Article by: Luca Penouel, Grace Lee, Stefano Macchia
Introduction
In China, many of the Western apps we are used to like WhatsApp, Instagram, Google Maps, YouTube, or Gmail do not work properly or are completely blocked because of the country’s strict internet censorship system. To avoid getting cut off from maps, chats, or payments, it is essential to download and set up the apps that actually work in China before you travel and understand which local alternatives to use once there.
Transportation
Booking trains or flights and getting around Chinese cities can be challenging if you do not speak much Chinese, since many local apps are only in Mandarin and the English interface is often limited. A great option is Trip.com, which allows foreigners to purchase train and flight tickets using their passport and a full English interface. Within cities, DiDi is China’s equivalent of Uber and has an English version with features designed for foreign users. To navigate, Baidu Maps, or Amap (Gaode) are far more reliable than Google Maps in China, and downloading the offline map of your city before departure can save you in case of weak or no internet connection.
Internet Connection
China’s internet is heavily regulated, and most Western services including Google, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook are blocked or extremely restricted. To keep access to your chats, email, and social media, you need a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) that works well in China. Trusted options include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, all proven to perform in the country. It is crucial to download and install your VPN before entering China, test it in advance, and have it ready to activate upon arrival, since many free or low-quality VPNs either do not work or are quickly blocked.
Payments
In China, most payments, even in small shops or food stalls, are made digitally. The two key apps are Alipay and WeChat Pay, both of which can be used by foreign tourists. With Alipay, you can enable the “Tour Pass” feature to link international Visa or Mastercard cards and make cashless payments easily. WeChat Pay is also useful, especially for longer stays or if you want to use the app’s messaging and social features. Without these apps, you might find many businesses refusing foreign cards, so it is advisable to set them up in advance. Still, it is a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, rural areas, or emergencies.
Translation and Language
In many daily situations, such as reading restaurant menus, finding your way around, or communicating with drivers, a translator is essential. Download Google Translate and make sure to download the Chinese language pack for offline use. The camera feature is especially helpful for translating menus or signs. Alipay and WeChat also include built-in translation tools in their chat and service sections, which can be useful when the interface is partially in Chinese. You can also install Pleco, an excellent offline Chinese–English dictionary, especially useful when traveling outside major tourist areas.
Hotels and Accommodation
When booking accommodation in China, you need to make sure the hotel accepts foreign guests and is officially registered to do so. Use reliable platforms like Trip.com or Booking.com, which provide full English interfaces and accept international payments. Always check that the hotel is listed as “foreign guest friendly,” read recent English reviews, and confirm that the staff or customer service can communicate in English or provide international support.
Insurance and Health
While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended, since private healthcare in China can be expensive and hospitals often require payment upfront. Apps and services like Heymondo, AXA Travel Insurance, SafetyWing, or Allianz Travel offer coverage for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and lost luggage. Make sure your insurance plan explicitly covers travel in China, provides 24-hour English assistance, and includes digital claim management through a mobile app in case of emergencies abroad.
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