Essential Guide

Must-Have Apps for China Travel

The 4 apps every tourist needs before landing in China.

Essential Apps

China's most widely used payment platform, accepted at millions of merchants, restaurants, and transport services.

China's all-in-one super app for messaging, payments, and daily life — and the easiest way for tourists to communicate with locals.

Link your Visa or Mastercard to Alipay before leaving home — the key setup step that makes cashless payments possible across China.

Scan a QR code or show your payment code — how foreign tourists pay at shops, restaurants, and street stalls using Alipay.

Show your WeChat Pay QR code or scan a merchant's code to pay at shops, restaurants, and markets across China.

Do I need a Chinese phone number to use these apps?: Some apps like WeChat allow registration with an international number. Alipay requires verification that can be done with a passport.
Can I install these apps before I arrive in China?: Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Some apps need a friend to verify your account, which is easier to arrange before you travel.
Do I need a VPN?: Google services, WhatsApp, and many Western apps are blocked in China. A VPN downloaded before you arrive can help. Apps listed on this site work without a VPN.