Why You Need These Apps
China runs on mobile apps. From paying for street food to hailing a taxi to messaging your hotel โ almost everything happens through apps. Many Western services (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp) are blocked in China. Setting up the right apps before you arrive will save you hours of frustration.
1. WeChat (ๅพฎไฟก) โ Essential
WeChat is China's super-app. It's WhatsApp + Venmo + Airbnb + Yelp all in one. You'll use it to message your PandaRoads support team, pay at stores and restaurants, scan QR codes, and more.
- Set up before: Download from App Store/Google Play. Register with your home number. Add a payment method (international Visa/Mastercard works).
- Pro tip: Have a friend send you a "red packet" (hongbao) so you practice using WeChat Pay before you arrive.
2. Alipay (ๆฏไปๅฎ) โ Essential
Similar to WeChat Pay but with better international card support. You can link your Visa or Mastercard directly. Accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and even street vendors.
- Set up before: Download, register, and add your international card. The "Tour Pass" feature lets you pre-load funds without a Chinese bank account.
- Why both WeChat and Alipay? Some places only accept one or the other. Having both means you're never stuck.
3. A VPN โ Essential
Google, Gmail, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, The New York Times, and many other Western websites are blocked in China. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) lets you access them normally. Install and test your VPN before you leave โ you can't download VPN apps once you're in China.
- Recommended: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Astrill (these work most reliably in China)
- Pro tip: Download at least two VPNs as backup. China's firewall sometimes blocks specific VPN protocols.
4. DiDi (ๆปดๆปด) โ Ride-Hailing
DiDi is China's ride-hailing app โ like Uber but cheaper and more reliable. You can book taxis, private cars, and even buses. The app has an English version.
- Set up before: Download and register. Add Alipay as a payment method (it links automatically).
- Pro tip: Your PandaRoads itinerary includes DiDi booking tips for each city with common destinations pre-saved in Chinese characters for the driver.
5. Baidu Maps (็พๅบฆๅฐๅพ) โ Navigation
Google Maps is blocked and unreliable in China. Baidu Maps is the local alternative. It has an English mode and provides accurate public transit directions.
- Alternative: Apple Maps actually works reasonably well in China (uses local map data).
- Pro tip: Screenshot important directions in case you lose signal underground.
6. Google Translate (่ฐทๆญ็ฟป่ฏ) โ Useful
The camera translation feature is invaluable for reading menus, signs, and product labels. Download the offline Chinese language pack before you arrive. Works without a VPN if you've downloaded the language data.
- Alternative: Baidu Translate also works well and doesn't need a VPN.
- Pro tip: Use the camera mode to translate menus instantly. Not always perfect, but good enough to avoid pork if you're vegetarian.
7. Trip.com (ๆบ็จ) โ Booking
For booking domestic flights, high-speed trains, and hotels. Has full English support and accepts international cards. Useful if you want to explore beyond what PandaRoads has booked for you.
- Note: PandaRoads handles all your major bookings. Trip.com is a useful backup if you decide to make spontaneous side trips.
Quick Setup Checklist
- โ Download WeChat, register, add payment method
- โ Download Alipay, register, link international card
- โ Install and test VPN before departure
- โ Download DiDi, set up payment
- โ Download offline Chinese on Google Translate
- โ Download Baidu Maps (or confirm Apple Maps works on your phone)
- โ Save your PandaRoads emergency contact in WeChat + phone contacts