Apps to install before China: one-page checklist
Last checked 2026-10-18 · ChinaLocal team
The short answer
Prepare the apps you expect to use before departure. ChinaLocal’s suggested starting set is a payment option, maps and your booking confirmations.
The cards below give verified store listing names and link to the existing full guides. Availability and names can vary by store country and device.
Follow each app’s current phone, identity and payment prompts. Keep another payment method and save your hotel’s Chinese address.
Six tools, one preparation page
Alipay - Simplify Your Life
Payments at supported merchants.
Before you rely on it: Use a phone number that receives verification messages. Follow your own passport, identity and card-linking prompts; setup does not guarantee every transaction.
Developer / seller: Alipay (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd.Communication and payment features available to your account.
Before you rely on it: Keep the registered number reachable for codes. Follow any account or identity checks in the app; use official help if verification fails.
Developer / seller: Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Company LimitedAMap Global
Maps and navigation.
Before you rely on it: Check the location permissions and account prompts for the features you use. Confirm your hotel’s Chinese address; this guide does not promise that every feature works without registration.
Developer / seller: AutoNavi Information Technology Co. Ltd.DiDi China: Ride Hailing
Ride-hailing.
Before you rely on it: Follow the current phone-number, account and payment setup. Compare your booked car, driver, destination and pickup point before entering.
Developer / seller: Didi Chuxing (Beijing) Network Platform Technology Co., Ltd.Trip.com: Flight, Hotel, Train
Hotel, flight and train bookings.
Before you rely on it: Enter the traveller and contact details requested for the actual product. A booking request is not proof that a train ticket has been issued.
Developer / seller: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.铁路12306
China Railway ticket booking.
Before you rely on it: Book with your real passport details and carry the same original passport. Use the current official registration and identity-check instructions; do not assume phone verification is unnecessary.
Developer / seller: 中国铁道科学研究院集团有限公司Store country and device support vary. For Android, find the named developer in your official store or use the developer’s own download channel where linked. These links are ordinary download references.
What to do
- Choose which of the six tools you need for your trip.
- Use the official listing linked below, or find that developer’s listing in your device’s official store. Do not install an unknown download sent by a stranger.
- Complete the account, verification and payment setup requested by your actual app.
- Save bookings and Chinese addresses before departure; make a small payment test after arrival where accepted.
Common problems
Do I need all six?
Not necessarily. This is a preparation menu, not a requirement to install every app.
Does a travel data plan receive all my codes?
Data and phone-number verification are separate. Keep the number registered with your account reachable for the messages it needs.
What if my store does not show the same listing?
Check the developer’s official channel and your local official store. Names and availability can differ; this page does not provide third-party APK files.
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-18. Follow the official source for live rules and availability.
- Alipay - Simplify Your Life · developer’s App Store listing ↗
- WeChat · developer’s App Store listing ↗
- AMap Global · developer’s App Store listing ↗
- DiDi China: Ride Hailing · developer’s App Store listing ↗
- Trip.com: Flight, Hotel, Train · developer’s App Store listing ↗
- 铁路12306 · developer’s App Store listing ↗