Tools & Gifts

Tools

1. Payment & Finance

1.1 Alipay (支付宝)

  • Features: China’s most popular mobile payment tool, supporting QR code payments, transfers, and utility bills.
  • Registration: Requires linking a foreign bank card (Visa/MasterCard).
  • Why Recommend: Accepted by over 90% of merchants, essential for cashless payments.

1.2 WeChat Pay (微信支付)

  • Features: Integrated with WeChat’s social functions, supports payments, transfers, and red packets.
  • Registration: Requires linking a foreign bank card.
  • Why Recommend: Seamless integration with WeChat, ideal for daily small payments.

2. Transportation & Navigation

2.1 DiDi (滴滴出行)

  • Features: China’s version of Uber, offering ride-hailing, carpooling, and car rental services.
  • Registration: Requires linking Alipay or WeChat Pay.
  • Why Recommend: Nationwide coverage, transparent pricing, supports English interface.

2.2 Amap (高德地图)

  • Features: Provides accurate navigation, real-time traffic updates, and public transit information.
  • Registration: No registration required.
  • Why Recommend: Supports English, ideal for city navigation.

3. Language & Translation

3.1 Youdao Translate (有道翻译)

  • Features: Supports text, voice, and image translation, with offline mode available.
  • Registration: No registration required.
  • Why Recommend: Accurate translations, user-friendly interface, great for instant translation.

3.2 Baidu Translate (百度翻译)

  • Features: Supports multi-language translation, offers voice input and conversation translation.
  • Registration: No registration required.
  • Why Recommend: Supports 100+ languages, ideal for daily communication.

4. Travel & Accommodation

4.1 Trip.com (携程)

  • Features: Book flights, hotels, train tickets, and attraction tickets.
  • Registration: Requires linking Alipay or WeChat Pay.
  • Why Recommend: Covers all of China, supports English interface.

4.2 Airbnb (爱彼迎)

  • Features: Book homestays to experience local life.
  • Registration: Requires linking an international credit card.
  • Why Recommend: Ideal for long-term stays or family trips.

4.3 Fliggy (飞猪)

  • Features: Alibaba’s travel platform, offering flights, hotels, and attraction tickets.
  • Registration: Requires linking Alipay.
  • Why Recommend: Budget-friendly, wide coverage, great for cost-conscious travelers.

5. Social & Communication

5.1 WeChat (微信)

  • Features: Instant messaging, Moments, and mini-programs.
  • Registration: Requires linking a phone number.
  • Why Recommend: China’s most popular social tool, a must-have.

5.2 VPN (e.g., AstrillVPN)

  • Features: Access blocked global websites (e.g., Google, Facebook).
  • Registration: Requires a paid subscription.
  • Why Recommend: Solves internet restrictions, keeps you globally connected.

These 10 apps cover five essential categories—payment, transportation, language, travel, and social—helping foreign travelers seamlessly integrate into local life, overcome language barriers, and enjoy convenient services in China.