Apps & Digital Life
in China for Foreign Visitors
Your apps from home won't all work in China. Here's what changes, what you need to download before you land, and how to stay connected, navigate, and pay like a local.
Install these 6 apps while you still can
VPN websites and app store listings are blocked inside China. Set it up at home, then test it works.
China periodically clamps down harder. Have a backup VPN — the main one may fail during crackdowns.
Personal VPN use by foreign tourists is common and not typically enforced against. This is for informational purposes.
WeChat Replaces Almost Everything
WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Facebook Messenger are all blocked. WeChat is China's super-app — use it for messaging, calls, payments, and more.
Replaces: WhatsApp · Messenger · Instagram DMs · Venmo
China's dominant super-app with 1.3 billion users. Text, voice, video calls, group chats, Moments (Stories), and WeChat Pay all in one. Every contact you make in China — your companion, hospital staff, hotel — will expect to reach you here.
FaceTime (iPhone only)
Replaces: WhatsApp video calls (Apple-to-Apple)
FaceTime works in China without a VPN. If your family and friends also use Apple devices, this is the easiest way to video-call home. No extra app needed.
Zoom
Replaces: Google Meet (blocked)
Zoom works in China without a VPN. Useful for video calls with doctors or family during your recovery. Google Meet is blocked; Microsoft Teams also works.
WhatsApp / Telegram / Signal
Blocked in China
All three are blocked without a VPN. Download your VPN before arriving, and you can keep using them. Otherwise, switch contacts to WeChat — your companion and all China-based staff will be on WeChat anyway.
China Is Basically Cashless — Set Up a Digital Wallet
Physical credit cards are accepted at 5-star hotels and some international restaurants, but most shops, cafés, markets, pharmacies, and transport are QR-code only. You need Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to a foreign card.
Alipay International
Replaces: Apple Pay · Google Pay · PayPal
Alibaba's payment app now has a dedicated international version. Link your Visa, Mastercard, or American Express and pay anywhere — street food stalls to hospitals. Also includes maps, translation, and mini-apps.
WeChat Pay
Built into WeChat
Already inside WeChat. Link your foreign card under Me → Pay → Wallet → Add Card. Works everywhere Alipay works. Convenient because you're already using WeChat for messaging.
- Download Alipay from your country's App Store or Google Play (it's the international version)
- Register with your overseas mobile number — no Chinese phone number needed
- Go to Me → Add Card and enter your Visa, Mastercard, or Amex details
- Verify via your bank's SMS / 3D Secure and you're ready to scan QR codes in China
Google Maps Is Blocked — And Wrong About China
China uses a shifted coordinate system (GCJ-02) for national security reasons. Even if you use Google Maps with a VPN, addresses and roads can appear offset. Use native China mapping apps.
Baidu Maps
Replaces: Google Maps
The most comprehensive map of China. Best for finding exact hospital addresses, navigating between districts, and getting turn-by-turn directions. Interface is primarily Chinese but search works well in Pinyin or English.
Gaode Maps / AutoNavi
Replaces: Waze / Google Maps
Alibaba's mapping platform, widely considered more accurate for real-time traffic. Apple licensed Gaode's data for Apple Maps, so iPhone users already benefit from this data automatically.
Apple Maps (iPhone only)
Best option for iPhone users — no extra app needed
Apple licensed Gaode's (AutoNavi's) entire China dataset. Apple Maps works perfectly in China without any VPN, in full English, with accurate POIs, real-time transit, and directions. Best solution for iPhone travelers.
Google Maps
Does not work in China
Two problems: (1) the Google servers are blocked, so the app won't load without a VPN; (2) even with a VPN, Google Maps uses the wrong coordinate system for China and shows roads offset by hundreds of metres. Use Baidu or Apple Maps.
Ride-Hailing, Trains & Getting to Hospital
Uber does not operate in China. DiDi is the dominant ride-hailing app with an English interface. For trains between cities, Trip.com is the easiest option for foreign cards.
DiDi
Replaces: Uber (not available in China)
China's dominant ride-hailing app, acquired Uber's China operations in 2016. The international version has a full English interface and supports foreign payment cards. Safe, reliable, and cheap. Get the international "DiDi" app, not the Chinese "DiDi Chuxing" version.
Metro Apps
Via Alipay or local transit apps
China's metros are excellent — fast, cheap, clean, and go to most hospitals. Buy tickets at machines (takes cash and Alipay). Many cities also have metro mini-apps inside Alipay for QR-code boarding. Signs at stations are bilingual (Chinese + English).
Uber
Not available in China
Uber sold its China operations to DiDi in 2016 and no longer operates there. The Uber app simply shows no drivers in any Chinese city. Use DiDi instead.
Trip.com (Ctrip)
Easiest for foreigners
Trip.com is the international brand of Ctrip, China's largest travel platform. Book high-speed trains, flights, and hotels in English with foreign credit cards. Slightly higher booking fees than 12306 but much more foreigner-friendly. They can also email your tickets in English.
12306 (China Railway)
Official ticketing app — cheapest prices
China's official train booking app now has a working English version. Prices are cheaper than Trip.com with no booking fee. The catch: payment requires a Chinese bank card or Alipay/WeChat Pay linked to a Chinese bank. Foreigners can often book but need a companion's help to pay.
Google Translate Is Blocked — Use These Instead
Camera translation for menus and signs is the most useful feature. All of these apps work offline if you download language packs in advance.
Baidu Translate
Replaces: Google Translate
Point your camera at a menu, sign, or prescription and it overlays the English translation in real-time. Voice conversation mode, text input, and offline dictionary all included. Best Chinese-English translation quality of any app.
Microsoft Translator
Good alternative to Baidu Translate
Works in China without a VPN. Supports camera translation, voice, and conversation mode where two people can speak into the phone in different languages and see translations. Download offline language packs at home.
Pleco (Chinese Dictionary)
Best Chinese dictionary app
The gold-standard Chinese-English dictionary used by learners and professionals. Tap any Chinese character to look it up. Includes handwriting input, stroke order, and offline use. Invaluable at the hospital for understanding prescriptions or diagnoses.
Google Translate
Blocked without VPN
Google Translate doesn't load in China without a VPN (Google servers are blocked). Even with a VPN, Chinese–English translation quality is inferior to Baidu Translate. Switch to Baidu Translate and you'll actually get better results.
China Has Its Own Social Ecosystem
Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter are blocked. Chinese platforms have hundreds of millions of users and are increasingly available to international audiences.
Xiaohongshu / RED
Replaces: Instagram
China's lifestyle platform — photo and video posts, reviews, and recommendations. Popular with expats and international travelers. Increasingly used to research hospitals, doctors, and medical experiences. Download abroad, some English content available.
Replaces: Twitter / X
China's microblogging platform with 580 million monthly users. International accounts accepted. Primarily Chinese-language content, but you can follow international media accounts and celebrities. Download abroad.
Douyin
TikTok's Chinese twin — different app
Douyin and TikTok are separate apps by the same company (ByteDance) but with separate content libraries. Douyin is China-only, entirely in Chinese. The international TikTok app does not work in China. Can be downloaded abroad but designed for Chinese users.
Bilibili
Replaces: YouTube
China's main video platform, beloved by younger audiences. Anime, gaming, vlogging, educational content. Some international content available. YouTube is blocked; Bilibili has English-language sections and subtitles on some content.
Get a China SIM or eSIM — Don't Rely on Hotel WiFi
Hospital and hotel WiFi can be inconsistent and may have stricter firewall settings. A local SIM gives you reliable 5G data everywhere.
International eSIM (Recommended)
Best option: set up before you fly
Services like Airalo, Nomad, or Holafly sell eSIM data packs for China that you activate before you board. No physical SIM swap, no airport queue. Works on any eSIM-compatible iPhone (XS or later) or recent Android. Typically 10GB for $15–30 for 30 days.
Local SIM at the Airport
China Unicom / China Mobile — buy on arrival
All major Chinese airports have official carrier kiosks selling tourist SIM cards with data + local number. China Unicom is the easiest for foreigners (English-speaking staff at major airports). Bring your passport. Costs approximately ¥100–200 ($14–28) for 30 days of data.
International Roaming
Works but expensive — check your plan
Your home carrier's roaming plan may work in China, but speeds are often limited to 4G or slower, costs can be high ($10+/day), and some carriers block VPN use on roaming plans. Check before you go and consider a dedicated travel SIM instead.
Daily Life Apps — Some Foreigner-Friendly, Some Not
A few more apps that can be useful, with honest notes on how foreigner-friendly each one is.
Trip.com
Hotels, flights, trains — all in one
The most foreigner-friendly Chinese travel app. Book hotels near your hospital, domestic flights, and train tickets all in English. Customer service available in English. Accepts international cards.
Meituan
Food delivery + hotel + restaurant reviews
China's super-app for everyday life — food delivery to your room, hotel bookings, restaurant reservations, movie tickets, and more. Extremely powerful, but the app is in Chinese only. Very hard to use without Chinese language ability. Your companion can order on your behalf.
Eleme
Food delivery (Alibaba-owned)
Alibaba's food delivery platform, competing with Meituan. Like Meituan, it's Chinese-only and requires a Chinese address for delivery. Accessible via Alipay mini-programs. Best to ask your companion to handle delivery orders.
Didi / Taxi / Metro — Combo
Getting from hotel to hospital daily
For your daily hospital commute: DiDi is the most convenient door-to-door. Metro is cheaper (¥3–8 per trip) and often faster in rush hour. Save the hospital's address in Chinese characters (ask your companion) so you can show taxi drivers if needed.
All Major Apps at a Glance
Complete status for every app mentioned on this page.
| App | Category | Download Abroad | English | Works Without VPN | Foreign Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Visa/MC (Pay) | |
| Communication | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ❌ Blocked | — | |
| Telegram | Communication | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ❌ Blocked | — |
| Zoom | Video Calls | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | — |
| FaceTime | Video Calls | Built-in iPhone | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | — |
| Alipay International | Payments | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Visa/MC/Amex |
| WeChat Pay | Payments | ✓ Via WeChat | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Visa/MC |
| Apple Maps | Navigation | Built-in iPhone | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | — |
| Baidu Maps | Navigation | ✓ Yes | ⚠ Limited | ✓ Yes | — |
| Gaode / AutoNavi | Navigation | ✓ Yes | ⚠ Limited | ✓ Yes | — |
| Google Maps | Navigation | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ❌ Blocked + wrong coords | — |
| DiDi (International) | Ride Hailing | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Uber | Ride Hailing | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ❌ Not available in China | — |
| Baidu Translate | Translation | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | — |
| Microsoft Translator | Translation | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | — |
| Google Translate | Translation | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ❌ Blocked | — |
| Pleco Dictionary | Translation | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | — |
| Trip.com | Travel Booking | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| 12306 (China Rail) | Train Booking | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ⚠ Tricky without Chinese bank |
| Xiaohongshu / RED | Social Media | ✓ Yes | ⚠ Partial | ✓ Yes | — |
| Social Media | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ❌ Blocked | — | |
| Meituan | Food / Daily Life | ✓ Yes | ❌ Chinese only | ✓ Yes | ⚠ Via Alipay |
| VPN (Astrill etc.) | VPN | ⚠ Must install at home! | ✓ Yes | — (is the VPN) | ✓ Paid subscription |
Do all of this before you board your flight to China
Print this list or screenshot it for reference
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Install a VPN (FIRST priority) Download, subscribe, and test it actually works. Get Astrill, ExpressVPN, or NordVPN. Download a backup VPN too.
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Install WeChat Register with your overseas phone number. Connect with your companion on WeChat immediately upon contact.
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Install Alipay & link your card Download the international version. Add your Visa/MC/Amex and test a small transaction before you arrive.
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Set up WeChat Pay Inside WeChat: Me → Pay → Wallet → Add Card. Link your Visa or Mastercard.
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Install DiDi (International) Get the international version. Add your payment card. Know that Uber doesn't work in China.
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Install Baidu Maps (or use Apple Maps on iPhone) Download offline map packs for your destination city. Save your hospital address.
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Install Baidu Translate Download Chinese language pack for offline use. Test the camera translation feature.
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Sort your SIM / eSIM Buy an international eSIM (Airalo, Nomad, Holafly) before departure, or plan to buy a SIM at the airport.
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Install Trip.com For booking hotels near your hospital and trains between cities. Add your foreign card.
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Withdraw some RMB cash on arrival ATM at the airport (Bank of China, ICBC accept Visa/MC). ¥500–1,000 as backup for places that don't take QR codes.
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Save hospital address in Chinese Ask your companion or use Baidu Translate. Screenshot it so you can show taxi drivers even offline.
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Switch to Outlook/Hotmail if you use Gmail Gmail is blocked in China without a VPN. Forward important emails to an Outlook address before you go.
