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Apps needed for China travel 2026

M
Magnus
••5 min read
China Travel Apps 2026

If you are heading to China for the first time, the app situation can feel like the hardest part. Not because it is complicated, but because everyone online lists 12 apps and makes it sound like you will be stuck without them.

My honest take after traveling in China is this: you can get very far with just a small setup. I personally only relied on three apps day to day. Everything else was optional.

Alipay: the one app I actually needed

If you only install one China app, make it Alipay.

I used it for almost all payments, and that includes the boring stuff that usually causes stress. Corner shops, attractions, convenience stores, random snacks, and taxis. It was also my easiest way to use DiDi, because you can open DiDi inside Alipay and pay with the same wallet.

Two practical things I learned:

  • Set it up before you fly. Add your card and do the identity steps while you still have stable internet.
  • Expect a fee sometimes when you use a foreign card. The common rule is that small payments are often fee free, and bigger payments can trigger a service fee around 3%. You will usually see it before you confirm.

Transport inside Alipay: metro made easy

This surprised me in a good way.

In many cities, you can use Alipay as your metro card by activating the Transport code for that city, then scanning the QR at the gate. No ticket machines. No language struggle.


One small gotcha that people do not mention enough: the transport code is often city specific. If you set up Beijing Metro, it will not automatically work in Shanghai. When I moved cities, I just opened Transport again and activated the new one.


WeChat: I barely used it, but I was glad I had it

I did not use WeChat much, but it saved me in a few situations:

  • Two places did not take Alipay, but they did take WeChat Pay
  • Someone at my hotel needed to send me money
  • Messaging hotel reception was easier in WeChat than email

So I see WeChat as a backup payment option and a practical chat tool.

Foreign cards can be linked to WeChat Pay now, but there can be limits and fees depending on the payment size. Sometimes there are also temporary fee waivers for smaller transactions. These rules change, so I would not overthink it. Just get it set up so you have it when you need it.


Internet: eSIM first, VPN second

This is where I think people make it harder than it needs to be.

I brought LetsVPN, but I almost never used it. The reason is simple. I used an eSIM, and that made everything feel normal. Social apps worked, Google services were reachable, and I did not have to toggle a VPN on and off all day.

A lot of travelers report the same pattern: eSIM makes life easier, and a VPN is mostly a backup.

My recommendation:

  • Get an eSIM if your phone supports it
  • Still install a VPN like LetsVPN before you arrive, just in case hotel Wi-Fi blocks something or your eSIM has a bad day

Maps: Apple Maps worked well for me, but Android needs a different plan

Google Maps is not reliable in mainland China without workarounds, so you need an alternative.

On iPhone, I mostly used Apple Maps and it worked well for normal navigation. Apple even states that in China, Apple Maps uses AutoNavi as the map service behind the scenes.

If you are on Android, I would plan around Amap (Gaode). The big news is that Amap has an English version aimed at overseas users, and it is a real step up compared to the old days.

A random tip I agree with from other travelers: Gaode is often more intuitive than Baidu Maps, especially for transit.

Optional apps I would only add if you have a reason

This is the part where most blog posts dump a long list. I will keep it real instead.

  • Translation: Useful if you do not have eSIM or if you want offline packs. I did fine without a dedicated app most days, but it depends on your comfort level.
  • Food delivery and local listings: Nice in big cities, but also easy to ignore on a first trip. Some people use Meituan through Alipay in English.
  • Train tickets: If you are booking a lot of trains yourself, it can be worth setting up a tool you trust. If you are booking through your hotel or a travel site, you might not need another app.

Conclusion

If you want the simple setup for China travel in 2026, here is what I would do again:

  1. Alipay as the main app for payments, DiDi, and metro
  2. WeChat as a backup payment option and for messaging
  3. eSIM for stress free internet, plus a VPN installed as backup
  4. Apple Maps on iPhone, or Amap on Android

That is enough to feel confident on day one. The rest is just nice to have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Alipay in China as a foreigner?
Yes. You can set up Alipay with a foreign passport and link an international bank card. Do it before you fly so you are not troubleshooting on hotel Wi-Fi.
Do I need both Alipay and WeChat?
I recommend having both, but you will likely use Alipay 90% of the time. I barely used WeChat, but it saved me a couple times when a place did not accept Alipay, and for chatting with hotels.
What if my card does not work in Alipay?
First, try another card if you have one. Some banks are more picky. Also try making a small test payment at a convenience store. If it still fails, you can usually still pay with cash in bigger places, or ask your hotel to help you top up a local option. It is rare, but it can happen.
Are there fees when paying with a foreign card in Alipay or WeChat?
Sometimes, yes. In my experience it is mostly on larger payments. In Alipay they normally take a fee when the payment is over 200 CNY. Hotels let you pay in splits of 200CNY, to get around this.
Can I call DiDi without downloading the separate DiDi app?
Yes. You can use DiDi inside Alipay. That is what I did. It is simpler because payment is already set up.
Do I need a VPN if I buy an eSIM?
Not always. With a travel eSIM, a lot of people can use the internet normally without touching a VPN. That was my experience too. I still like having a VPN installed as backup for random Wi-Fi situations.
Is hotel Wi-Fi enough if I want to save money?
No not really. The moment you are outside and need maps, metro QR, or to pay, you will wish you had data. An eSIM is one of the easiest quality of life upgrades in China.
Does Google Maps work in China?
Not reliably in mainland China. If you have an iPhone, Apple Maps worked well for me. If you have Android, plan to use Amap (Gaode).
Can I use Apple Maps in China without doing anything special?
Yes. I just used it normally. Downloading offline maps can still be smart if you will be in areas with weak signal.
What is the best way to talk to hotels or tour operators in China?
WeChat. Even if you do not use it for payments much, it is the easiest way to message reception, drivers, and smaller companies.
Should I install everything before I arrive in China?
Yes. Install Alipay, WeChat, and your VPN before you land. Some app stores and verification steps are easier when you are still outside China and have stable access to your usual services.
What is the simplest app setup for a first trip?
Alipay + eSIM + Apple Maps (or Amap on Android). Then add WeChat as backup. That is basically what I did, and it covered almost everything.

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