Payments
Alipay
QR payments, merchant payments, transport mini-services
Setup
Install before arrival and link an international card.
Watch for: Some mini-programs or merchant categories may reject foreign-card wallet payments.
Tools
app finder
Apps You Need in China
Filter the essential apps by what you need to do: pay, navigate, translate, ride, message, or book travel.
Preload
Payments and messaging
WeChat Pay, local messaging, mini-programs, service accounts
Setup
Register, secure the account, and add WeChat Pay if available.
Watch for: New accounts can need verification and some payment flows vary by card.
Maps
Amap
Local navigation, metro exits, ride pickup points, nearby search
Setup
Save common addresses in Chinese and test search before your first long transfer.
Watch for: Interface language support can be limited, so pair it with translation.
Maps
Baidu Maps
Chinese address search and backup navigation
Setup
Use it as a second map option when one app cannot find a place.
Watch for: Best results often require Chinese place names.
Translation
Pleco
Offline dictionary lookup and reading short Chinese text
Setup
Download offline dictionaries before your trip.
Watch for: It is a dictionary, not a full trip translator.
Translation
Google Translate or Apple Translate
Camera translation and quick phrase translation
Setup
Download offline language packs where supported.
Watch for: Online features may depend on your connectivity route.
Transport
DiDi
Ride-hailing in major cities
Setup
Link a payment method and save hotel addresses.
Watch for: Pickup points can be confusing at stations and malls.
Booking
Trip.com
Hotels, trains, flights, and English-language booking support
Setup
Create an account and save passport details for train bookings.
Watch for: Some refunds or changes still follow supplier rules.
Transport
China Railway 12306
Official train ticketing after account verification
Setup
Use if you are comfortable with the official rail flow.
Watch for: Identity verification and language experience can be harder than agency booking apps.
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