Best apps for China travel: payments, maps, trains and taxis

1. Alipay and WeChat: start here

Alipay is the most useful first app for many visitors. It combines QR payments with transport codes, ride hailing, translation and mini-programs. WeChat adds messaging and WeChat Pay; local contacts, hotels and guides commonly use it to communicate.

China’s official foreign-visitor guide confirms that users can register with a foreign phone number and link supported international cards. The card issuer still needs to approve the link, and limits or fees can vary. Follow the full Alipay China and WeChat Pay setup guide.

2. What map app should you use in China?

Apple Maps is the easiest starting point for many iPhone users and shows public transport in major cities. Amap/Gaode Maps has the richest local data, entrances and live routing, but some parts of the interface may require patience if you do not read Chinese. Baidu Maps is another detailed local option.

Google services are blocked on mainland local networks and map information can be unreliable there. Do not depend on a saved Google pin as your only address. Save the hotel’s Chinese name, Chinese address and phone number as a screenshot.

3. Didi for taxis and ride hailing

Didi is China’s main ride-hailing platform. Foreign visitors can use the Didi Greater China app, or open ride hailing inside Alipay or WeChat. The official China expat guide confirms support for foreign mobile numbers and international cards in the standalone app, subject to current requirements.

• Set the exact pickup pin; large malls have multiple entrances.
• Compare the number plate before getting in.
• Use in-app messages or translation when the driver calls.
• Keep the hotel address in Chinese as a backup.

4. 12306 or a simpler train-booking platform

12306 is the official China Railway system and supports ticket purchase, changes and refunds through its English site or app. You must enter the passport name correctly and complete identity verification. A commercial booking platform can have a friendlier interface and international support, but may add a fee.

Whichever app you use, compare the full station name and save the train number, carriage and seat offline. The China high-speed train guide explains the complete station process.

5. Translation that works offline

Download a Chinese offline language pack in your preferred translator before departure. Camera translation is useful for menus and signs; conversation mode helps in a pharmacy or station. Alipay also includes translation features across parts of its interface.

Translation apps are not perfect with addresses or medical details. For important information, show the original Chinese text supplied by the hotel, attraction or provider.

Useful extras, only if your route needs them

• Airline or airport app for live flight changes.
• Metro-specific app if you change cities frequently.
• Restaurant/review apps if you can navigate Chinese interfaces.
• Weather app with typhoon and heavy-rain alerts for southern China.

Set everything up before you fly

1. Install apps from the official app store.
2. Register with the phone number you will keep active.
3. Link at least two payment cards across Alipay and WeChat.
4. Complete identity or passport verification.
5. Download maps and translation languages offline.
6. Save hotel, airport, station and emergency details in Chinese.
7. Prepare your China eSIM or local SIM.

Do not send passport images or card details to an unknown person offering to “activate” an app. Use the official verification flow and contact the provider or card issuer if it fails.