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China pre-departure check

China travel apps: which apps should you set up before departure?

Going to China? Prepare your VPN, payment apps, translation app, map app and taxi option before app stores, internet access or verification become difficult.

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1. Why you should prepare your apps before departure

App stores and verification can be harder

You do not want to handle downloads, logins, SMS verification or account settings only after you have already arrived in China.

Some foreign apps may be limited

For apps such as Google services, social media, video platforms, news websites or work tools, you should know your access method or backup before departure.

Payments, taxis and navigation depend heavily on apps

Alipay, WeChat Pay, DiDi, map apps and translation apps can prevent a lot of stress if they are already installed and tested.

Offline alternatives are still necessary

Even with good apps, you still need offline backups: hotel address, tickets, screenshots, offline translation and your Safety Pack.

2. Which apps should you set up before departure?

1. Install and test your VPN

Install your VPN before departure, log in and test it on Wi-Fi and mobile data. Prepare a backup if your main option does not work.

2. Prepare payment apps

Install Alipay, link your international card and check where to find the payment code and scan function. Also prepare WeChat Pay, a second card or cash as backup.

3. Set up an offline translation app

Install a translation app, download Chinese for offline use and test whether you can translate simple phrases without internet.

4. Prepare a map app

Use a China-friendly map app, search for your hotel, check your route from your arrival location and make screenshots as fallback.

5. Prepare a taxi option

Install or open DiDi, check your payment method, search your hotel as destination and check the route from your airport or train station.

3. The most important app checks for China

These checks help prevent depending on app stores, SMS verification or live internet after arrival.

  1. 1
    Install and test your VPN app

    Many Western apps and websites may not work properly or may be limited in China. Install and test your VPN before departure, and prepare a backup.

  2. 2
    Prepare Alipay

    Install Alipay, create an account, link your international card and check where to find the payment code and scan function.

  3. 3
    Prepare WeChat Pay or another backup payment route

    Do not rely on one payment route. Prepare WeChat Pay, a second card, cash or help from a travel companion or hotel.

  4. 4
    Test an offline translation app

    Download Chinese for offline use and test text translation and, if useful, camera translation before departure.

  5. 5
    Check your map app and hotel route

    Search your hotel in your map app, save it as a favorite and make screenshots of the address, location and arrival route.

  6. 6
    Prepare DiDi or another taxi option

    Check whether you can use DiDi, DiDi via Alipay or WeChat, or a pre-booked transfer to get from your arrival location to your hotel.

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4. This app check is part of the full China checklist

The full checklist helps you not only with apps, but also with internet, payments, hotel address, departure checks and emergency preparation.

Internet Payments Apps Hotel address Safety Pack

5. Frequently asked questions

Which apps do you need for China?

For most travelers, the key app groups are VPN, Alipay, WeChat Pay, translation app, map app and taxi option. Exactly which apps you need depends on your trip, phone and payment method.

Should I install apps before departure?

Yes. Downloads, registration, SMS verification and login can be harder once you are already traveling or if internet access is limited. Install and test important apps before departure.

Is Google Maps enough for China?

Do not rely only on Google Maps. Prepare a China-friendly map app and also save your hotel address as text, screenshot or Safety Pack card.

Which translation app should I use?

Use at least one translation app with an offline language pack. Microsoft Translator, Google Translate, Apple Translate and Pleco can be useful depending on your phone and preferences. Test offline before departure.

Do I need WeChat?

WeChat can be useful for communication, payments and some services. For payments, it is still smart to prepare a backup route alongside Alipay.

Does VPN belong under apps or internet?

Both. VPN is an app you install, but the problem it solves belongs to internet access. In Departure Ready, this check is part of Internet & VPN and can also appear in the app preparation context.

Can I go directly to one app check?

The landing pages explain one topic, but the main action always starts the full China checklist. That helps you avoid preparing only one app while forgetting other important preparation.

6. Sources

Information based on official sources, app terms or provider information can change. Always check the latest official sources and provider terms shortly before departure.

Last reviewed: 2026-05-31
Official and provider sources GOV.UK China travel advice — internet access Alipay+ — paying in the Chinese mainland Apple Support / Apple feature availability — Maps and China mainland DiDi China — app information and ride-hailing

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