Must-Have Apps for China (2026): The 8 You Need Before You Land
Short answer: Install these before you fly: Alipay (payments, plus Didi and metro inside it), WeChat (messaging and backup payments), Apple Maps or Amap (navigation), Trip.com or 12306 (trains), a translator with offline Chinese, and your eSIM app. Most work in English.
The essentials
Section titled “The essentials”| App | What it’s for | English? | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alipay | Paying almost everywhere; also opens Didi, metro QR codes and more as “mini programs” | ✅ | Must-have |
| Messaging locals and hotels; WeChat Pay as a backup | ✅ | Must-have | |
| Apple Maps (iPhone) or Amap / Gaode | Navigation and public transport | ✅ Apple / basic in Amap | Must-have |
| Trip.com | Trains, flights and hotels in English with foreign cards | ✅ | Must-have |
| China Railway 12306 | Official train tickets (no booking fee) | ✅ | Optional |
| Didi | Taxis and ride-hailing | ✅ | Use via Alipay or app |
| Translator (Google Translate offline, Apple Translate, or Microsoft Translator) | Menus, signs, talking to drivers | ✅ | Must-have |
| Dianping / Meituan | Restaurant reviews, food delivery, deals | Partial | Nice to have |
Why these, not the apps you use at home
Section titled “Why these, not the apps you use at home”- Google Maps is unreliable in China: map data is outdated and your blue dot can sit hundreds of metres off the street. Apple Maps uses local data in China and stays in English.
- Uber, Grab and Lyft don’t operate in mainland China — Didi is the equivalent.
- Cash and foreign cards are accepted far less than you’d expect. Mobile payments are the default. Read the Alipay setup guide.
Setup order (about 30 minutes, at home)
Section titled “Setup order (about 30 minutes, at home)”- eSIM — buy and install first. How to choose
- Alipay — register with your international number and link a Visa or Mastercard.
- WeChat — register; link a card under Me → Services → Wallet as backup.
- Maps — download Apple Maps offline areas or install Amap.
- Trip.com — create an account and save your passport details for train bookings.
- Translator — download the offline Chinese pack.
- Save your hotel address in Chinese characters in your notes.
- Use mini programs inside Alipay for Didi, metro and bike sharing — no extra downloads or accounts.
- Download apps before you go. Google Play doesn’t work on Chinese networks.
- Keep two payment methods (Alipay + WeChat Pay, or two different cards) in case one gets flagged.
Do I need a Chinese phone number for these apps?
Section titled “Do I need a Chinese phone number for these apps?”No. Alipay, WeChat, Didi, Trip.com and 12306 accept international numbers for verification.
Is Amap available in English?
Section titled “Is Amap available in English?”Yes, with a basic English interface. Many visitors find Apple Maps easier on iPhone.
Can I use WeChat without a Chinese friend verifying me?
Section titled “Can I use WeChat without a Chinese friend verifying me?”Usually yes, but new accounts sometimes get asked for verification by an existing user. If that happens, a hotel front desk or tour contact can often help.
Next steps
Section titled “Next steps”Tick these off on the trip prep checklist, or get a Trip Setup Session and we’ll set it all up with you.
Sources: app store listings and official app help pages; Trip.com — map apps in China. Features change — check again before your trip.