Essential Apps for Living in China
China is a mobile-first society. These apps are essential for daily life:
- WeChat: Messaging, payments, social media, and official services all in one. You'll use it daily.
- Alipay: Mobile payments (alternative to WeChat Pay). Also handles bike rentals and mini-programs.
- Meituan / Ele.me: Food delivery, movie tickets, hotel booking, and local deals.
- DiDi: Ride-hailing (China's Uber). English version available in major cities.
- Amap (Gaode) / Baidu Maps: Navigation (Google Maps doesn't work well in China).
- Taobao / JD.com: E-commerce. Taobao has everything; JD.com is faster for electronics.
- VPN: To access Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and other blocked services.
Mobile Payments
China is nearly cashless. Set up WeChat Pay and Alipay by linking a foreign bank card (now supported for international students). You'll scan QR codes to pay for everything from street food to rent.
Transportation
Metro: The fastest way around major cities. Get a transit card or use WeChat/Alipay to scan QR codes at gates.
High-speed rail: Connects almost every major city at 250–350 km/h. Book via the 12306 app (English version available) or Trip.com.
Buses: Cheap (¥1–¥2) but can be crowded. Pay with transit card or mobile.
Taxi/DiDi: Affordable compared to Western countries. DiDi has an English interface.
Shared bikes: Meituan and Hello bikes are everywhere — scan to unlock for ¥1–¥1.5 per ride.
Getting a SIM Card
Bring your passport to a China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom store. Prepaid plans start at ~¥50/month. You'll need your passport and a local phone number to set up mobile payments.