Essential China Travel Apps (2026): Payments, Maps, Rides, Food, Trains

The shortlist

1. Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay

Beijing's official guide for new arrivals calls Alipay the "King of apps for foreign visitors in China". It describes Alipay as a payment tool and a platform for the mini-programs you'll need every day (Beijing gov).

What the Shanghai government says about foreign cards (Shanghai gov):

Setup steps:

1. Install both apps at home and sign up with your own mobile number.
2. Link a Visa or Mastercard.
3. Make a small test payment soon after you arrive.

Keep some cash too. Fees, limits and cash tips are covered in using a foreign card in China.

2. Messaging: WeChat

Beijing's guide says WeChat is "the primary communication tool in China, more than phone or SMS" (Beijing gov). Hotels, guides and new friends will usually ask for your WeChat.

That same 2024 guide warns that WeChat "doesn't have an in-app translator like Alipay", and that its mini-programs often have Chinese-only interfaces. WeChat may have changed since then (check in the app).

3. Getting around: DiDi and maps

DiDi. DiDi's App Store listing says it offers:

• an English interface, with sign-up by a global mobile number;
• bilingual in-app messages with drivers;
• payment with international bank cards;
• 24/7 in-app English customer service (App Store).

Check that the developer is 滴滴出行(北京)网络平台技术有限公司 before you install. You can also book DiDi through its mini-program inside Alipay (Beijing gov). Airport queues, fares and scams are covered in DiDi and taxis.

Amap. The Hainan government describes Amap (Gaode, "AMap Global") as China's first English map for overseas users, on Android and iOS. It offers:

• routes for driving, public transport, walking and cycling, with ETAs;
• colour-coded live traffic;
• taxi booking (Hainan gov).

Apple Maps. On iPhone, Apple Maps works in English (Beijing gov). We compare both in Amap vs Apple Maps.

4. Food: Meituan (and Ele.me)

Meituan's Google Play listing says the app supports four interface languages: Simplified Chinese, English, Japanese and Korean (Google Play).

You don't have to install a separate app. Beijing's guide suggests using the Meituan and Ele.me mini-programs inside Alipay (Beijing gov). Delivery addresses, phone numbers and table QR codes are covered in ordering food on Meituan and Ele.me.

5. Trains: 12306

China Railway's 12306 has an English website. The official FAQ says you can:

• buy, change and refund tickets, and change your destination;
• use a valid foreign passport as ID (it is the only ID the English site accepts);
• look up information and get refunds 24 hours a day;
• buy and change tickets from 5:00 to 1:00 the next day (5:00–23:30 on Tuesdays) (12306 FAQ).

The 12306 FAQ also says real-name ticketing applies, so book with the passport you will travel on. Step-by-step booking is in China train tickets on 12306. Trip.com is another option for bookings (Beijing gov).

6. Translation

The only translation feature we could confirm on an official page is Alipay's built-in translator for 15 languages (Beijing gov). DiDi's chat translates between English and Chinese (App Store). We haven't checked other translation apps on official pages, so we don't list them here. Whether a foreign translation app works in China depends on your connection. See eSIM and internet in China.

7. Government: NIA 12367

The National Immigration Administration's "NIA 12367" (移民局12367) app, and its WeChat and Alipay mini-programs, handle:

• the online arrival card, which is free; the NIA warns about fake paid sites (NIA);
• online accommodation registration for foreigners staying somewhere other than a hotel, now available nationwide (NIA).

Set-up checklist (do this at home)

1. Install Alipay and WeChat. Sign up with your own number and link a card.
2. Install DiDi and Amap (or check Apple Maps works for you).
3. Optional: install Meituan, or plan to use its Alipay mini-program.
4. Make a 12306 account if you'll take trains.
5. Fill in the arrival card on an official NIA channel. See the arrival card guide.
6. Sort out mobile data before you land. See eSIM and internet in China, and for the legal background, VPN legal facts.
7. Go through the China arrival checklist.

FAQ

What apps do I need before travelling to China?

At minimum: Alipay and/or WeChat to pay, DiDi for rides, a map app (Amap, or Apple Maps on iPhone), and 12306 if you'll take trains. Fill in your arrival card on an official NIA channel.

Can I use Alipay and WeChat Pay with a foreign card?

Yes. The Shanghai government says visitors can link eligible foreign bank cards without a Chinese bank account. Limits are up to US$5,000 per payment and US$50,000 per year.

Does DiDi work in English?

Yes. DiDi's App Store listing describes an English interface, sign-up with a foreign mobile number, English–Chinese chat with drivers, and international card payment.

Is there an English map app that works in China?

Yes. Amap (AMap Global) launched an English map for overseas users, and Beijing's government says Apple Maps works in English on iPhone.

Can foreigners buy train tickets on 12306 in English?

Yes. The 12306 English website handles buying, changing and refunding tickets, and accepts valid foreign passports.

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