{"id":92012,"date":"2025-05-13T18:00:44","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T10:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shopee.sg\/blog\/?p=92012"},"modified":"2025-10-22T16:27:04","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T08:27:04","slug":"apps-china-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shopee.sg\/blog\/apps-china-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Best Apps To Use In China As A First-Time Traveller"},"content":{"rendered":"

Planning your first big trip to China? Get ready for an adventure where your smartphone becomes your everything (<\/span>literally<\/span><\/i>). In China, errands from buying a bottle of water to booking a taxi are done through apps. Pulling out cash or a foreign credit card might get you puzzled stares \u2013 many shops won\u2019t even accept them!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To survive and thrive on your first trip, you\u2019ll want to download the must-have apps to use in China that locals rely on daily. They\u2019ll help you navigate, communicate, pay for literally everything, and avoid awkward charades when you can\u2019t speak the language. Here are the 10 best apps every first-time traveller should install before wheels up.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. WeChat \u2013 The All-in-One Messenger (and More)<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"best<\/p>\n

If you’re a fan of <\/span>Chinese dramas<\/span><\/a>, you’ve probably already heard of WeChat (\u5fae\u4fe1). It\u2019s not just a messaging app \u2014 it\u2019s <\/span>the <\/span><\/i>app in China. Beyond chatting, WeChat lets you hail taxis, book hotels, order food, and much more through mini-programmes built right into the app. It even has a social feed called WeChat Moments, where you can share your travel photos like a local.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many restaurants now rely on WeChat QR codes for menus and ordering, so having the app means you won’t be left behind while others are already picking out dishes. Plus, it comes with a built-in translator \u2014 just long-press a message in Chinese to see the English translation. Even Didi, China\u2019s top ride-hailing service, is integrated into WeChat, making travel smoother without needing extra apps.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to use it:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Download WeChat and register using your mobile number. It’s best to set it up before arriving in China, as account verification may require assistance from an existing user. Once your account is active, you can add contacts by scanning their personal QR codes or searching for their WeChat ID.<\/span><\/p>\n

To link a credit card, go to \u201cMe\u201d > \u201cServices\u201d > \u201cWallet\u201d > \u201cCards.\u201d Add your card details and follow the prompts. You\u2019ll be asked to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your passport.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Alipay \u2013 Cashless Payments Made Easy<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Alipay<\/p>\n

Alipay (\u652f\u4ed8\u5b9d) is one of the two mobile payment giants (the other being WeChat Pay). Foreign credit cards and cash often won\u2019t cut it, so you\u2019ll want Alipay set up for smooth sailing. Think of it as Apple Pay or Google Pay\u2019s cousin, but better. You can use it to pay for street food, shopping, subway fares \u2013 you name it \u2013 by scanning QR codes.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to use it:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Enter your existing mobile number and verify it using the SMS code you receive. Make sure to set the app to the International Version. To link a credit card, tap \u201c+ Add Card\u201d and enter the details of your international credit card.<\/span><\/p>\n

To make a payment in the Alipay app, return to the main screen and tap either \u201cPay\/Collect\u201d or \u201cScan\u201d beneath the search bar. A QR code scanner will open \u2014 use it to scan the merchant\u2019s payment QR code.<\/span><\/p>\n

Travel hack:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Sometimes, your primary payment method may not work due to card restrictions or connectivity issues. In such cases, you can use an alternative method: Search for \u201cTOURCard\u201d in the Alipay app.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The TOURCard is a prepaid virtual card service provided by the Bank of Shanghai, designed specifically for international travellers in China. It allows you to load funds in foreign currency, which are then converted into RMB for use within China. This card works just like a regular bank card within Alipay and is widely accepted at most merchants.<\/span><\/p>\n

WeChat vs. Alipay: Do you need both?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/b><\/td>\nWeChat Pay<\/b><\/td>\nAlipay<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Primary Function<\/b><\/td>\nMessaging app with integrated payment features<\/span><\/td>\nDedicated payment platform with extensive financial services<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Payment Methods<\/b><\/td>\nQR code scanning, in-app payments, peer-to-peer transfers<\/span><\/td>\nQR code scanning, in-app payments, peer-to-peer transfers<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Foreign Card Support<\/b><\/td>\nLinking foreign cards can be slightly more challenging, as additional ID verification may be required<\/span><\/td>\nInternational credit\/debit cards are easy to link, with no verification needed unless the amount exceeds 15,000 RMB.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Additional Features<\/b><\/td>\nSocial media, ride-hailing, food delivery, and utility payments<\/span><\/td>\nBill payments, wealth management, insurance services, ride-hailing, food delivery<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Language Support<\/b><\/td>\nEnglish interface available<\/span><\/td>\nEnglish interface available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n