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.
Choose an app to see what it is used for, whether foreigners can use it, and which setup guide to read first.
支付宝
Often the easiest payment starting point for short-term visitors when an international card can be linked.
微信支付
Useful because WeChat is everywhere, but setup and account checks can vary by user and region.
滴滴出行
A practical way to call cars without negotiating in Chinese, especially in large cities.
高德地图
Very strong local map data in China, but Chinese interface knowledge is often needed.
美团
Powerful for food and local services, but visitors may need translation help and reliable payment.
大众点评
Useful for finding restaurants, but mostly Chinese and better as a discovery tool than a beginner app.
携程
A foreigner-friendly option for booking hotels and trains with English support.
铁路12306
The official train ticket platform; useful, but English UX and identity checks can be harder for first-time visitors.
8 published app guides. Use these tutorials for setup, common problems and backup options before you rely on the app in China.
A source-checked Alipay guide for foreign visitors in China: setup, international cards, payments, transport, limits, common failures and backup plans.
A practical guide to Amap / Gaode Map for foreigners in China: English mode, place search, walking, metro, taxi routes, Chinese addresses and common map mistakes.
A source-checked guide to China Railway 12306 for foreign passport holders: registration, identity verification, ticket search, booking windows, refunds and Trip.com comparison.
A practical Dianping guide for foreign visitors: finding restaurants, reading ratings, checking photos, using map search, avoiding branch mistakes and handling Chinese-only content.
A field-oriented guide to using DiDi in China: download, foreign phone login, pickup pins, driver messages, airport rides, payments and common mistakes.
A visitor-friendly Meituan guide for China: food delivery, hotel delivery addresses, Chinese menus, payments, rider calls, refunds and common setup problems.
A foreigner-friendly Trip.com guide for China: booking hotels, trains and travel services with passport details, international payments, customer support and common mistakes.
A practical WeChat Pay guide for foreign visitors: account setup, supported international cards, payment QR codes, verification, limitations and backup tips.
