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China Travel Guide

What Apps Do You Need for China Travel: VPN, Maps, Payments, and Transport

Smartphone apps screen

Download a VPN for blocked sites, Baidu Map or Gaode Map for real-time transit, Alipay and WeChat for payments, and Didi for taxis before arriving. All have English interfaces in their settings. You also need a Chinese SIM card for apps like Didi to work properly because drivers need to call you.

Why China’s Firewall Blocks Familiar Apps

The firewall in China restricts access to most of the everyday mobile apps and websites that you use, such as Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This means you cannot rely on Google Maps for navigation, Gmail for email, or WhatsApp for messaging unless you have a workaround.

You need to download a VPN on your phone before you arrive to access these blocked websites and apps normally. VPN effectiveness varies—some providers get blocked periodically, so research current recommendations before travel.

VPN: What It Does and When to Download

A VPN tunnels your internet traffic through servers outside China, letting you access blocked services.

Download before entering China: VPN websites may be blocked inside China, making it hard to download a VPN app after you arrive. Set it up at home and test that it works.

The source does not recommend specific VPN providers because reliability changes. Check travel forums or recent reviews for providers that currently work in China.

For real-time public transportation information, Baidu Map and Gaode Map (also called Amap) are the local alternatives to Google Maps. They show subway routes, bus schedules, walking directions, and driving routes.

Both apps display Chinese by default, but you can switch the language to English in settings. If the language displayed is Chinese when you open it, go to settings and find the language option to change it.

These apps work better than Google Maps for China because they have more accurate local data, real-time transit updates, and coverage of smaller streets and alleys.

Payments: Alipay and WeChat for Tourists

After linking your bank card, you can use online payments through Alipay and WeChat. These apps are covered in detail in the payment guide, but here’s the brief setup:

  1. Download before arrival
  2. Switch to English in settings
  3. Follow the international user setup path
  4. Link your Visa, Mastercard, or other international card
  5. Test a small payment after setup

Ride-Hailing: Didi and the SIM Card Requirement

Didi is similar to Uber and is mainly used for hailing taxis. It has an English interface, making it accessible for foreigners.

Important: When using Didi or Meituan (a food delivery app), your phone card must be a Chinese one so that drivers and delivery riders can reach you. They need to call you for pickup coordination or delivery instructions. A foreign phone number won’t work for two-way communication.

This is why a Chinese SIM card is essential for ride-hailing and delivery apps, not just for mobile data.

Chinese SIM Card: Where to Buy

Bring your passport and visa, and go to the business halls of China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom to get a SIM card. These carriers have counters at major airports, so you can buy a SIM right after landing.

You’ll need:

  • Your passport
  • Your visa (if required for your nationality)
  • Cash or card for the plan fee

Staff at airport counters often speak basic English and understand that travelers need prepaid data plans. They’ll help you choose a plan and activate the SIM.

E-SIM Alternative: Benefits and Limitations

If your phone supports E-SIM cards, you can activate it before travel. Some E-SIM services allow you to use foreign apps normally without needing a VPN. This is convenient because you don’t need to swap physical cards.

Limitation: The E-SIM card only lets you go online. You can’t make calls or get text messages with it. This means drivers and delivery riders cannot reach you by phone, which breaks Didi’s communication system.

If you choose E-SIM for data, you still need a way for locals to call you. Options include:

  • Roaming with your home carrier (expensive)
  • A separate cheap Chinese phone with a physical SIM
  • Messaging apps that work without VPN (if available)

Public WiFi: Free but Risky for Transactions

In China, shopping malls, restaurants, and even bubble tea shops often provide free WiFi for customers. The password is usually posted on a noticeable place on the wall.

Warning: Do not do any mobile transactions when connected to public WiFi. This protects your money from potential interception. Use your SIM data for payments, banking, and any sensitive activity.

Common App Setup Mistakes

Downloading VPN inside China: VPN provider websites may be blocked. Download and set up before travel.

Skipping English settings: Most apps default to Chinese. You must manually switch to English in settings.

Not buying a Chinese SIM: Without a local phone number, Didi drivers can’t reach you, and some apps won’t verify.

Using E-SIM without backup: E-SIM gives data but no phone calls. You still need a way for locals to contact you.

Testing on public WiFi: Set up and test apps using your mobile data, not public WiFi.

Summary Checklist

Before you leave home:

  • Download and set up a VPN
  • Download Alipay and WeChat Pay
  • Download Baidu Map or Gaode Map
  • Download Didi
  • Switch each app to English in settings
  • Test VPN access to blocked sites

When you arrive:

  • Buy a Chinese SIM card at airport (China Mobile, Unicom, or Telecom)
  • Insert SIM and activate data plan
  • Test that your phone can receive calls
  • Use mobile data, not public WiFi, for transactions
  • Use local maps for navigation

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