China
32 apps · Apps verified September 13, 2026 · Guide written April 1, 2025
Quick Answer
What apps do I need in China?
For China, most travelers should download Alipay, WeChat Pay, Yesim, and Airalo before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is not generally safe to drink, so plan on bottled or filtered water.
Sources
Links used to keep the country guide current and easy to verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions travelers and AI assistants ask most often.
What apps do I need in China?
For China, most travelers should download Alipay, WeChat Pay, Yesim, and Airalo before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is not generally safe to drink, so plan on bottled or filtered water.
Can I drink tap water in China?
No, tap water is not safe to drink in China. Do not drink tap water. Use bottled water (2-5 CNY) or boiled water. Hotels provide free bottled water or electric kettles. Hot water dispensers are everywhere.
Should I tip in China?
China has no tipping culture. Service is included in prices. Tipping is unnecessary and uncommon. Restaurants: Not expected and may cause confusion. Some high-end international hotels add service charge.
Do I need a visa to visit China?
Many nationalities can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days. China expanded visa-free entry to 74 countries as of June 2025. 30 days per entry, multiple entries allowed. 72/144-hour transit visa also available at 41 ports for 54 countries. Tourist/business visa required for longer stays or other purposes.
What power adapter do I need for China?
China uses Type A, C, I power outlets at 220V, 50Hz. Multiple outlet types used. Most hotels have universal sockets. US flat-pin plugs work in many outlets. Bring a universal adapter to be safe.
If you use these apps at home
How the big global apps hold up in China — and what locals use instead.
- If you use Uber
- For ride-hailing, locals in China typically use DiDi.
- If you use Uber Eats
- For food delivery, locals in China typically use Meituan.
- If you use WhatsApp
- For messaging, locals in China typically use WeChat.
- If you use Google Maps Limited
- Google Maps has limited functionality in China. Requires a VPN to work and can suffer from GPS offset issues. Use Amap and Apple Maps instead.
- If you use Google Translate Works here
- Yes — Google Translate works in China.
- If you use Apple Pay
- For payments, locals in China typically use Alipay and WeChat Pay.
- If you use Amazon
- For online shopping, locals in China typically use Taobao.
- If you use Netflix
- For streaming, locals in China typically use Bilibili.
Finance & Payments
2 apps
eSIM & Data Plans
3 apps
Already use N26, Revolut, or Truecaller? Some bank apps now bundle travel data, so check yours first. If not, these standalone eSIMs are the best value:
Ride Hailing
1 app
Public Transit
3 apps
Navigation
3 apps
Food Delivery
2 apps
Communication
4 apps
VPN & Privacy
4 apps
Shopping
2 apps
Tours & Experiences
3 apps
Health & Insurance
3 apps
Media & Entertainment
1 app
Dining & Reservations
1 app
💳 Payment Methods in China
Tourist Accessibility
Limited tourist options
International Cards
ATM availability: common
Accepted Payment Methods
Popular Local Payment Apps
💡 90% mobile payments. Alipay easier to set up. Both accept foreign Visa/MC/Amex. No fees under ¥200. Set up BEFORE arrival. Cash backup recommended.
Travel Information for China
Common Requirements
- Passport valid for duration of stay
- Proof of onward travel
- Hotel reservations or invitation letter
- Multiple entries allowed, no restriction on total days currently
🏧 ATM Tips
Widespread availability. Daily limit usually ¥2,500-3,000. Fees ¥10-15 per transaction. Bank of China and ICBC have best foreign card acceptance.
💱 Money Exchange Tips
Best rates at Bank of China. Avoid airport exchanges. Hotel exchanges convenient but poor rates. Mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat) essential as cash increasingly not accepted.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Apr-May) and Autumn (Sep-Oct) for mild weather. Avoid Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) and Golden Week (Oct 1-7) - crowded and expensive.
SIM Cards & Connectivity
China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom. Requires passport registration. Tourist SIMs available at airports. eSIMs with VPN recommended (¥50-200/week). Download VPN BEFORE arrival.
Cultural Notes
- Download and set up Alipay, WeChat Pay, and VPN BEFORE arrival
- Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp blocked - VPN essential
- Tipping not expected or practiced
- Queuing culture different - be assertive but polite
- Spitting and smoking still common despite bans
- Save hotel address in Chinese characters
- Air quality can be poor - check AQI, consider mask
- Public toilets often squat-style, bring tissue
Safety Rating
Emergency Numbers
Tap Water
Do not drink tap water. Use bottled water (2-5 CNY) or boiled water. Hotels provide free bottled water or electric kettles. Hot water dispensers are everywhere.
Power Outlets
220V, 50Hz
Multiple outlet types used. Most hotels have universal sockets. US flat-pin plugs work in many outlets. Bring a universal adapter to be safe.
Tipping
China has no tipping culture. Service is included in prices. Tipping is unnecessary and uncommon.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Connects to Metro Line 2. Fast and cheap. Runs 6:20am-10:50pm.
Official taxi queue. Metered. Show destination in Chinese characters. Toll road fees extra.
Use Didi app (supports English). Pick up at designated area.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
World's fastest commercial train (430 km/h). Connects to Metro Line 2 at Longyang Road.
Direct but slow. Cheapest option. Runs 6am-10pm.
Official taxi queue. Metered. Bridge/tunnel tolls extra. Much closer than Daxing.
English-supported app. Set destination before arrival for smoother experience.
⚠️ Tea Ceremony / Art Student Scam
Friendly English-speaking locals (often 'students') invite you to see a 'traditional tea ceremony' or 'art exhibition', then present an enormous bill (500-2000 CNY).
Politely decline invitations from strangers near tourist sites. If someone approaches you speaking good English at the Forbidden City or Bund, be skeptical.
⚠️ Black Taxi Scam
Unlicensed 'black taxis' at airports and train stations offer rides at 3-5x normal price, or take extremely long routes.
Only use official taxi queues or Didi app. Never accept rides from people approaching you inside the terminal.
⚠️ Fake Money Exchange
Street money changers offer great rates but give counterfeit bills or short-change you.
Only exchange money at banks or ATMs. China's ATMs accept international cards at most major banks (ICBC, Bank of China).
⚠️ Rickshaw Overcharging
Hutong rickshaw drivers in Beijing quote 10 CNY then demand 100+ CNY at the end, claiming the price was per minute.
Agree on total price clearly before getting in. Write it down or show it on phone calculator. Better yet, book hutong tours through your hotel.
✈️ Download Before You Go
Get these apps ready on your phone before boarding
Travelers Also Check
Related country guides that travelers commonly compare before they book.
Travel Guides & App Tips for China
Planning a multi-country trip?
Get a combined app checklist and side-by-side comparison for all your destinations.
Start with China →Stay in the loop
New countries, app guides, and travel tips delivered to your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime.
Was this page helpful?