The best apps to download before China are the ones that help you get online, pay, navigate, translate, contact hotels, book transport and recover your accounts if something goes wrong. Do not wait until you land in China to install everything.
For the full internet setup overview, start with our China eSIM and internet guide: China eSIM and internet guide
For the full planning context, start with our best apps for China travel.
Apps to download before China: the short answer
Before departure, install and test:
- eSIM provider app;
- Alipay;
- WeChat;
- map app;
- translation app;
- airline app;
- hotel or booking app;
- banking app;
- ride-hailing access;
- train booking app or platform;
- password manager;
- authenticator app;
- work apps if traveling for business;
- app-access tools and local alternatives.
The key is not only downloading. You should also log in, verify accounts and save offline backups.
Why download apps before landing?
After arrival, you may face:
- unstable airport Wi-Fi;
- app store access problems;
- SMS verification issues;
- overseas app access limitations;
- payment problems;
- language barriers;
- low phone battery;
- time pressure at the airport.
A 10-minute setup at home can save an hour of stress after landing.
1. eSIM provider app
If you use a China eSIM, install the provider app before departure.
Check:
- purchase login;
- QR code or manual setup details;
- activation timing;
- data balance display;
- support chat;
- refund or troubleshooting page.
China eSIM guide: China eSIM guide
2. Alipay
Alipay is one of the most important travel apps in China.
Use it for:
- mobile payments;
- some transport services;
- ride-hailing access;
- restaurant payments;
- convenience stores;
- tourist services.
Set it up before departure if possible. Link your card and complete identity steps if requested.
Alipay guide: Alipay in China for foreigners
3. WeChat
WeChat is essential for communication and local services.
Use it for:
- messaging hotels, suppliers or local contacts;
- WeChat Pay where available;
- mini programs;
- restaurant ordering;
- business communication;
- Canton Fair supplier contact.
Set up the account early because WeChat registration and security checks can be frustrating under time pressure.
WeChat Pay guide: WeChat Pay in China for foreigners
4. Map app
Prepare at least one map app that works well in China.
Options may include:
- Apple Maps;
- Amap;
- Baidu Maps;
- hotel or booking app maps;
- offline saved hotel addresses.
Google Maps may not be reliable in mainland China. Do not make it your only navigation plan.
5. Translation app
A translation app is useful for:
- menus;
- signs;
- taxi addresses;
- hotel communication;
- pharmacy visits;
- transport questions;
- business meetings.
Download offline translation packs if available. Voice translation is useful, but it depends on mobile data and microphone permissions.
6. Ride-hailing access
Prepare a ride-hailing option before your first airport transfer.
Options may include:
- Didi app;
- Didi inside Alipay;
- Didi or ride services through WeChat;
- hotel-arranged transport.
Do not assume airport Wi-Fi will be enough to set this up after landing.
7. Train and transport apps
For high-speed trains, prepare:
- 12306 official app or website if you plan to use it;
- travel booking platform;
- passport details;
- ticket confirmation access;
- station names in Chinese and English.
Transport payment guide: how to pay for transport in China
8. Airline and hotel apps
Install:
- airline app;
- hotel chain app;
- booking platform app;
- travel insurance app if relevant.
Save offline:
- hotel name;
- address in Chinese;
- phone number;
- booking confirmation;
- flight details;
- passport copy stored securely.
9. Banking and card apps
You may need banking apps to:
- approve card transactions;
- unlock cards;
- check fraud alerts;
- view exchange rates;
- contact support;
- manage spending limits.
Keep your home SIM available for bank SMS if needed.
Chinese phone number guide: Chinese phone number for travel
10. Authenticator and password tools
Install and test:
- authenticator app;
- password manager;
- backup codes;
- email recovery methods;
- device unlock methods.
Do not discover after landing that your bank or email needs a code you cannot receive.
11. Business and Canton Fair apps
Business travelers should prepare:
- WeChat;
- email;
- calendar;
- cloud storage;
- file sharing;
- video meeting tools;
- business card app or scanner;
- Canton Fair tools or registration materials;
- translation app;
- company-approved VPN or access tools if required.
Ask your IT team what works in China before departure.
VPN/app access guide: VPN and app access in China
12. Offline backups
Apps fail. Prepare offline backups:
- hotel address screenshot;
- Chinese address text;
- passport photo stored securely;
- booking confirmations;
- emergency contacts;
- travel insurance contact;
- flight and train details;
- embassy/consulate contact if needed;
- payment backup plan.
Internet backup plan: China internet backup plan
App setup checklist before departure
For every important app:
- Download.
- Log in.
- Verify phone/email.
- Add payment card if needed.
- Save offline copy of key information.
- Test on mobile data if possible.
- Enable notifications if useful.
- Check two-factor authentication.
- Keep support contact details.
- Update the app before flying.
Common mistakes
Do not download apps only after landing.
Do not use Google Maps as your only map.
Do not forget to log in before departure.
Do not rely on one payment app.
Do not turn off the phone number used for verification.
Do not ignore authenticator and password manager access.
Do not assume every overseas app will work normally in China.
Internet source note
Internet access advice depends on your device, roaming plan, app needs and carrier restrictions. Treat this guide as a preparation checklist, then confirm the current details with your mobile carrier, eSIM provider, VPN provider and the official app support pages before you leave.
The practical rule is to set up access before arrival, keep a backup connection option, and avoid waiting until you are in China to discover that an app, verification code or payment flow needs a connection you do not yet have.
External checks before you travel
For internet setup, compare this guide with your own carrier’s roaming page and provider support before departure. Useful starting points include China Mobile International for roaming/network context and China Unicom CUniq for travel SIM/eSIM-style products. Provider terms change, so use those pages to verify coverage, device compatibility and support before purchase.
FAQ
What apps should I download before China?
Download an eSIM provider app, Alipay, WeChat, a map app, translation app, airline and hotel apps, banking app, ride-hailing access, train booking tool and authentication apps.
Should I download Alipay before going to China?
Yes. Alipay is one of the most useful apps for payments and travel services in China.
Should I download WeChat before going to China?
Yes. WeChat is important for messaging, local services, mini programs and business communication.
Does Google Maps work in China?
Do not rely on Google Maps as your only navigation tool. Prepare alternatives.
What should Canton Fair visitors download?
Prepare WeChat, Alipay, translation, maps, eSIM, hotel, airline, banking, supplier communication and fair-related tools before arriving in Guangzhou.
Last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-07-05
Sources checked: Payments cluster pages; Internet & eSIM Pillar; source-library travel app and translation app pages. Recheck app availability and current setup flows before publishing screenshots or app-specific instructions.
