Install, update and sign into essential apps before departure. Verification and troubleshooting are much easier while you can receive messages, use your normal app store and contact your bank.
Keep the app list focused
You do not need every China-related app. Choose one dependable option for each task and learn the basic workflow before arrival.
- Payments: Alipay plus a backup wallet or card
- Navigation: Apple Maps or a local map app
- Translation: text, camera and downloaded offline language data
- Rail: official 12306 or a clearly priced booking platform
- Ride-hailing: DiDi or its supported in-app service
- Communication: the channel used by your hotel or local provider
Verify accounts before departure
Complete identity checks, add supported payment cards and confirm that your phone can receive security messages. Open each app at least once after setup instead of assuming registration succeeded.
Save Chinese place names
For every hotel, station and major attraction, save the official Chinese name and map pin. English transliterations can be ambiguous, especially when a brand has several branches.
Prepare offline backups
Save screenshots of hotel addresses, tickets, booking references and essential phrases. Download any offline map or translation content you expect to use.
Protect access to your accounts
Use a phone passcode and account recovery method you can access abroad. Avoid storing passport images, full card details and passwords together in one unprotected note.
Official sources
Sources checked 13 August 2026. Reconfirm time-sensitive details before departure.
Frequently asked questions
What apps do I need for a trip to China?
Prioritize payment, maps, translation, train booking, ride-hailing and the communication channel used by your accommodation or local provider.
Should I install China travel apps before arrival?
Yes. Complete downloads, updates, logins and identity checks while you have reliable internet and normal access to your bank and phone number.
Do I need both Alipay and WeChat?
One verified primary wallet plus a backup payment method is the minimum resilient setup. A second wallet can help when a particular merchant or mini-program works better in one ecosystem.
What should I save offline?
Save Chinese hotel and station names, addresses, booking references, tickets, important phrases and emergency contacts.