If it's your first time in China, your first reaction after landing will probably be: "Why can't my phone do anything?" Google Maps doesn't work. Uber is gone. And when you pull out your credit card, most places won't take it. Your phone isn't broken β you just haven't installed the right apps.
In China, your phone is your wallet, your map, your restaurant, and your taxi. Here are the five categories of apps you must have ready before you land.
Category 1: Super Apps β WeChat and Alipay
WeChat and Alipay are the "operating systems" of daily life in China. Without them, you can't even buy a bowl of noodles from a street stall β cash is theoretically accepted, but mobile payment has almost completely replaced it.
Before you depart, complete three tasks: download WeChat and Alipay, register with your phone number, and complete real-name verification with your passport and link a Visa or Mastercard. Verification may take a day or two, so do this before you leave β don't wait until you land.
WeChat and Alipay are more than payment tools. They run thousands of "mini-programs" β apps within apps. You can order food, book rides, buy metro tickets, and reserve hotels without downloading dozens of separate apps.
Category 2: Maps β Amap or Baidu Maps
Forget Google Maps β it's basically unusable in China. Download Amap or Baidu Maps. Amap now offers English support, but the safest approach is to copy and paste your destination's Chinese name. These apps are far more accurate than any overseas map service.
Category 3: Transportation β Didi
For ride-hailing, use Didi β China's Uber. The good news? You don't even need to download the Didi app separately β search for the "Didi" mini-program inside Alipay or WeChat. Didi has an English interface and built-in translation for messaging your driver.
Category 4: Official Helper β SinoGuide
In 2025, the National Immigration Administration and the Cyberspace Administration of China jointly launched SinoGuide β a one-stop service app designed specifically for foreigners. It integrates 31 commonly used online services, including payment guides, ride-hailing, food delivery, transport ticketing, medical appointments, accommodation search, visa and residence information, stay expiry reminders, currency exchange, and language learning. This is the first app every foreigner in China should install.
Category 5: Shopping β Taobao/JD.com
Need daily items, electronics, or just about anything? Taobao and JD.com are China's two largest e-commerce platforms. Taobao has a particularly useful feature β image search: see a souvenir you like at a scenic spot? Take a photo and Taobao will find the same item, usually at a much lower price.
Final Reminder: Get It All Done Before You Leave
Life in China runs almost entirely on smartphones. While you still have stable internet (like at home before departure), download, register, verify, and link your cards for all essential apps. Once you land in China, everything will run smoothly β just like a local.