Map app installed
Ready to search hotels and attractions
TRAVEL PREP
Travel Apps
Get your map, translation, booking, and contact tools ready before you land in China.
This page focuses on travel apps only. For payment setup, see Payment & Internet. For train tickets and attraction booking, see Transport & Tickets.
1. Before You Go — Confirm These 6 Things
Translation app tested
Text, photo, and voice translation checked
Travel orders open
Hotel / flight / train / attraction orders ready
Key apps logged in
Don’t wait until arrival to register
Verification ready
SMS codes or backup login prepared
Screenshots saved
Important info saved to your phone album
2. What Each App Type Helps With
Maps & Navigation Apps
Best for:
- Getting around in cities
- Public transit and walking
- Finding hotels and attractions
Tip: Amap is often useful in China. Keep Baidu Maps or Apple Maps as backup.
Translation Apps
Best for:
- Menus and signs
- Asking for directions
- Chat and text translation
Tip: Download the offline Chinese language pack before you go.
Communication Apps
Best for:
- Contacting hotels and hosts
- Messaging and voice calls
- SMS verification for logins
Tip: WeChat is most common. Also keep email and SMS ready.
Ride-Hailing & Transfer Access
Best for:
- Taxis and private rides (e.g. DiDi)
- Airport and station transfers
- Late-night and group travel
Tip: Set pick-up points clearly. Screenshot locations when unsure.
Orders & Booking Apps
Best for:
- Hotels, flights, trains
- Attractions and activities
- Itineraries and e-tickets
Tip: Keep all booking apps open, and save key QR codes, order numbers, and details as screenshots.
Food, Weather & Daily Tools
Best for:
- Restaurant discovery
- Weather forecasts
- Tools: calendar, notes, alarms
Tip: Dianping / Meituan language, login, and some features may vary. Use them as references, not your only source.
3. A Day of Use
Before Leaving the Hotel
- Confirm today’s plan
- Check map and route
- Save key addresses
- Screenshot bookings
Before a Station or Attraction
- Check route and time
- Confirm tickets and QR codes
- Confirm entry rules
- Download offline maps
During the Day
- Use maps and translation
- Communicate as needed
- Keep orders handy
- Save useful info
Back at Night
- Confirm return route
- Check next day plan
- Save new screenshots
- Charge devices
4. Common Problems
Cannot log in after arrival?
Check SMS signal. Use email login or a known device if available. Avoid registering important apps for the first time after landing.
English address cannot be found?
Search in Chinese. Use the hotel Chinese name, district, or landmark. Keep screenshots of Chinese addresses.
Translation app does not work offline?
Download the offline Chinese language pack before you go. Save common phrases and address screenshots.
Order cannot be found?
Check all booking apps and email. Search by name or date. Keep QR codes and order numbers as screenshots.
Too many apps to manage?
Keep only essential apps in a “China Trip” folder on your phone.
Want your routes, addresses, and key checklists offline?
Unlock the Arrival Pack to get 1 / 2 / 3-day routes, hotel address notes in Chinese, ticket reminders, quick backup notes, travel checklists, and downloadable PDFs.