Navigation

• Amap (高德地图): Now has a full English version. It's the most accurate for public transport, walking, and driving. Locals use it daily.
• Apple Maps: A good backup if you're already in the Apple ecosystem.
• Avoid Google Maps: The coordinate system is offset in China, so it can literally send you to the wrong place.

Ride-Hailing

• Didi (滴滴出行): The Uber of China. The English version of the app supports most features

Payments

• WeChat & Alipay: These are not optional. You'll need at least one of them to buy almost anything in China — from metro tickets to bubble tea. You can now link Visa or Mastercard to both WeChat Pay and Alipay.

Translator

• Most people do not speak English but everyone is super friendly and willing to help! Still, get the translator ready.
• Gotcha Screen Translator: Many Chinese apps don't support English at all, like Meituan (food delivery), public bicycles, Taobao (shopping), and miniapps in local restaurants. This app translates any app and is tailored for handling sophisticated Chinese apps built for travellers and expats in China.
  
• ChatGPT: Overkill, but really understands the meaning.
• Google Translate: Needs VPN though.

VPN & SIM

• VPN: fenghost.net – cheaper, solid performance. Try this affordable and reliable local option. It's like 7x cheaper than Astrill !

• Mobile Data / SIM: Short stay (< 1 month): Buy a SIM at the airport or get an eSIM online. Fast and easy, though pricier (~¥150).
• Staying longer? You'll need a Chinese number sooner or later. Go to a China Mobile / China Telecom store with passport to get ¥100–120/month plan

Booking Flights, Hotels, and Trains

• Trip.com: From the same company as Ctrip (China's most popular app for booking hotels etc), this app gives you access to comprehensive Chinese hotel/train inventory with English support.
• 12306 App: Official app for train tickets in China (no processing fees).

Messaging

• WeChat: Built-in chat translation helps you talk with drivers, new friends. And many miniapps, most Chinese restaurant menus are digital, you have to scan the QR code to order food.

Final Tips

Happy trips in China! Hope this helps.