Essential Apps for Foreigners in China (What to Install and Why)

A practical, real-world guide to the essential apps foreigners need in China, what each app is actually used for, how to set them up, and common problems you will face.

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Quick Answer

You do not need dozens of apps in China.
For most first-time visitors, 6–8 apps are enough to survive comfortably.
If you install the wrong apps or skip setup steps, daily tasks like transport, food, and payment will become frustrating very quickly.

The Core App Stack (Install These First)

These are the apps you should prioritize before or immediately after arrival.

1. Alipay — Daily Life Backbone

What it’s actually for

  • Paying almost everything
  • Metro and bus QR codes
  • Shared bikes
  • Some ticket bookings

Exact setup actions

  1. Install Alipay
  2. Switch language to English (Profile → Language)
  3. Complete identity verification with passport
  4. Add at least one foreign card
  5. Activate Transport for your city

Common surprises

  • Payment works in big stores but fails in small ones
  • Transport QR code is different from normal scan

If Alipay fails

  • Try another card
  • Use WeChat Pay
  • Pay cash temporarily and fix later

2. WeChat — Communication + Backup Payment

What it’s actually for

  • Messaging (everyone uses it)
  • Secondary payment method
  • Contacting hotels, drivers, guides

Exact setup actions

  1. Install WeChat
  2. Register with phone number
  3. Verify account (may require a contact or time delay)
  4. Enable WeChat Pay if possible

Reality check

  • WeChat Pay setup is more fragile than Alipay
  • Some users are temporarily blocked after registration

3. Didi — Getting Around Without Speaking Chinese

What it’s actually for

  • Taxis
  • Ride-hailing (Uber equivalent)

Exact usage

  1. Open Didi inside Alipay or WeChat
  2. Set pickup point on the map
  3. Confirm destination carefully

Common failure

  • Driver calls in Chinese

What locals do

  • Ignore the call
  • Let the driver arrive and find you visually

4. Maps — Use Two, Not One

Recommended combo

  • Apple Maps (works well in major cities)
  • Amap (Gaode Maps) for accuracy

Why two

  • Apple Maps: English interface
  • Amap: Better POI accuracy

Tip

  • Copy Chinese place names into Amap if Apple Maps fails

5. Translation — Survival Tool, Not Perfection

Best use cases

  • Menus
  • Signs
  • Simple conversations

Exact workflow

  1. Open camera translation
  2. Translate text visually
  3. Show translated text to staff if needed

Do not expect

  • Perfect grammar
  • Natural conversation

Secondary Apps (Install When Needed)

Food Delivery

  • Ele.me (inside Alipay)
  • Meituan (more Chinese)

Use only after:

  • Payment works
  • Address is confirmed

Travel & Tickets

  • Trip.com
  • Railway ticket booking

Useful for:

  • Trains
  • Flights
  • Hotels

Apps You Do NOT Need (Common Mistakes)

  • Local social media apps
  • Ride apps other than Didi
  • Multiple payment wallets
  • Random “China helper” apps from app stores

Installing too many apps creates confusion and login problems.

Reality Check: What Surprises Most Foreigners

  • One app often contains many services
  • English support exists, but is inconsistent
  • App updates can change menus overnight
  • Some features appear only after verification

This is normal.

What Locals Do Instead

  • Use Alipay for everything
  • Use WeChat only when needed
  • Search places by Chinese names
  • Ask staff to help directly, not via apps

You should copy this behavior.

Checklist: App Readiness

  • Alipay installed, verified, card added
  • Transport QR activated
  • WeChat installed and logged in
  • Didi accessible
  • At least one maps app working
  • Translation app tested

FAQ

Can I survive with only WeChat?
Possible, but not recommended.

Do I need a VPN immediately?
Only if you rely on blocked services.

Should I install everything before arrival?
Yes, especially payment apps.

Next Steps

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