China is becoming a popular travel destination, deservingly so, in the Far East. There is so much history, culture, gastronomy, etc. to see and experience there. But here’s the thing, China runs things a little differently from the Western world. Your usual Google apps, Uber, and many others are not going to work in China. Instead, they have their own apps to cover all these functions we need when travelling. Rest assured, once you’ve got yourselves set up and familiarised, your time in China will be seamless. In this article, I’ve put together a list of essential apps to download on your phone before visiting China.
Download These Useful Apps Before Visiting China
WeChat is going to be your best friend when visiting China. It is not just a messaging app, but also a payment app, directory app, public transport app, and so on. China is essentially cashless, and one of the best payment methods is using WeChat Pay. You can easily register with your phone number and connect your international bank card after passport verification. Payments are made by scanning the merchant’s QR code or having them scan yours. We recommend that you set up your WeChat Pay before arriving in China.
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Alipay
Another popular payment method in China is using Alipay. Similar to WeChat Pay, you can register with your phone number, verify with your passport, and then connect your international bank card. Payments are made by scanning the merchant’s QR code or having them scan yours. Again, we recommend that you have it set up before arriving in China.
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Meituan
Most people compare Meituan to Uber Eats/Deliveroo, but it’s more than just a food delivery app. It’s also your go-to directory for restaurants, shopping, salons, and more. For instance, if you are looking for halal food in China, simply type “清真” and a list of options would show up. You can even make reservations, view menus, and call a car directly from the page.
You can access the Meituan app directly via WeChat, or you can download it separately on:
DiDi
Uber doesn’t operate in China. Instead, they have DiDi. It is very affordable to use and a very reliable way to get around in China. The express option is very budget-friendly, but we personally like to pay just a little extra for the premium option, which offers not just a nicer car, but also your driver will be dressed in uniform, and includes complimentary water for your journey.
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Amap
Google Maps are not supported in China. For the best navigation, we recommend using Amap.
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eSIM
Data is a must in China, as your day-to-day very much relies on having access to the internet. Getting a reliable eSIM would help you easily stay connected. It is also a way to bypass internet restrictions without needing an additional VPN. From my experience, you need to set up & activate your eSim before arriving in China in order to successfully bypass the restrictions. With an eSIM, you can still access WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. You won’t be able to access them if you’re connected to a local wifi.
Yesim is a reliable eSIM service provider globally, and you can download it here.
Kuli Kuli
English is not common for signage in China, and many people also don’t speak English there. If you cannot speak or read Chinese, you’ll need a translation app on hand. Kuli Kuli is a popular one amongst foreign travellers that offers good translation and also provides additional contextual information.
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Dianping
If you’re a foodie and love a good food discount, then you must download the Dianping app. It is a great app for discovering foodie spots near you and grabbing some good discounts/promotional offers.
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