The short answer
- Alipay and WeChat are the two apps you need most. Both let you link a foreign Visa or Mastercard.
- DiDi works in English with foreign cards, and you can also order DiDi cars inside Alipay.
- Chinese map apps such as Amap (Gaode) are the most accurate in China. Apple Maps in China also uses local map data.
- Download an offline Chinese language pack for your translation app before you leave.
- Set everything up before you fly, while you can still receive verification codes on your home number.
Short on time? Visas, airport pick-up, eSIM, payments, guides and a 24/7 host arranged for you. See travel support → Or ask us anything: free answer within 24 hours.
Payments
- Alipay: the most useful app in China. Link your card, then pay by scanning or showing a QR code. It also opens mini-programs for taxis, metro tickets and more.
- WeChat: China's messaging app, with WeChat Pay built in. Many hotels, guides and shops will want to message you here.
See our payments guide for step-by-step setup.
Getting around
- DiDi for taxis and ride-hailing, in English, with foreign cards.
- Metro: in most cities you can scan an Alipay transit QR code at the gates.
- Maps: Amap (Gaode) or Baidu Maps are the most accurate for addresses, walking routes and metro exits. Save your hotel address in Chinese.
Trains and tickets
- 12306, the official railway app and website, has an English platform for foreign passports. Register and verify your passport well before your trip, as verification can take several working days.
- Trip.com sells trains, flights and hotels in English with foreign cards.
- Many attractions and museums sell tickets only through WeChat mini-programs in Chinese. See our ticket booking guide, or let us book for you.
Language
- A translation app with camera translation helps with menus and signs. Download the offline Chinese pack before you leave.
- Keep a note on your phone with your hotel name and address in Chinese, and any food needs (for example "清真 halal, no pork, no alcohol").
For Muslim travellers
- A prayer-time app with a qibla compass. Times differ between cities.
- Search maps for 清真 (halal) to find restaurants near you. See Halal food in China.
Set up at home
- Install the apps and create accounts while your home number receives SMS codes.
- Link your card to Alipay and WeChat Pay and make a small test payment if you can.
- Arrange an eSIM or roaming. See phone and internet.
Questions
Do Google Maps and WhatsApp work in China?
Google services and WhatsApp do not work on Chinese mobile networks or hotel Wi-Fi. They usually keep working with international roaming or an international eSIM that routes data outside China. See our phone and internet guide.
Can I use Alipay without a Chinese bank account?
Yes. Alipay and WeChat Pay accept foreign Visa, Mastercard and other international cards. Payments of ¥200 or less have no fee; above ¥200 a 3% fee applies.
Which app should I use for taxis?
DiDi. It has an English interface, accepts foreign cards and auto-translates chat with the driver. You can also open it inside Alipay.
Rules change. We re-check this guide regularly; confirm details before you travel or ship.
