Go2China
Best Chinese Alternatives to
Setup Guide
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Know the situation first
Handy operates only in select US and European cities and is not available in mainland China, so you won't be able to sign up or book cleanings or repairs through it while you're there.
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Switch to Meituan
Meituan is China's go-to super-app for on-demand home services, including professional cleaning (保洁) and handyman visits. Download it from a Chinese app store, register with a Chinese phone number, and set your city.
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Search the right keywords
Inside Meituan, search 保洁 (cleaning), 家政 (domestic services), or 维修 (repair) to browse nearby providers with prices, ratings, and photos. Listings are mostly in Chinese, so keep a translation app open alongside it.
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Book and pay in-app
Choose a service package or hourly cleaner, pick a time slot, and pay through Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to your card. You can message the provider within the app before they arrive.
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Consider Swan Daojia for regular help
天鹅到家 (Swan Daojia) is a dedicated home-services platform focused on cleaners, ayis, and repair workers, making it a good fit if you want weekly or recurring cleaning rather than one-off bookings.
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Use offline backup channels
Your compound's property management office (物业) can usually arrange cleaning or repairs quickly, and expat WeChat groups often share trusted English-speaking ayis and handymen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Handy work in China?
No. Handy operates only in select US and European cities and is not available in mainland China, so you cannot use it to book home services there.
What is the best Handy alternative in China?
Meituan is the most practical option for on-demand cleaning and repairs, since it covers most major cities and lets you book and pay entirely within the app.
How do I hire a house cleaner in China as a foreigner?
Use Meituan or 天鹅到家 (Swan Daojia) and search 保洁 (cleaning), or ask your property management office and local expat WeChat groups for trusted recommendations.
Do I need to speak Chinese to book home services in China?
Most listings and providers communicate in Chinese, so pair Meituan or Swan Daojia with a translation app, or go through property management and expat groups where English is more likely to work.
How do I pay for cleaning services in China?
Payments are made in-app through Alipay or WeChat Pay, so set up one of these wallets with your international card before booking.
How do I get apartment repairs done in China?
Search 维修 (repair) on Meituan to find plumbers, electricians, and handymen, or contact your building's property management (物业), which typically coordinates repairs directly.
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