Apps to download for China

Question

Looking for which apps I should download for China. Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing. Obviously alipay and wechatpay along with didi. I'll be setting these apps up before I arrive. However, I was wondering what happens with these apps if I switch to a sim card with a different number? Like if I set the app up using my home number but then I switch to a sim card will my app no longer work? Will some of these apps need to text me verifications etc? Also looking for good translation apps and I take it googlemaps is not the way to go even if I have a vpn?

Answer

When traveling to China, it is crucial to have the right apps installed before arrival, since many Western apps and services are blocked or limited. Setting them up beforehand will save you a lot of hassle.

Here are key points regarding app setup and usage:

Alipay and WeChat Pay: Both apps allow foreign users to register with a home phone number, but verification often requires SMS confirmation. If you switch to a Chinese SIM card after setup, you may need to update the phone number in the app or keep access to the original number for verification codes.
Didi: Didi also requires phone verification. It’s recommended to set up your account with a number that you will have access to during your stay. Switching SIMs can trigger re-verification, so having the original number accessible via roaming or dual SIM can be useful.
Other essential apps: For navigation, communication, and local services:

Messaging & Payment: WeChat (for messaging, social media, and WeChat Pay), Alipay (for payments, QR codes, and booking tickets).
Transport: Didi for ride-hailing, Metro apps specific to cities (Beijing Subway, Chengdu Metro, Chongqing Metro), and Ctrip or Trip.com for train and flight bookings.
Translation: Pleco (Chinese-English dictionary), Google Translate (works if you have a VPN), or iTranslate. Pleco is highly recommended for offline use and text/photo translation.
Navigation: Google Maps may not work reliably even with a VPN; alternatives include Baidu Maps and Amap (Gaode Maps). Both apps require basic familiarity with Chinese, but they are reliable for walking, public transport, and driving directions.
Food & Local Services: Meituan and Ele.me for food delivery, Dianping for restaurant reviews, though some functions require Chinese phone numbers or payment linked to a Chinese bank card.

Additional tips when switching SIM cards:

Keep access to the original phone number if possible, especially for receiving verification codes for Alipay and WeChat.
Set up two-factor authentication (if available) and link email addresses to accounts to avoid being locked out.
Some apps may limit features for foreign cards or foreign numbers; adding a Chinese bank card enhances functionality for payments and food delivery apps.

In summary, you can set up most essential apps before arrival, but be prepared for re-verification if you change your SIM card. Offline translation apps like Pleco and local map apps like Baidu Maps or Amap are recommended for smooth travel, as Google services are restricted even with a VPN.

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