China (mainland)
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China is the most app-dependent country on Earth. Almost everything β payments, transit, ordering β goes through WeChat or Alipay. Most Western apps don't work without a VPN.
πRideshare & Taxi
All apps β
China's dominant ride-hailing app, also big in Latin America. China uses a separate app (DiDi China) from the DiDi Rider app used everywhere else.
The Uber of China. Install the separate DiDi China app (English interface), or use the DiDi mini-program inside Alipay or WeChat.
π³Payments & Wallets
All apps β
China's other major payment app. Travelers can link an international Visa or Mastercard directly.
Second essential. Link a foreign Visa or Mastercard directly in the app β no Chinese bank account needed.
πΊοΈNavigation & Maps
All apps β
China's most accurate maps app. Required since Google Maps doesn't work well in China.
Google Maps barely works in China. Amap (Gaode) is the standard.
China's other major maps app, with strong real-time transit data.
Backup to Amap, especially for real-time bus arrivals.
π¬Translation
All apps β
The universal default. Camera mode translates signs and menus instantly.
Download offline Mandarin before you arrive β won't work without a VPN otherwise.
π±Messaging
All apps β
China's super-app β messaging, payments, mini-apps, news. Required to communicate locally.
Required. Messages, payments, mini-apps, restaurant menus β all live inside WeChat.
π±Food Delivery
All apps β
China's #1 food delivery, restaurant booking, and groceries app.
Food delivery + restaurant booking + groceries. Used daily by locals.
Is China (mainland) one stop of several?
Add your other destinations and get one combined app list, with the adapters and currencies for the whole trip.
The practical basics
Power & plugs
- Plug type
- A / C / I
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
- Type A: Two flat parallel pins. Common in North America, Japan, parts of Central America and Asia.
- Type C: Two round pins. Used across most of Europe, South America, parts of Asia and Africa.
- Type I: Two flat slanted pins + grounding. Used in Australia, NZ, China, Argentina.
Most hotels have universal outlets that accept multiple plug types.
Tipping
Not expected and often refused. High-end international hotels in Beijing/Shanghai are exceptions.
CurrencyCNY
Mandarin you'll actually use
Etiquette and scams to know
β Do
- Use both hands when giving/receiving anything important (business cards, gifts).
- Toast frequently at meals; the host pours first.
- Don't leave chopsticks upright in rice.
βDon't
- Discussing Taiwan, Tibet, Tiananmen, Xinjiang.
- Refusing offered tea/food without graceful explanation.
β οΈ Common scams to know
- "Art student" / "tea ceremony" invitations near tourist sites in Beijing.
- Fake taxi drivers at PVG/PEK β use Didi or the official taxi queue.
This page was last reviewed in September 2026. Apps launch, rebrand and pull out of countries all the time, so confirm anything your trip depends on. Spotted something out of date? Tell us β here's how we check.