Go2ChinaChina Travel App Checklist — Everything to Set Up Before You Go (2026)
Preparing for a trip to China is different from preparing for almost any other destination. The digital infrastructure you rely on every day — Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, Uber, and most Western payment methods — either does not work or works poorly once you are inside the country. The apps that do work require account setup, identity verification, and sometimes a friend invitation to activate.
The good news: everything on this list is straightforward if you do it before you board. Do it after you land and you may find yourself without a payment method, without navigation, and without a way to contact your hotel.
Apps to Install Before You Go
Communication
The single most important app for visiting China. WeChat is used for messaging, voice and video calls, payments, booking services, and accessing hundreds of mini-programs inside businesses. Register your account and complete friend verification (WeChat requires an existing user to confirm your account) before you leave home — this step cannot be done without a contact in your network.
Payment
China's dominant mobile payment platform, accepted at virtually every shop, restaurant, transport terminal, and tourist attraction. International visitors can now link a Visa, Mastercard, or Amex card directly. Identity verification requires a passport scan — do this at home for the smoothest experience.
Built into the WeChat app. A second payment option alongside Alipay — many merchants display QR codes for both. Add an international card via WeChat Wallet before departure. Having both Alipay and WeChat Pay active means you will never be caught without a payment method.
Transport
China's dominant ride-hailing platform, available in over 400 cities. Full English interface, accepts international Visa and Mastercard directly. DiDi replaced Uber in China in 2016 — Uber does not operate here. Register and add your payment card before arrival.
China's most accurate mapping and navigation app. Google Maps works very poorly in China — addresses are offset, transit data is incomplete, and the app requires a VPN connection that is not always reliable. Amap has real-time traffic, full metro and bus routing, and offline map downloads. Download your destination cities' maps before you fly.
Translation
The most reliable translation app for Chinese. Includes camera translation for menus and signs, voice translation for conversations, and works fully offline with downloaded language packs. Google Translate is blocked in China — download Baidu Translate and its offline Chinese language pack before departure.
Digital Setup Checklist
Complete these steps in order before you travel. Each one builds on the previous.
Download a VPN before landing
Most Western apps and services are blocked in China. A VPN lets you access them from inside China. Download and subscribe to a VPN service before you land — VPN provider websites are themselves blocked inside China, so you cannot sign up after arrival. Test that it works on your home network. Popular options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Astrill (Astrill is widely used specifically for China).
Set up Alipay with passport verification
Download Alipay, register with your international phone number, and complete the identity verification step using your passport. Then add your Visa, Mastercard, or Amex card to your wallet. Verification takes 5–10 minutes on a fast connection.
Register WeChat and complete friend verification
Download WeChat and register with your phone number. WeChat requires a new account to be confirmed by an existing WeChat user before the account is fully active — ask a friend who already uses WeChat to scan your QR code and verify you. This step is critical: without it, your WeChat account has limited functionality and cannot send payment QR codes.
Add cards to both Alipay and WeChat Pay
Add an international card to Alipay (via Alipay settings) and to WeChat Pay (via WeChat → Me → Pay → Wallet). Having both active is the safest approach — occasional technical issues with one platform will not leave you unable to pay.
Download offline maps for your destinations
Open Amap and download offline map packages for every city on your itinerary. Maps are city-sized downloads of roughly 50–200 MB each. With offline maps, you can navigate without a data connection and without relying on a VPN.
Download DiDi and add a payment method
Register with your phone number, set the app language to English (Menu → Settings → Language), and add your card. Take one short test booking near your home if DiDi operates in your city internationally — this confirms your account is active before you arrive in China.
Download Baidu Translate and the offline language pack
Install Baidu Translate and download the Chinese ↔ English offline language pack inside the app. Camera translation (point your phone at any text) works entirely offline with this pack.
What Won't Work in China
These services are blocked in China and will not function without a VPN. Plan your alternatives before you leave.
- ✗ Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, Drive) — blocked; use Baidu, Amap, and a local SIM for email
- ✗ WhatsApp — blocked; use WeChat for all messaging and calls
- ✗ Instagram — blocked; no functional alternative for posting while in China
- ✗ YouTube — blocked; use Bilibili (哔哩哔哩) for video content
- ✗ Facebook / Messenger — blocked; use WeChat
- ✗ Twitter / X — blocked
- ✗ Uber — not operating in China; use DiDi
- ✗ Google Translate — blocked; use Baidu Translate
- ✓ WeChat — works without VPN
- ✓ Alipay — works without VPN
- ✓ DiDi — works without VPN
- ✓ Amap — works without VPN
What to Bring
Cash (RMB)
Mobile payment covers nearly everything in major Chinese cities, but cash is still useful in rural areas, traditional markets, and older local restaurants. Withdraw RMB at an ATM on arrival using a Visa or Mastercard — bank ATMs at airports and in city centres reliably accept international cards. Carry ¥500–1000 for incidentals. Avoid exchanging currency at airport kiosks — rates are poor.
SIM Card
Your home carrier may offer China roaming, but local SIM cards are significantly cheaper for data-heavy travel. Three main options:
- China Unicom / China Mobile tourist SIMs — available at major airports on arrival; 7-day and 30-day data packages; no identity issues for foreign passports
- Hong Kong SIM cards — purchased before entry; work across mainland China; often the easiest option for visitors transiting through Hong Kong
- International eSIM — services like Airalo and Nomad sell China data eSIMs; data only (no local number), but sufficient for apps that use your home number for verification
Note: most tourist SIMs and eSIMs do not include a local Chinese phone number, only data. Register your WeChat and Alipay accounts using your home number before you buy a China SIM.
Portable Charger
Payment, navigation, translation, and transport all run on your phone. A dead battery in China leaves you without cash, maps, or the ability to hail a ride. Carry a 10,000–20,000 mAh power bank.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping WeChat friend verification. Many visitors register WeChat but skip the verification step because it requires asking someone. An unverified account cannot use WeChat Pay and has messaging limits. Complete this step before you leave.
- Assuming a VPN will work reliably. VPNs do work in China, but connections drop, especially on mobile networks. Do not rely on a VPN for navigation or payment — use Amap and Alipay natively and keep the VPN for browsing and social media.
- Waiting to set up Alipay until after landing. The passport verification step takes 5–10 minutes on a fast connection. On a slow hotel Wi-Fi with intermittent VPN, it can become frustrating. Do it at home.
- Not downloading offline maps. Data can be expensive or slow in some areas. Offline Amap maps mean you can navigate even when your SIM has no signal.
- Bringing only a credit card with no Alipay/WeChat Pay. Many small merchants, canteens, and local markets do not accept foreign credit cards directly — only mobile payment QR codes. Cash or a configured Alipay/WeChat Pay account is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What apps do I need for traveling in China?
The core set: WeChat for messaging and payments, Alipay as payment backup, DiDi for rides, Amap for navigation, Baidu Translate for menus and signs, and Meituan for food and restaurants.
Will my phone work in China?
Yes — any modern unlocked smartphone works on Chinese networks. Check two things before you go: that your carrier offers China roaming (or buy a travel eSIM), and that your phone supports eSIM if you plan to use one.
What apps and sites are blocked in China?
Google services (Search, Maps, Gmail, YouTube), WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and Messenger, X, Telegram, Spotify, and most Western news sites. Chinese alternatives cover every category — that is what this site is for.
Do I need cash in China?
Rarely. China is close to cashless — Alipay and WeChat Pay cover everything from street vendors to taxis. Carry a small amount of RMB cash only as an emergency backup for remote areas.
Recommended Apps
See the complete list of China apps — all in one place.
Explore all China apps →Real Experiences from Other Travelers
Everyone's situation is different — visa type, phone carrier, and timing all affect outcomes. See what others have reported and adjust based on your own circumstances.