China Travel Apps & Packing List for Tourists (2026)
The exact apps to install before you fly to China, what to pack for 220V sockets and paperless payments, plus ten Chinese phrases that get you out of trouble.
Install these before you fly
Register and log in while you are still on home internet — app stores and SMS verification are both harder once you land.
| App | Why |
|---|---|
| Messaging, payments, mini-programs, transport — the all-in-one app. Install & register early. | |
| Alipay | Mobile payments with international card. |
| Amap or Baidu Maps | Navigation that actually works in China. |
| DiDi | Ride-hailing (like Uber). |
| Trip.com | Book trains, flights, hotels in English with foreign cards. |
| Translate app | Google Translate / Apple Translate with offline Chinese packs. |
| 12306 | Official train booking (or just use Trip.com). |
| VPN/email backups | Some int’l services are blocked — see Internet & SIM →. |
Pack this
- Passport (valid ≥6 months) + copies/photos
- Plug adapter: China uses Type A / Type I plugs, 220V. Bring a universal adapter.
- Tissue / toilet paper (public toilets often lack it)
- Cash (RMB) + a bank card as backup
- Power bank (you’ll use your phone a lot)
- Prescription medicine in original packaging
Quick links
- 💳 Mobile Payment → — link a foreign card to Alipay or WeChat Pay
- 🚄 Transport & Trains → — booking tickets, metro QR codes, DiDi
- 💱 Currency & Exchange → — live rates & how to get RMB
- 🎒 Pre-trip Essentials → — time zones, plugs, climate, holidays, budget
- 🛂 Visa-Free Lookup → — do you need a visa?
- 🗺️ Destinations → — city guides with driver-ready addresses
10 phrases that save the day
- 你好 (nǐ hǎo) — Hello
- 谢谢 (xièxie) — Thank you
- 多少钱？ (duōshao qián?) — How much?
- 我要去… (wǒ yào qù…) — I want to go to…
- 不会中文 (bú huì zhōngwén) — I don’t speak Chinese
- 卫生间在哪？ (wèishēngjiān zài nǎ?) — Where is the toilet?
- 帮忙 (bāngmáng) — Please help
- 可以刷卡吗？ (kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?) — Can I pay by card?
- 报警 (bàojǐng) — Call the police (110)
- 医院 (yīyuàn) — Hospital
Frequently asked questions
Which apps do I really need in China?
WeChat and Alipay for payments, Amap or Apple Maps for navigation, DiDi for rides, and Trip.com for trains and hotels.
Should I install Chinese apps before I arrive?
Yes. Sign-up often needs SMS codes and app-store access that are harder to get on the ground, so register everything at home.
What plug adapter do I need for China?
China uses Type A and Type I sockets at 220V, so bring a universal adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers handle the voltage fine.
Do I still need cash in China?
Carry a small amount of RMB as backup. Almost everything is paid by QR code, but the occasional terminal rejects foreign cards.
Can I book trains and hotels in English?
Yes. Trip.com works in English with foreign cards, which avoids the checkout problems many visitors hit on local platforms.
Last updated: 2026-08