Your five essentials

AlipayPayments and useful mini programs. Add a supported card and complete the requested checks.
WeChatChat with guides, hotels and local contacts, with WeChat Pay as another payment option.
A local mapTry Amap or Baidu Maps; iPhone travellers can also consider Apple Maps. Check language and offline features on your device.
DiDiRide hailing, also available through supported mini programs. Check the pickup point, plate and destination before boarding.
A translatorChoose an app with a downloadable Chinese language pack and camera translation. Test it in airplane mode before leaving.
Your pocket toolkitChoose by the job you need to get done.
PAYAlipay + WeChat PayLink a supported card
TALKWeChatRegister before departure
FINDA local mapSave Chinese addresses
RIDEDiDi / mini programCheck the pickup pin
UNDERSTANDOffline translatorDownload Chinese first
BOOK12306 / Trip.comMatch your passport

App roles, not a promise that every feature is available on every account.

For trains and hotels

Trip.com offers an English booking interface for travel services. Check the final price, cancellation terms and any booking fees before paying.

Railway 12306 is China Railway’s official booking service and has an English website. Foreign travellers can book using a valid passport. Complete identity verification early and carry the same original document when travelling.

Book with the exact name and document number on your passport. Make sure you have selected the correct station: a city may have several.

Nice to have, not essential

Pleco is useful for looking up Chinese words. Dianping can help you explore restaurant reviews, though much of the content is in Chinese. Local delivery services such as Meituan may involve language, phone-number or payment requirements.

Mini programs inside Alipay and WeChat can save you installing another app, but availability and language support vary.

A simple setup schedule

  1. A week before: install the essentials from trusted app stores, register and complete payment checks.
  2. A few days before: test logins and SMS, download offline language packs, and save your hotel’s Chinese address.
  3. On arrival: test a small merchant payment and confirm your mobile data works.
  4. As you travel: add optional apps only when you have a reason to use them.

Make the phone useful offline

Save screenshots of hotel and train bookings, your insurer’s contact details and important addresses. An offline translation pack is more useful than an app you have installed but never opened.

Store official app download links before you travel. App-store availability depends on your account region and device. Avoid unfamiliar APK download sites.

A few common questions

Can I get by using only mini programs?

They can cover several tasks, but keep the main Alipay and WeChat apps installed and configured. Download an offline translator separately.

What if a driver cannot find me?

Use the app’s messages or translation features, confirm the marked pickup point, and share a clear nearby landmark. Always match the car’s plate before getting in.

Sources & editorial notes

Adapted and edited from the original Chinese preparation guides provided to nihao China. App screens, eligibility and fees can change; check the official service before travelling.