Before you fly
China runs on a handful of apps that replace everything you use at home. Install and test them while you're still home and have working SMS — inside China the app stores get weird and the verification codes won't reach you. Here's the short list and the gotchas.
The super-app: paying + a hub for DiDi, the metro, trains and translate
Install the international Alipay, link a foreign Visa/Mastercard, and verify with your passport. Do it at home — the card-link step sends an SMS to your home number.
Good to know It holds mini-programs for DiDi, metro QR, 12306 trains and translation — so you can pay for all of them with the card that already works. If a payment ever fails, switch to your second linked card.
Messaging + a second wallet, and how businesses reach you
Install it and link the same foreign card under Me → Services → Wallet. Having a contact in China who can help verify your account smooths sign-up.
Good to know Keep it as your payment backup to Alipay; some small vendors and mini-programs lean on WeChat. Expect parts of the UI to be only half-translated.
Maps, transit directions and ride-hailing that actually work
Install it before you fly; it now has an English mode. This replaces Google Maps, which barely works in China even with a VPN.
Good to know Apple Maps is a decent English fallback. Don’t waste time troubleshooting Google Maps on the ground — just switch.
China’s Uber — the anti-scam, anti-language-barrier way to get a car
Easiest path: use the DiDi English mini-app inside Alipay/WeChat (no separate account needed). The standalone DiDi app also has an English mode and takes foreign cards.
Good to know Always use DiDi or the official taxi rank over a stranger’s “taxi?” offer at the airport — that’s the classic overcharge. Fares are recorded, which is also the safer choice at night.
Reading signs, menus and talking to a driver
Before you fly, install Google Translate and download the offline Chinese pack (it works without a connection). Add Pleco for a proper offline dictionary.
Good to know For menus specifically, our menu scanner turns a photo into English with allergen flags. Alipay and WeChat also have a built-in scan-translate, but their wording can be rough.
Straight answers
Do I really need to set these up before I arrive?
Yes. Inside China the app stores behave oddly, blocked services break downloads, and the verification SMS goes to your home number — which is reachable while you are still home. Set up and test one small payment before you board.
Do I need a Chinese phone number for these apps?
No — Alipay, WeChat Pay, Amap and DiDi all work on your foreign number. A mainland number is only needed for extras like food delivery, shared bikes and some attraction reservations; the common workaround is to use your hotel’s number for the code.
Will I need a VPN for these to work?
These Chinese apps work without a VPN. A VPN is only for your home apps (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp) — and a foreign eSIM that roams on the China network lets even those work without one. See the eSIM and VPN guide.
What about booking trains and attraction tickets?
Trains: 12306 (official) inside Alipay, or an English-friendly booker for convenience. Attraction tickets: ALWAYS the attraction’s official channel, never a reseller or anyone who approaches you — the big sights sell out and tickets are tied to your passport.