Best Apps for Traveling in China
Planning a trip to China? The right apps can make everyday travel much easier, from mobile payments and navigation to translation, train tickets and food delivery. Here are the essential apps to prepare before you arrive.
Before you travel: Download the apps you need, register your accounts, check verification requirements, and test your payment methods before your trip. Some services may work differently for international visitors.1. Essential Apps for China
Start with these apps if you want to handle the most common travel tasks in China. You do not necessarily need every app on the list.
Alipay
Payments and everyday servicesAlipay is one of the main mobile payment platforms in China. Visitors may be able to link an eligible international bank card and use supported payment services at participating merchants.
Messaging and Weixin PayWeChat is widely used for messaging, contacting hotels and tour providers, and accessing mini programs. Weixin Pay may also be available to eligible international visitors after setup and verification.
AMap Global
Maps and navigationAMap Global is worth considering for navigation in China. Check the available language options and features on your device before relying on it for walking directions or public transport.
Trip.com
Hotels, trains and flightsTrip.com is a convenient English-language option for planning transport and accommodation. It can be particularly useful if you prefer booking through an international-facing travel platform.
2. Mobile Payments in China
Mobile payments are common in China, including at many restaurants, shops, attractions and transport services. For international visitors, Alipay and WeChat are the two main apps to investigate before departure.
What should you prepare?
- Install Alipay and/or WeChat from an official app store.
- Check whether your international bank card is supported.
- Complete any required identity verification in advance.
- Check transaction limits and any applicable service fees.
- Keep a backup payment method in case a transaction fails.
Important: Payment features, card support, verification requirements and fees may vary by country, account and transaction. Installing an app does not guarantee that every payment method will work.
For more details, read our China Payment Guide.
3. Maps and Navigation
Navigation apps can help you find attractions, restaurants, hotels and public transport. However, map coverage, English-language support and route information can differ between services.
Our recommendation
- AMap Global: Consider it for local navigation and discovering nearby places.
- Prepare addresses in Chinese: Save the Chinese name and address of your hotel and major attractions. Showing these details to a driver can be helpful.
- Check routes in advance: Verify station entrances, attraction locations and transport connections before setting out.
Do not rely on one navigation app alone. Check language availability and test the version you install before your trip.
4. Translation Apps
Translation tools can help you read menus, understand signs and communicate simple requests. Prepare a backup option in case your preferred service is unavailable.
Google Translate
Text, camera and voice translationUseful for translating text, menus and short conversations. Download the Chinese language pack in advance if offline translation is available for your device and selected languages.
Apple Translate
Built-in option for supported iPhonesIf you use a compatible iPhone, Apple’s built-in Translate app may be a useful backup. Check whether Chinese is supported for your device, region and desired offline features.
Connectivity tip: Some international apps and services may not be reliably accessible on mainland Chinese networks. Download language packs where supported and test your translation tools before travelling.5. Transport and Booking Apps
These services can help you organise airport transfers, city travel, intercity trains and accommodation.
Service Best for What to know DiDi Ride-hailing and taxis Check the available international-user setup, payment options and language support before use. Trip.com Hotels, flights and train bookings An English-language booking option; confirm ticket rules, cancellation terms and booking details. China Railway 12306 Official railway information and train tickets Visit the official English website to check available services and ticketing procedures.
Official websiteBefore booking a train
- Make sure your name and travel document details are entered correctly.
- Check departure station names carefully, especially in large cities.
- Allow time for station entry checks and finding your platform.
- Review refund, change and ticket collection rules before paying.
6. Food Delivery Apps
Meituan
Food delivery and local servicesMeituan is a major local platform for food delivery and other everyday services. It can be useful, but its mainly Chinese-language interface and account or payment requirements may make it challenging for some international visitors.
Is food delivery essential?
Not necessarily. If you are staying in a hotel and mainly visiting tourist attractions, eating at nearby restaurants may be simpler. Ask your hotel for help if you want to order food but find the app difficult to use.
Useful tip
Save your hotel name and address in Chinese. This can help with delivery instructions and communication with local staff.
7. Before You Travel: App Checklist
Complete these steps before departure to reduce last-minute problems.
- Install the apps you plan to use from official app stores or websites.
- Register accounts and complete any required verification.
- Check whether your international bank card can be linked to your payment app.
- Test your login details and payment setup where possible.
- Download offline translation resources if supported.
- Save your hotel address in both English and Chinese.
- Save booking confirmations and important travel details for offline access.
- Check your mobile data, roaming or other connectivity arrangements.
- Keep a backup payment method and an alternative way to navigate.
App availability, features, supported devices and regional requirements can change. Confirm the latest details with the relevant provider before your trip.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Which apps should I install first for a trip to China?
Start with a payment app such as Alipay, a messaging option such as WeChat, a navigation app such as AMap Global, a translation tool and a booking platform such as Trip.com. Choose based on your itinerary and device.
Can foreign visitors use Alipay and WeChat Pay?
Eligible international visitors may be able to link supported international bank cards and use certain payment features. Availability, verification, limits and fees vary, so check the latest requirements before travelling.
Will Google Translate work in China?
Access to Google services may be restricted or unreliable on mainland Chinese networks. Prepare offline language resources where supported and consider a compatible backup translation option.
Do I need a Chinese phone number to use these apps?
Requirements vary by app and service. Some functions may accept an international number, while other functions may require additional verification. Check the registration requirements for each service before departure.
Can I rely entirely on mobile payments?
It is better to have a backup. Keep another payment method available and check whether your bank card, account and intended merchant are supported before relying on a mobile payment app.
Are all these apps available on iPhone and Android?
Availability can vary by country, app-store region, device and operating system. Use the official links above to check your own device’s options.
Prepare for Your China Trip
Apps are just one part of planning a smooth trip. Explore our other guides to prepare your payments, internet access and itinerary.
