15 Apps Every Foreigner Needs in China (2026): The No-Nonsense Download List
There are guides with 30+ apps. You'll use 5 of them. This list is what you actually need, organized by when you'll need them. Download the first 5 before your flight. The rest can wait until you're settled.
In this guide
Download before your flight (Day 0)
1. WeChat (微信)
China's WhatsApp + Venmo + Instagram combined. Messaging, payments, mini programs, everything. Register with any phone number; switch to Chinese number after arrival.
2. Alipay (支付宝)
Primary payment app. Link your foreign card before landing. See our setup guide.
3. Amap / Gaode Maps (高德地图)
The navigation app that actually works in China. Google Maps is blocked and Apple Maps has limited transit data. Amap has real-time bus/metro/walking/driving with English interface.
4. A VPN app
Install before entering China. You won't be able to download one after arrival. Needed for Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Gmail.
5. Your airline's app
For boarding passes and flight updates.
Critical: Download your VPN before entering China. VPN apps are removed from the Chinese App Store and Google Play is blocked. If you forget, you won't have access to Google, WhatsApp, or Instagram until you leave.
Set up in your first 24 hours (Day 1)
6. DiDi (滴滴)
Ride-hailing — China's Uber. Has full English interface. Register with Chinese number. Way easier than hailing taxis, especially when you can't speak Chinese.
7. Meituan (美团) or Ele.me (饿了么)
Food delivery. Photos of every dish = no Chinese needed. Meituan also does restaurant reviews, hotel booking, and movie tickets.
8. Metro app
Shanghai Metro, Beijing Subway, etc. Or just use the transit QR code in Alipay (search "乘车码").
9. 12306 or Trip.com
Train tickets. 12306 is the official app (Chinese only). Trip.com has English interface and accepts foreign cards.
Need a SIM card first? Our SIM Card Guide will help you get connected.
Set up in your first week (Day 2-7)
10. Taobao (淘宝)
Online shopping — China's Amazon. Everything is cheaper. Requires Alipay linked to Chinese bank account for best experience.
11. Baidu Translate (百度翻译)
Offline translation that works without VPN. Camera translation for menus and signs.
12. Dianping (大众点评)
Restaurant reviews and deals — the Yelp of China, but much more widely used.
13. Pleco
Chinese dictionary app. Best for looking up characters, learning pinyin, and building vocabulary.
Nice to have
14. Xianyu (闲鱼)
Second-hand marketplace. Great for buying furniture, electronics, and selling stuff when you leave.
15. Hello Bike / Meituan Bike
Shared bikes. Scan QR code, ride anywhere, park anywhere. ~1.5 RMB per ride.
What you DON'T need
Baidu Maps — Amap is better and has English
QQ — WeChat replaced it for foreigners
Ctrip — Trip.com is the same company's English version
For more details on each app, check our Essential Apps page with download links and setup tips.
With these 15 apps, you'll have everything you need for daily life in China. The first 5 are non-negotiable — download them before you board your flight. For the complete arrival sequence, see our First 72 Hours guide.
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