China has a very different digital ecosystem from many other countries—there are lots of local apps that can make your trip way easier, from translation to payment, from navigation to ride-hailing. Here are the must-have apps you need to download before you come to China!

> **Important Note**: Some international apps like Google, WhatsApp, Instagram are not accessible in mainland China. We recommend you download a VPN app **before you arrive**—you can't download it after entering China!

1. Translation & Dictionary: Pleco & Google Translate

Language can be a big problem in small cities in China, as many locals don't speak English. These two apps can help you:

- **Pleco**: The best Chinese dictionary app for foreigners. It supports camera translation, handwriting input, and offline dictionary. You can look up any Chinese word easily, even if you don't know how to pronounce it.

- **Google Translate**: Download the offline Chinese-English language pack before you come! It can help you translate text, voice, and even camera translation, perfect for reading menus or signs.

2. Navigation: Amap (Gaode Map) & Maps.me

Google Maps is not available in China, so you need a local map app:

- **Amap (Gaode Map)**: The most popular map app in China. It has accurate navigation for driving, walking, and public transport, it can also show you real-time traffic, and even the arrival time of buses and subway. It has an English version, perfect for foreign travelers.

- **Maps.me**: Download the offline map of China before you come! It works without internet, perfect for remote areas where you don't have data.

3. Ride-hailing: DiDi

DiDi is the Chinese version of Uber, it's the most convenient way to take a taxi in China. You can order a car directly in the app, pay with cash or mobile payment, and it will show you the price in advance, no need to bargain with the driver. It has an English version, very easy to use.

4. Payment: Alipay & WeChat Pay

China is almost a cashless society, most shops, restaurants, even street vendors accept mobile payment. These two apps are the most popular:

- You can link your international credit card to these apps, then you can pay everywhere with QR code. It's way more convenient than carrying cash.

- Even if you don't want to use them, most big shops accept Visa and Mastercard, but small places may not.

5. Train & Flight Tickets: Trip.com

If you want to buy train or flight tickets by yourself, Trip.com is the best choice. It has an English version, you can buy tickets with your passport, and it will send you the e-ticket to your phone, you don't need to pick up the paper ticket.