Planning your trip to China? Don’t forget the most important part of your travel kit: Chinese apps.From paying for noodles to translating menus, these apps are not optional — they’re essential.

Here’s our curated list of must-have apps for any foreign traveler in China in 2025 — plus how to set them up, even with a non-Chinese phone.

 1. WeChat (微信) – Messaging, payments, translation, life

WeChat is China’s everything app. It’s your:

• Messenger (like WhatsApp)
• Payment wallet (like Venmo)
• News feed
• Event planner
• Translation helper

 Tips for foreigners:

• You can link foreign Visa/MasterCard to WeChat Pay now
• Use the built-in scan tool to pay at restaurants, stores, etc.
• Set your interface to English under “Me → Settings → General → Language”

2. Alipay (支付宝) – Mobile payments and tourist services

Used everywhere from taxis to vending machines. Alipay offers:

• QR code payments
• Currency conversion
• Metro/train access
• Tourist SIM card packages

Tips:

• Download the Alipay International version for easier setup
• Verify with passport + foreign card

 3. Baidu Maps (百度地图) – The only map that actually works in China

Google Maps is blocked and inaccurate. Apple Maps often misplaces pins.Baidu Maps offers real-time traffic, bus/subway, walking paths, and indoor mall navigation.

Tips:

• Set language to English (some translations may still be odd)
• Take screenshots with translations before heading out

 4. Dianping (大众点评) – Find local food like a pro

China’s answer to Yelp — but better. Browse:

• Restaurant reviews (with real photos)
• Average price per person
• Popular dishes + recommendations
• Booking and coupons

 Tips:

• Use photo translation to scan Chinese menus
• Look for “人气菜” (popular dish) label

5. Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) – Ride-hailing made easy

It’s China’s Uber. Many taxi drivers also use Didi to accept orders.

Tips:

• Add passport for account verification
• Set pickup/drop-off locations by pin or manually pasting Chinese addresses
• Don’t rely on chat — use the auto-translate feature if needed

6. Pleco – The best Chinese-English dictionary

No internet required, and perfect for:

• Handwriting input
• Optical character recognition (OCR from camera)
• Stroke order breakdowns

Tips:

• Install “OCR” and “Flashcards” paid add-ons for full power
• Use in offline mode in rural areas or subways

7. ExpressVPN (or NordVPN) – Stay connected to the global internet

China blocks most Western platforms: Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Gmail…

Tips:

• Download before entering China
• Test it in advance — it might not always be stable during political events
• Keep a backup VPN just in case

 Final Thoughts: Your Digital Survival Kit in China

These apps aren’t just “nice to have” — they’re lifelines for first-time and repeat travelers alike.Download and test them before departure, especially WeChat, Alipay, and VPNs.

 Want to explore more travel essentials for China?Check out:

• [How WeChat & Alipay Really Work for Foreigners]
• [Top Travel Mistakes Foreigners Make in China]
• [VPN Setup Guide for China]