China runs on a completely different app ecosystem. Google Maps won’t work. Uber doesn’t exist. WhatsApp is blocked. If you land without the right apps installed, even simple tasks — getting a taxi, finding your hotel, paying for lunch — become surprisingly difficult.
This guide covers every app you actually need, organized by what you’ll use them for. Download everything before you board — some apps behave differently when downloaded inside China.
Internet & VPN Apps
China’s Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and most Western services. You need to sort this out before you land — it cannot be fixed once you’re inside China.
Airalo (eSIM)
The easiest way to get data in China. Buy a China eSIM through Airalo before your flight, activate it on arrival, and you’re online immediately — no SIM card swapping needed.
- Works on most modern unlocked smartphones
- China data plans start from around $8–12 USD for 7 days
- No physical SIM needed — activate from your phone settings
→ See our top eSIM picks for China for a full comparison.
VPN (ExpressVPN / NordVPN)
A VPN lets you access blocked sites like Google and Instagram. Download and test your VPN before you fly — VPN apps are removed from the China App Store and cannot be downloaded once you’re inside the country.
Communication
WeChat (微信)
WeChat is not optional — it’s the backbone of daily life in China. Almost everyone uses it for messaging, and many businesses, restaurants, and services only communicate through WeChat.
- Works for messaging, voice and video calls (even without a VPN)
- Scan QR codes to access restaurant menus, pay bills, and follow businesses
- WeChat Pay lets you pay directly from the app once linked to a foreign card
Navigation
Baidu Maps (百度地图)
Google Maps does not work in China. Baidu Maps is the local equivalent — it has accurate transit directions, walking routes, and real-time traffic for every Chinese city.
- Available in English (limited) — use it alongside a translation app
- Search in Chinese characters for best results (copy-paste from Google Translate)
- Shows bus, metro, walking, and driving routes
Amap / Gaode Maps (高德地图)
Amap is owned by Alibaba and is arguably more accurate than Baidu Maps for navigation. Many expats prefer it. Download both and use whichever works better in your destination city.
Transport
DiDi (滴滴)
DiDi is China’s Uber. It works with international credit cards and has an English interface — making it the easiest way to get a taxi or private car in any major Chinese city.
- Available in most cities across China
- Accepts international Visa and Mastercard
- Shows fare estimate before you book — no haggling with drivers
- Driver details and live tracking shared automatically
Trip.com
For booking trains, flights, and hotels inside China, Trip.com is the most foreigner-friendly platform. It supports international cards and has full English support.
- Book high-speed train tickets without a Chinese ID
- Domestic flights and hotel bookings in one app
- English customer support available
→ See our guide on how to book China train tickets as a foreigner.
Payments
Alipay (支付宝)
Alipay now supports international cards directly — no Chinese bank account needed. It’s accepted almost everywhere in China, from street food stalls to major retailers.
- Link an international Visa or Mastercard in the app
- Use it to pay at shops, restaurants, and transport
- Also works for bike rentals and some tourist attractions
→ See our full guide on setting up payments in China.
WeChat Pay (微信支付)
WeChat Pay is built into WeChat. Once you link a foreign card, you can pay by scanning QR codes — the same way locals pay. Coverage is slightly different from Alipay, so having both is useful.
Translation
Pleco
Pleco is the best offline Chinese dictionary available. It works without internet, which makes it invaluable when your VPN drops or you’re in an area with poor signal.
- Look up characters by drawing them on screen
- Scan menus and signs with the camera (OCR feature)
- Works completely offline — no data needed
Baidu Translate
For real-time translation, Baidu Translate works inside China without a VPN (unlike Google Translate). The camera translation feature is particularly useful for menus and signs.
Quick Reference: All Apps at a Glance
| App | Category | Works Offline? | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | Internet / eSIM | — | 🔴 Essential |
| VPN | Internet | No | 🔴 Essential |
| Communication | Partial | 🔴 Essential | |
| Alipay | Payments | No | 🔴 Essential |
| Baidu Maps | Navigation | Partial | 🔴 Essential |
| DiDi | Transport | No | 🔴 Essential |
| Pleco | Translation | ✅ Yes | 🟡 Recommended |
| Baidu Translate | Translation | Partial | 🟡 Recommended |
| Trip.com | Booking | No | 🟡 Recommended |
| Amap (Gaode) | Navigation | Partial | 🟢 Optional |
Final Tips
The single most important rule: download everything before you board your flight. Once you’re inside China, the App Store and Google Play have restricted libraries — some apps simply won’t appear in search results.
- Set your App Store region to US or UK for the most complete app library
- Test your VPN at home — connect, browse Google, confirm it works
- Add a payment card to both Alipay and WeChat Pay before you fly
- Screenshot key addresses and hotel details in case you lose internet access
