Apps to download before you land
Six apps cover paying, messaging, maps, taxis, trains and bookings. Install and sign up while you're still at home.
Last checked · reviewed quarterly
This page is past its review date and may be out of date. Please check the official sources below before you rely on it.
| App | What it's for | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Alipay | Paying almost everywhere; also opens taxi, metro and many city services | Sign up with your phone number and add your card — see Add your card to Alipay |
| Messaging (hotels, guides and new friends will ask for it) and WeChat Pay | Sign up — a friend who already uses WeChat may need to help verify your new account | |
| Amap (高德地图, Gaode) | Maps, walking directions, public transport routes | Install and search for your hotel to test it |
| DiDi | Ride-hailing (taxis and private cars) | Sign up and add a payment method |
| 12306 | Official China Railway tickets | Register with your passport — see High-speed rail |
| Trip.com | Hotels, flights and train tickets in English | Optional: an English-language alternative for bookings |
Also useful
- A translation app that works offline. Download the Chinese language pack before you go, so it works without data.
- Offline copies of what matters. Save your hotel bookings, the hotel's Chinese address and your onward tickets as screenshots or PDFs.
Set the language to English
Alipay, WeChat, DiDi and 12306 all have an English option. If an app opens in Chinese, look for Settings → Language (设置 → 语言).