Some of your usual apps may not work: prepare ahead
A few apps you use at home may not work in China. Save what you need offline before you go.
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Some apps and websites you use every day at home may not work in China. The easiest fix is to prepare before you fly.
- Maps: install Amap (Gaode) and test it at home. Also save your hotel and key places as screenshots.
- Bookings and tickets: download them as PDFs or screenshots, so you don't need to log in to see them.
- Your hotel's address in Chinese: save it in the handbook's address card.
- Messaging: agree with family, colleagues and your hotel on a way to reach you that works in China — many visitors use WeChat.
- Work accounts: if you need email or files for work, ask your company's IT team how to access them while travelling.
- Two-step login codes: make sure you can still receive them (SMS or an authenticator app) with the SIM or eSIM you'll use in China.
- This handbook: add it to your home screen — it's saved on your phone and works offline.