Before you fly

Apps for China

You do not need to replace everything on your phone. You need four Chinese apps, and the rest can stay exactly as it is.

Amap replaces Google Maps for navigation
DiDi accepts international cards
Install everything before you fly

Last updated: 5 September 2026

Install these before you fly

The Chinese app stores are a hassle without a local account, and some apps need a phone number you can receive SMS on. Ten minutes at home saves an hour in the hotel lobby.

The four that matter

Amap (Gaode Maps) — navigation

Google Maps data inside China is unreliable enough to send you to the wrong side of a block. Amap is what locals use and handles metro, bus, and walking routes correctly. It has some English support.

iOS Android

DiDi — ride hailing

English interface and accepts international cards, which removes the usual taxi payment problem. Cheaper than hailing on the street and no need to explain where you are going.

iOS Android

Microsoft Translator — language

Download the Chinese pack at home so it works offline. The camera mode reads menus and street signs, which is the feature you will actually use.

iOS Android

Trip.com — trains, hotels, flights

The 12306 app is China's official rail system and is Chinese-only in practice. Trip.com books the same trains in English for a small markup, which is a good trade on your first trip.

Trains Hotels & flights Airport transfers

Nice to have

Dianping — restaurant reviews and local recommendations. Mainly Chinese, but the photos and ratings work without reading much. Android
Alipay and WeChat Pay — see the payment guide. Not optional.
Klook — attraction tickets and tours in English. China activities

What you can keep

Your airline apps, hotel apps, banking apps, Netflix, Spotify, and camera roll all work normally once you have working data — you just need data that is not routed through a Chinese mobile network, or a VPN. See the internet guide.

WhatsApp, Instagram, and Google services need a workaround. Decide before you go whether you actually need them, because that decision drives which eSIM you buy.

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