Essential Apps You Need for China Travel

If you've never visited China before, but are ready to go with your smartphone in hand, you might wonder why there are plenty of guides (and indeed seasoned travelers) out there who recommend some essential apps you need for China travel. Ultimately, the internet works a little bit differently out here to what you might expect in the West, meaning that the apps you're used to using at home and on other vacations might not work as you'd like them to.

The SIMOVO team's traveling crew has more than a few days of China exploration between them, and for that reason, we've put together a quick but still in-depth guide to the apps you'll really need to prioritize to get the most out of any adventure. The best apps needed for China travel include map guides, chat platforms, and banking options.

That said, and - this won't come as a shock to you - SIMOVO always recommends downloading an eSIM for Mainland China before you set foot in the country. While there are plenty of WiFi spots out here, and you could use your home SIM to roam, using an eSIM ensures your data is paid for upfront - and, with SIMOVO, you always have access to the best possible connections to local mobile carriers.

Why you need specific apps when traveling to Mainland China

It all boils down to the Great Firewall, which is a nickname given to the Chinese government's extensive censorship over internet access and, indeed, Western apps' ability to connect, access, and share data while in China. 

That means you're going to need alternatives to a few of the programs you're probably familiar with tapping into elsewhere. Google Maps, for example, is all but barred from accessing up-to-date information on locations and traffic in real time, meaning you'll need to use an alternative that's supported by the Chinese infrastructure.

If this sounds like something of a hassle to undertake, don't worry. We simply recommend that you download the apps we suggest to you before you set foot in China, and make sure you test-drive them so you know how they work in practice.

Do also remember to check data usage (for example, if you're using an iPhone, you can use our guide linked) when you're running these apps, so you can be sure that you have enough left in your package.

Essential apps needed when traveling to China

While there are plenty of apps that we recommend you download and use when traveling across China, we've narrowed down four main picks that we think you'll need to prioritize - whether you are new to the country or if you've been back and forth a few times already. 

We seriously suggest you download WeChat, Alipay, Baidu Maps, and Didi to really make the most of your adventures in China - here's why, and what they should replace based on what you're using already.

WeChat

WeChat tends to rate highly with most visitors to China, and that's mainly because it's the number one all-in-one app for messaging, banking, and accessing travel services. You won't be able to use traditional messaging services you're used to in the West, so it's also a good idea to ask your friends and family back home to download and use the app, too!

If you want to use WeChat as broadly as possible, for example, when paying for services and accessing transport, we also recommend that you link up any payment and banking methods you're comfortable with attaching to the service before you travel. That way, you won't have too much muddling around to do when you arrive.

Alipay

Alipay is a Chinese app that's used for paying towards all kinds of public services. For example, once you've linked your chosen payment method, you can use it to scan QR codes and pay vendors directly. It's much easier, in a lot of ways, compared to using traditional cash out here, and it also helps to break down a few language barriers.

Speaking of language barriers, we also like the fact that Alipay allows you to translate Chinese to some extent, meaning there's not much of a learning curve.

Baidu Maps

We go into more detail about map apps in our dedicated guide linked, but the bottom line is that Baidu Maps is your best friend when it comes to getting around in China. The long story shortened is that Google Maps' access to real-time navigation and map data is restricted thanks to the Great Firewall. So, visitors need to swap it out for an alternative, like Baidu Maps, instead.

Baidu Maps offers reasonable English accessibility and provides as precise navigation and map information as you're likely to get on your smartphone while you explore China. If you're unsure how to get to grips with it, we suggest using it alongside Apple Maps, which you can actually use freely in China with location updates being reasonably accurate.

DiDi

As you might imagine, Uber isn't supported in China like it is in Europe and North America, meaning you're probably going to need a Chinese equivalent if you use it a lot back home. Thankfully, DiDi is here - and much like Uber, you can use it to match up with a driver and you won't even need to know much Mandarin to be able to get a ride - you can even enter where you'd like to go in English.

DiDi also works inside other apps such as WeChat if you prefer, though we personally suggest getting used to the main app first before looking at any integrations.

Apps for communication and translation

Naturally, there are plenty more apps for communication and translation that fall outside our top four apps for use in China, so here's just a selection that you might want to consider when traveling around:

• Baidu Translate
• Papago (great for translating signs)
• HelloTalk (an excellent language learning app)
• Pleco (a Chinese-English dictionary app)

These apps are great for not only helping you break down signs and menus, but also for supporting ongoing learning. Why not download them now and see what you can learn in time for your trip to China?

Tips for using apps in China

Finally, to close our guide, let's dive into some tried and tested tips to help you make the most of apps in China, and how to stay connected safely while navigating the Great Firewall.

• Always make sure you have a reliable eSIM with unlimited data, at least, so you don't have to find local WiFi or use local SIM cards.
• Download apps before you travel and get used to them so you can easily navigate and connect as soon as you land.
• Download and use a VPN where possible, especially if you want to use Western apps and websites that are otherwise blocked by the Great Firewall.
• Link up any international cards you'd like to use while you're away, again, so you don't get stuck managing it all when on Chinese soil.
• Ask family and friends back home to contact you on China-approved messaging services, like WeChat, so you don't have to worry about finding workarounds for WhatsApp and other messaging services.