Alipay
支付宝
Often the easiest payment starting point for short-term visitors when an international card can be linked.
Payments, metro, mini programs, travel services
Choose an app for your task
Essential China Apps
A practical app toolkit for first-time visitors. Choose an app to see what it is used for, whether foreigners can use it, and which setup guide to read first.
Find your next step
Open a tutorial to get started. Check app requirements if you need to compare account, phone or payment conditions.
WeChat Pay
微信支付
Useful because WeChat is everywhere, but setup and account checks can vary by user and region.
Payments, messaging, QR codes, mini programs
Didi
滴滴出行
DiDi China offers an English booking route. Check your pickup point and the payment method available in your account.
Taxi and ride-hailing
Amap / Gaode Map
高德地图
AMap Global offers English navigation. Save the exact Chinese address and check the selected entrance.
Maps, routes, metro, taxi, walking navigation
Meituan
美团
Powerful for food and local services, but visitors may need translation help and reliable payment.
Food delivery, restaurants, local services
Dianping
大众点评
Useful for finding restaurants, but mostly Chinese and better as a discovery tool than a beginner app.
Restaurant discovery and local reviews
Trip.com / Ctrip
携程
Compare hotel and train bookings in English, then check the exact booking conditions and final total.
Hotels, flights, trains and travel booking
China Railway 12306
铁路12306
The official train ticket platform; useful, but English UX and identity checks can be harder for first-time visitors.
Official train ticket booking
All app tutorials
8 published app guides. Use these tutorials for setup, common problems and backup options before you rely on the app in China.
8 guides
Apps/7 min read
How to Use AMap (Gaode Maps) in English in China
Download AMap for iPhone or Android, check English settings, find Chinese addresses and plan metro or walking routes, with offline and sign-in fallbacks.
Updated 2026-09-30Read guide ↗
Apps/6 min read
How to Use China Railway 12306 as a Foreigner
Use China Railway 12306 with a foreign passport: registration, verification, ticket searches, booking and help with changes or refunds.
Updated 2026-09-30Read guide ↗
Apps/7 min read
How to Use Alipay in China as a Foreigner
Set up Alipay for a China visit, link an eligible card, recognise payment buttons and review recurring payments or unexpected deductions.
Updated 2026-09-13Read guide ↗
Apps/6 min read
How to Use Dianping in China as a Foreigner
Use Dianping to find restaurants, compare branches and read reviews. Check the location and voucher terms before you travel or pay.
Updated 2026-09-13Read guide ↗
Apps/6 min read
How to Use DiDi in China: English Setup and Taxi Booking
Set up DiDi in English, check Grab alternatives, choose the right pickup point and handle driver messages and payments in China.
Updated 2026-09-13Read guide ↗
Apps/6 min read
How to Use Meituan in China as a Foreigner
Use Meituan for food delivery in China: translate menus, enter a hotel address, check payment options and communicate with your rider.
Updated 2026-09-13Read guide ↗
Apps/5 min read
How to Use Trip.com in China for Hotels and Trains
Book China hotels and trains with Trip.com: check passport details, payment options, cancellation terms and customer support.
Updated 2026-09-13Read guide ↗
Apps/6 min read
How to Use WeChat Pay in China as a Foreigner
Set up WeChat Pay for a China visit, link an eligible international card, recognise payment QR codes and prepare for common failures.
Updated 2026-09-13Read guide ↗