Traveling to China? Here Are the Apps You’ll Need to Survive

If you're planning to travel to China, you'll need to prepare your phone for the unique digital landscape there. First, be aware that many US-based apps and services, like Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and the Google ecosystem, are not available in China due to the Great Firewall. This means you'll need an alternative set of apps to get by during your stay. I personally discovered this the hard way after my previous trip to China, where I had no phone service and couldn't pay for anything.

To make sure you're covered, download WeChat and Alipay, which are essential "super apps" in China. These apps allow you to pay for groceries, public transit, and more, using QR codes or by allowing vendors to scan your personal QR code. It's a good idea to set them up with multiple credit cards before you arrive, as doing so can be tricky once you're in the country.

I found Alipay easier to navigate, with a straightforward interface that includes big buttons for scanning, paying/receiving, and transportation. It also offers a handy translation feature for mini-app content.

WeChat is primarily a messaging app, so download it to keep in touch with hotel staff and arrange transportation and other services. WeChat also integrates mini-apps like Meituan for food delivery and Didi for ride-hailing. Didi, in particular, was a convenient and affordable option for getting around the city, though you'll need to manually pay after each journey.

Amap is another useful app for finding local businesses and planning walking routes, especially when public transit isn't an option. It provides guidance based on tree cover and shade, which was helpful during hot and humid weather.