The apps you will need in China

Almost nothing on your phone works the way you expect in mainland China. These are the twenty-two apps that matter, what each one demands of a foreign visitor before it will work, and the guides that explain the rest.

Start here

Install these three before anything else. The rest can wait.

WeChat Messaging, payments and mini programs in one Alipay Pay anywhere, and an English gateway to other services AMap The most accurate maps and transit in China

Transport

Taxis, trains, bikes and flights

AMap The most accurate maps and transit in China Didi China's ride-hailing app 12306 Official high-speed rail booking Trip.com Flights, hotels and trains, in English Hello Bike Scan-and-ride shared bikes

Maps & Navigation

Maps that are actually accurate here

AMap The most accurate maps and transit in China Baidu Maps Strong local search and indoor maps MetroMan Offline subway maps for 50+ cities

Communication & Tools

Staying online, translating, getting help

WeChat Messaging, payments and mini programs in one Pleco The Chinese dictionary to beat Airalo Buy a China data eSIM before you fly Nomad Cheap pay-as-you-go data plans Saily Simple eSIM with instant activation

Food & Dining

Delivery, reviews and finding a table

Meituan Food delivery and everything local Taobao Instant Commerce Alibaba's food delivery service, formerly Ele.me Dianping Reviews and coupons for everywhere Xiaohongshu Where locals find the good places

Shopping

Marketplaces and same-day delivery

Meituan Food delivery and everything local Taobao China's everything marketplace JD.com Authentic goods, same-day delivery Pinduoduo Group-buy prices, very low

Entertainment

Video, social and what locals watch

Xiaohongshu Where locals find the good places Bilibili China's video community Douyin TikTok's Chinese original