can sometimes help access services that would otherwise be restricted on local Chinese networks.
Which leads nicely into…
What Went Wrong
Travel wouldn’t be travel if something didn’t go wrong. My TikTok just… broke.
This completely confused me at first.
My TikTok account basically stopped functioning properly while travelling in China.
And yes, I had internet!
China’s internet ecosystem works differently, and certain apps behave strangely even when connected through roaming or eSIM services. This is another reason why preparing your phone before travelling matters so much.
I wrote a full breakdown about what happened here: Why TikTok Stopped Working in China During My Trip. Check it out before you go so you don’t make the same mistakes!
Other China Travel Apps Worth Knowing About
The apps above are the ones I’d focus on first if you are planning a short trip to China. For my own route through Shanghai, Qingdao and Beijing, Alipay, WeChat, Trip.com, MetroMan, translation apps and a good eSIM did most of the heavy lifting.
That said, there are a few other China travel apps worth knowing about before you go. You might not need all of them, especially if you are only visiting for a week, but they can make certain parts of travelling in China much easier.
12306: China’s Official Train Booking App
12306 is the official China Railway app and website for booking trains in China. If you are travelling long distances by high-speed rail, you will probably come across it at some point during your research.
For most foreign visitors, I’d still say Trip.com is the easier option. That is what I used for my bullet train bookings between Shanghai, Qingdao and Beijing, and it made the process far less intimidating. The interface is in English, it accepts international cards more easily, and it is generally more beginner-friendly if you are booking China trains for the first time.
However, 12306 is worth knowing about because it is the official source. It can be useful for checking train times, seat availability and routes, even if you end up booking through Trip.com.
Do you need 12306 as a tourist in China?
Not necessarily. If you want the simplest option, use Trip.com. If you are staying longer, booking lots of trains or want to compare directly with the official China Railway system, 12306 is worth setting up.
Baidu Maps: Powerful, But Not Always Beginner-Friendly
Baidu Maps is one of the biggest navigation apps in China, and it can be incredibly detailed. It is especially useful for local transport, walking routes, nearby businesses and exact locations that might not appear properly on Western map apps.
The catch? It can feel overwhelming if you do not read Chinese. Some travellers love it. Others open it once, panic slightly, and go straight back to Apple Maps or Amap.
If you are confident using translation tools and you want the most local-level mapping experience, Baidu Maps is worth having. If you are only visiting major cities and want something easier, I would start with Apple Maps on iPhone or Amap.
Amap: One of the Best Google Maps Alternatives in China
Amap, also known as Gaode Maps, is another major navigation app in China. For many travellers, this is one of the best alternatives to Google Maps because it works properly inside China and is much more reliable for local directions.
Google Maps is not the app I’d rely on in mainland China. Even if you can access it with a VPN or eSIM workaround, the live data can be patchy. For getting around cities, finding metro stations and checking local routes, China-based map apps are usually better.
If you are nervous about getting lost in China, download Amap before you go and play around with it before your first proper travel day.
Dianping: China’s Local Food and Review App
Dianping is a bit like China’s answer to restaurant reviews, local recommendations and food discovery all in one. It is especially useful if you want to find places that locals actually rate, rather than relying only on Google reviews or tourist-friendly lists.
For vegetarian travellers, it can be a little bit more complicated because you may need to translate menus, reviews and dish names. But it can still be useful for checking whether a restaurant looks busy, well-rated and worth the detour.
I would not call Dianping essential for a short first trip to China, but it is handy if you are food-led, curious or trying to get beyond the obvious tourist spots.
Meituan: Food Delivery, Deals and Local Services
Meituan is huge in China. Locals use it for food delivery, restaurant deals, tickets, services and all sorts of everyday life bits. For tourists, it can be useful, but it is not always the easiest app to use if you do not have a Chinese phone number or cannot read Chinese.
If you are staying in China for longer, Meituan may become much more useful. For a short city-hopping trip, I would not make it your priority unless you specifically want to order food delivery or explore local deals.
For most first-time visitors, Alipay, WeChat and Trip.com will feel more immediately useful.
Xiaohongshu / Little Red Book: Great for Finding Cool Spots
Xiaohongshu, also called Little Red Book or RedNote, is one of the best apps for finding trendy cafés, photo spots, local recommendations and travel inspiration in China.
Think of it as part Instagram, part Pinterest, part local search engine. It is especially useful if you want to find places that are popular with Chinese travellers rather than only places showing up on English-language blogs.
The downside is that it is not the easiest app if you do not read Chinese. You may need to search using translated place names or use screenshots with a translation app.
Still, if you love finding aesthetic cafés, hidden viewpoints, street food spots or very specific “where did they take that photo?” locations, Xiaohongshu is worth downloading before your trip.
Do Tourists Need 12306 or Is Trip.com Enough?
For most tourists, Trip.com is enough.
I booked my China bullet trains through Trip.com and found it much easier than trying to navigate the official rail system as a first-time visitor. It was especially useful because I could search in English, pay more easily and keep all my bookings in one place.
Use Trip.com if:
- You want the easiest booking process
- You are booking in English
- You are using an international bank card
- You only have a few train journeys
- You want everything stored neatly in one app
Use 12306 if:
- You want to book directly with China Railway
- You are staying in China for longer
- You are comfortable with a more local system
- You want to compare availability directly
- You are booking lots of train journeys
My honest advice? For a first trip to China, use Trip.com and save your brain for the actual adventure.
Baidu Maps vs Amap vs Apple Maps: Which Is Best in China?
If you are trying to work out which map app to use in China, here is the simple version.
Apple Maps is probably the easiest option if you use an iPhone. It is familiar, simple and works better in China than many people expect.
Amap is one of the best local options and is useful for more accurate China-based navigation, especially in big cities.
Baidu Maps is powerful and detailed, but it can feel less beginner-friendly if you do not read Chinese.
For a first trip, I would download at least two options before you go. I would not rely on Google Maps as your main navigation app in mainland China.
My suggested setup:
- iPhone user: Apple Maps plus Amap
- Android user: Amap plus Baidu Maps
- Nervous traveller: download MetroMan too, especially for city metro systems
Is Dianping Useful for Tourists?
Dianping can be useful, but I would not put it in the “must download or you will struggle” category.
It is best for food, cafés, local reviews and finding places that are popular with people actually living in China. If you are the kind of traveller who loves digging around for proper local spots, you will probably enjoy it.
However, if you are only in China for a week and already have a packed itinerary, you may not need it. Trip.com, Apple Maps, Amap, Alipay and translation tools will probably cover most of your day-to-day needs.
For vegetarian travellers, Dianping can help you research restaurants, but you will still need a good translation app because menus and reviews may not be in English.
Is Meituan Worth Downloading for China?
Meituan is useful, but not essential for every tourist.
It is brilliant for locals because it covers food delivery, restaurant deals, services, tickets and more. But for short-term visitors, it can feel like a lot of effort unless you have a specific reason to use it.
Download Meituan if:
- You are staying in China for more than a few days
- You want to order food delivery
- You are comfortable using translation tools
- You want to browse local deals and restaurants
Skip it if:
- You are only visiting for a short trip
- You do not want another app to set up
- You are already using Alipay, WeChat and Trip.com
- You prefer keeping things simple
For my style of travel, Meituan sits in the “nice to know” category rather than the “download this before you land or else” category.
Should Tourists Use Xiaohongshu in China?
Yes, but with realistic expectations.
Xiaohongshu is great for travel inspiration in China. It can help you find cool cafés, street views, lesser-known photo spots, food recommendations and places that might not appear in English travel guides.
It is especially good if you like visual planning. Search a destination, scroll through posts and you will quickly get a feel for what is popular, pretty or worth saving.
The tricky bit is language. You may need to use translated search terms, screenshots and a translation app to get the most out of it.
I would download Xiaohongshu if you like finding places beyond the obvious tourist trail. If you just want practical travel tools, focus on Alipay, WeChat, Trip.com, Amap and MetroMan first.
Do You Need a VPN or eSIM in China?
Yes, I would sort your internet before you arrive in China.
A lot of Western apps do not work normally in mainland China, and the last thing you want after landing is to be stuck at the airport trying to solve internet access, payments and transport all at once.
For my China trip, having mobile data ready to go made a massive difference. It meant I could use maps, translation tools, Alipay, ride-hailing, train bookings and messaging without constantly hunting for Wi-Fi.
Before you travel, decide how you are getting connected:
- A travel eSIM that works in China
- A VPN set up before arrival
- International roaming, if your provider supports it properly
- A local SIM, if you are staying longer
Whatever option you choose, test what you can before you go. China is not the place to leave your phone setup to airport-arrival vibes.
Which Apps Should You Set Up Before Landing in China?
If you do one thing before travelling to China, set up your essential apps before you arrive. Do not wait until you are jet-lagged, sweaty and trying to order a taxi from the airport.
Here is the setup I would sort before flying:
| App | Set up before arrival? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Alipay | Yes | Payments, metro, taxis, QR codes and mini apps |
| Yes | Messaging, backup payments and QR code moments | |
| Trip.com | Yes | Trains, hotels and travel bookings |
| Amap or Apple Maps | Yes | Navigation that works better in China |
| MetroMan | Yes | Simple metro planning in major cities |
| Translation app | Yes | Menus, signs, screenshots and conversations |
| eSIM or VPN | Yes | Internet access and app reliability |
| Xiaohongshu | Optional | Travel inspiration and local recommendations |
| Dianping | Optional | Restaurants, cafés and local reviews |
| Meituan | Optional | Food delivery, deals and local services |
| 12306 | Optional | Official China train bookings and train checks |
If you are short on time, focus on the essentials first: Alipay, WeChat, Trip.com, maps, translation and internet access. Those are the apps that will make your first few days in China feel much less intimidating.
Other Useful Apps for China Travel
VPN Apps
Some travellers still use VPNs or have backup VPNs in China for accessing:
- Gmail
- YouTube
Reliability varies constantly though.
What works one month can fail the next.
Food Delivery Apps
Locals use apps like:
- Meituan
- Ele.me
But honestly? I didn’t need them. China already feels incredibly convenient without trying to optimise every single meal delivery. You may also need a local Chinese number to use some of these apps. Honestly, it’s maybe more hassle than it’s worth. The real China can be found in the local restaurants, not your hotel room.
Things That Shocked Me About Travelling in China
How Safe It Felt
I walked around huge megacities late at night feeling safer than in many other world capitals.
That surprised me.
How Digital Everything Is
China is probably the most app-integrated society I’ve ever visited.
You scan QR codes constantly.
After a few days, it becomes second nature.
Then you return home and weirdly miss it.
How Easy It Actually Was
The internet makes China sound harder than it really is.
Once your apps are sorted:
- transport is easy
- payments are easy
- food is easy
- navigation is easy
The difficulty is mostly in the preparation stage.
Other apps I used when Travelling China
Other apps I used, but I wouldn’t deem as essential for your trip unless you want to copy my exact itinerary:
Finnair app: I used the official Finnair app to manage my journey to and from China. You should use the official airline app for whichever airline you are flying with
Dublin Airport app: I managed my car parking, lounge access and fast track security from the Dublin Airport app. You should download this if you’re ever travelling through Dublin Airport too.
World of Hyatt: I used the Hyatt official app to book our stay at Hyatt on the Bund. I secured a fantastic deal by booking direct as a member.
We booked our Shanghai stay through the World of Hyatt app. You can read my full Hyatt on the Bund review, including the room type and exact price we paid.
Hotels.com: I found Beijing was one of the more expensive cities for accommodation during our trip. We landed in Beijing in the peak travel times of Qingming which may have e caused this spike. I found that Hotels.com had some competitive deals and we booked our hotel in Beijing through the Hotels.com app because of this. It pays to shop around!
FAQ: Best Apps to Use While Travelling China
What are the most important apps for travelling China as a foreigner?
The best apps for travelling when in China include:
- Alipay
- Trip.com
- MetroMan
- Apple Maps or Amap
- Translation apps
- Holafly eSIM
Can foreigners use Alipay in China?
Yes. Foreign bank cards now work with Alipay for many travellers.
Passport verification is usually required.
Does Google work in China?
Some Google services are restricted or unreliable in China.
Google Maps is particularly inconsistent.
Is WeChat necessary in China?
Not strictly, but it’s still very useful.
Alipay handled most things for me, but WeChat helped occasionally with QR codes and communication.
What is the best map app for China?
Apple Maps worked best for me as a foreign traveller.
Amap offers more local detail but can feel less beginner-friendly.
Can tourists use Didi in China?
Yes. You can access Didi directly inside Alipay through the Didi mini app, which makes getting taxis incredibly easy.
Is China difficult for English speakers?
It can be challenging at times, especially outside tourist areas.
But translation apps and modern payment systems make things much easier than people expect.
Do I need cash in China?
Rarely. Most payments happen digitally via QR codes. Alipay is the most important app for travelling in China. You’ll use it every day.
Do I need special apps before travelling to China?
Yes. And, wownloading and installing the apps before landing in China makes the trip dramatically easier.
Many Western apps work differently in China, especially:
- Google Maps
- Gmail
- TikTok
Setting up the payment apps, maps and translations listed in this blog before arrival saves a huge amount of stress at the airport.
Are Chinese travel apps difficult for foreigners to use?
Not really.
Most of these Chinese travel apps now support English interfaces and international bank cards.
The setup process can feel intimidating at first, but once configured properly, travelling around China becomes surprisingly smooth.
What apps do I need before travelling to China?
The essential apps to download before travelling to China are Alipay, WeChat, Trip.com, a reliable maps app, a translation app and an eSIM or VPN option. These cover the big travel headaches: paying for things, booking trains, getting taxis, using the metro, translating menus and staying connected.
Is Alipay or WeChat better for tourists in China?
For most tourists, Alipay is easier to use day to day in China. I used it for payments, taxis, metro tickets and mini apps while travelling through Shanghai, Qingdao and Beijing. WeChat is still worth setting up as a backup, especially for messaging, QR codes and the odd payment situation where Alipay is not as smooth.
Do tourists need 12306 to book trains in China?
Not necessarily. 12306 is the official China Railway app, but Trip.com is usually easier for foreign travellers because it works in English and is more straightforward with international cards. I booked my China bullet trains through Trip.com and found it much less stressful than trying to navigate the official rail system as a first-time visitor.
Is Trip.com enough for booking trains in China?
Yes, Trip.com is enough for most tourists booking trains in China. It lets you search routes in English, book high-speed rail tickets, store your journeys in one place and avoid a lot of the confusion that can come with local-only booking platforms. For a short first trip, I would happily use Trip.com again.
What map app should I use in China instead of Google Maps?
I would not rely on Google Maps as your main map app in mainland China. Apple Maps works surprisingly well if you use an iPhone, while Amap and Baidu Maps are stronger local options. For a first trip, I’d download at least two map options before you go so you are not stuck if one feels awkward to use.
Is Baidu Maps useful for tourists in China?
Baidu Maps can be useful because it is detailed and widely used in China, but it is not always the easiest app for tourists who do not read Chinese. If you are confident using translation tools, it can be helpful. If you want something simpler, Apple Maps or Amap may feel easier for a short trip.
Is Amap good for travelling around China?
Yes, Amap is one of the best map apps for travelling around China. It is a strong alternative to Google Maps and is especially useful in big cities where local navigation data matters. I would download it before you arrive, especially if you plan to use public transport, walk around cities or find specific local spots.
Is Dianping useful for tourists in China?
Dianping can be useful for finding restaurants, cafés and local recommendations in China, especially if you want to go beyond obvious tourist spots. It is not essential for every traveller, but food-led travellers may find it handy. Just be prepared to use a translation app, as a lot of the content may not be in English.
Is Meituan worth downloading for a China trip?
Meituan is worth knowing about, but it is not essential for every tourist. Locals use it for food delivery, deals, restaurants and services, but it can be harder to use if you do not read Chinese or have a local number. For a short trip, I would prioritise Alipay, WeChat, Trip.com, maps and translation first.
Should I use Xiaohongshu for China travel planning?
Xiaohongshu, also known as Little Red Book or RedNote, is great for finding cool cafés, photo spots, local recommendations and travel inspiration in China. It is especially useful if you want to find places popular with Chinese travellers rather than only relying on English travel blogs. The main challenge is language, so screenshot translation will be your best friend.
Do I need a VPN or eSIM in China?
Yes, I would sort your internet before travelling to China. Many Western apps do not work normally in mainland China, so having an eSIM, VPN or roaming plan ready before you land makes the whole trip much easier. Do not leave this until the airport when you are tired, hungry and trying to order a taxi.
Which apps should I set up before landing in China?
Set up Alipay, WeChat, Trip.com, your maps app, translation app and eSIM or VPN before landing in China. These are the apps you are most likely to need immediately for payments, taxis, trains, metro journeys, menus and getting online. Optional extras like Dianping, Meituan and Xiaohongshu can wait unless you want to plan more deeply before your trip.
Can I use Google Translate in China?
You may be able to use Google Translate if your internet setup works, but I would not make it your only option. Download offline language packs or have another translation app ready too. Translation tools are incredibly useful in China, especially for menus, signs, screenshots, taxi addresses and quick conversations.
Can tourists use DiDi in China?
Yes, tourists can use DiDi in China, and one of the easiest ways is through Alipay rather than downloading a separate app. I used ride-hailing through Alipay during my China trip and found it much easier than trying to flag taxis or explain addresses. Make sure Alipay is set up before you arrive.
What is the most important app for travelling in China?
For me, Alipay was the most important app for travelling in China. It covered payments, taxis, metro access, QR codes and loads of little everyday moments that would have been much harder without it. If you only set up one app properly before your trip, make it Alipay.
Can I travel China with just Alipay?
Yes, but I would not rely on Alipay alone. Alipay handled most of my payments, taxis, metro journeys and mini apps, but I would still set up WeChat as a backup before travelling to China.
What apps should I download before landing in China?
Before landing in China, I would download Alipay, WeChat, Trip.com, Apple Maps or Amap, MetroMan, a translation app and your eSIM or VPN app. Do the setup before your flight, not when you are jet-lagged at the airport.
Is Apple Maps better than Google Maps in China?
For my trip, yes. Apple Maps worked far better than Google Maps across Shanghai, Qingdao and Beijing. Google Maps opened, but business information and directions were unreliable.
Do I need a Chinese phone number to use travel apps in China?
For a short tourist trip, I managed without a Chinese phone number. I used my own phone, an eSIM, Alipay, WeChat, Trip.com and translation apps. Some local apps may still be easier with a Chinese number, but I did not need one for my route.
What apps do vegetarian travellers need in China?
A translation app is essential if you are vegetarian in China. I used screenshots and translation tools constantly for menus, ingredients and restaurant searches. Dianping can help with food research, but you will still need translation support.
Best Travel Apps in China: What I’d Download Again
China Feels Like the Future Once You Set Your Phone Up Properly.
At first, everything feels unfamiliar:
The apps.
The QR codes.
The giant train stations.
The cashless culture.
Then suddenly, somewhere between unlocking a bike with your phone and ordering dumplings through a mini app at midnight, it all comes together. And, China stops feeling intimidating. It starts feeling incredibly exciting.
That’s what stayed with me most after travelling through multiple Chinese cities. Not just the scale or the speed or the skylines, but how seamlessly daily life functions once you’re used to the systems.
Your phone becomes your train ticket, wallet, map, translator and travel companion all at once.
Get these essential apps sorted before you fly, and you’ll spend far less time stressing and far more time wandering through neon streets, drinking iced Luckin coffees and wondering why more people aren’t talking about how brilliant travelling China actually is.
Now that you have the lowdown on the must-download apps for travelling China, why not sign up for monthly updates- direct to your inbox?
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Updated: 11 July 2026
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