China Travel Apps.
A little preparation. A much easier journey.
Your practical guide to the apps, digital tools, and services that make travelling in China easier.
First, get connected.
A short introduction to what visitors should prepare before arriving in China.

Mobile Payment
Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Internet Access
Prepare mobile data or roaming.

Translation
Prepare a translation tool.

Travel Documents
Check your entry requirements.
Your essential apps.
Essential means prepare the capability, not install every alternative. Recommended tools are useful starting points; optional tools depend on your trip. Special-purpose services help with a specific need.
Practical Guides
Know how things work.
How to Pay in ChinaQR payments · Alipay · WeChat Pay“你扫我,还是我扫你?”Nǐ sǎo wǒ, háishi wǒ sǎo nǐ?
Two different QR-code flows
- You scan the merchant: use Scan in the wallet, check the merchant name, enter the amount if required and confirm.
- The merchant scans you: open your payment code and show it only to the cashier. Do not share screenshots of this code.
A personal collection code or transfer request is not necessarily an eligible merchant payment for a linked overseas card. Ask for a merchant-payment option or use another method if the app declines it.
Before confirming
Check the merchant, currency, amount, fee and selected card. Your bank may request approval. Never give a cashier your bank password or verification code.
If payment fails
Check connectivity and issuer approval, then try your backup method or cash. Avoid repeatedly submitting an uncertain payment; check the transaction record first.
可以用支付宝吗?Kěyǐ yòng Zhīfùbǎo ma?Can I use Alipay?
可以付现金吗?Kěyǐ fù xiànjīn ma?Can I pay in cash?
Official payment guide →
How to Take a TaxiBooking · Pickup points · Driver communication“手机尾号是多少?”Shǒujī wěihào shì duōshao?
- Paste your destination’s Chinese address, then verify the right branch or station.
- Place the pickup pin at an accessible entrance. At airports and stations, follow the designated ride-hailing signs.
- Check the number plate, vehicle and driver details before boarding. Do not enter a vehicle that does not match the booking.
- Use the app’s message tools or show your address. Keep your phone reachable until pickup.
手机尾号是多少?Shǒujī wěihào shì duōshao?What are the last digits of your phone number? The driver is usually checking the booking’s phone number; do not give a password or SMS security code.
我的手机尾号是三五六八。Wǒ de shǒujī wěihào shì sān wǔ liù bā.The last digits of my phone number are 3568.
我在酒店正门。Wǒ zài jiǔdiàn zhèngmén.I’m at the hotel’s main entrance.
请送我到这个地址。Qǐng sòng wǒ dào zhège dìzhǐ.Please take me to this address.
How to Order FoodQR menus · Takeaway · Restaurant reservations
At a restaurant
Some tables have a QR menu. Check that it belongs to the restaurant, choose your items, and confirm whether payment is before or after the meal. If registration does not work, ask staff to help you order.
For delivery
Confirm the restaurant branch, delivery address, lobby or room instructions, phone contact and estimated arrival. Ask the hotel about its delivery policy. Stay available for the courier.
可以帮我点餐吗?Kěyǐ bāng wǒ diǎncān ma?Could you help me order?
不要辣,谢谢。Bú yào là, xièxie.No chilli, please.
我对花生过敏。这里面有花生吗?Wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn. Zhèlǐmiàn yǒu huāshēng ma?I’m allergic to peanuts. Does this contain peanuts?
For serious allergies, use a clearly written allergy card and confirm ingredients and cross-contact with staff. An app translation or “not spicy” request does not establish allergen safety.
READY TO GO
Before You Fly to China.
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A NOTE FROM IVY
A little preparation goes a long way.
China may work a little differently from what you're used to. But with the right tools, exploring it can become much easier.
Enjoy discovering China.

Official references.
Provider links appear within each entry. Account verification, features, fees and entry rules can change; check the current official terms before you rely on a service.
- China government: payment services for overseas visitors
- China Railway: foreign-passport ticketing FAQ
- China government: SIM registration and daily services
- Apple: downloaded translation languages · Google: translation features
- NIA: 12367 hotline, app and mini programs
- NIA: emergency telephone directory