Payment & Apps

Best apps for China travel

~4 min read

By HappyChinaTrip Editorial · Last updated 20 May 2026

Quick answer

Install Alipay, WeChat Pay, Amap or Apple Maps, Trip.com, Didi, and offline translation packs before you fly.

Get the Free First-Time China Starter Pack

A practical prep pack for first-time visitors: checklist, payment reminders, eSIM tips, train notes, itinerary prompts, and common mistakes to avoid.

China travel checklistPayment & apps setup reminderseSIM and internet tipsHigh-speed train booking notesFirst-time itinerary planning promptsCommon mistakes to avoid

Best for: First-time China visitors

The real problem

Payments and trains run through Chinese super-apps. Set them up on home Wi-Fi so you are not fighting the firewall at the airport.

What you should do

Quick wins before you go

0/3 done

Tick these off as you read — saved on this device only.

Recommended kit

Payment & Apps Setup Guide

Set up Alipay, WeChat Pay, maps, eSIM and essential China apps before your flight.

The part most first-timers wish they had fixed earlier.

$15Get the kit

Common mistakes

Recommended next step

Find my trip plan

FAQ

Do I need a VPN?+

Only if you rely on Google, Instagram, or Gmail daily. Download and test it before departure.

Want a plan tuned to your passport?

Use the free China Trip Finder to get a personalised plan in 60 seconds.

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