First time in China?
China is unlike anywhere else I’ve visited. The language barriers, cashless payments it requires a bit more planning, but that’s all part of the adventure. These things should have to be prepare before you head to China:
Install Alipay & WeChat Pay
These two are dominant payment method in China. Mostly, Alipay is the more reliable primary payment option for tourists, majority all vendors show their Alipay code. But, WeChat Pay works as a specific backup, small vendors and local spots leaned slightly toward WeChat Pay.
Bear in your mind, both WeChat Pay and Alipay charge a 3% transaction fee on payments over 200 RMB when using foreign cards (Mastercards, Visa, etc) and payments under 200 RMB avoid this fee.
Download VPN/buy eSim or Roaming Sim Card
Due to bypass the Great Firewall in China, many popular apps and sites like Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked. If you’re using local Chinese Wi-Fi such as at a hotel, café, or public hotspot those sites will be blocked, and you’ll need a VPN to access them. But, if your phone runs on a foreign roaming Sim Card or eSIM, you often do not need a VPN at all.
These for selecting the best VPN in China: Astrill VPN, NordVPN, Lets VPN. Keep in your mind to download this VPN before you head to China.
Download AMap
Google Maps doesn’t work well in China, the location navigation didn’t precise, moreover Google Maps is blocked and requires VPN (which often fails). To fix this, best map app for China: use Amap or Apple Maps. Amap is for Android and Apple user. Amap works perfectly, has better China data, English interface, and offline maps.
Download Translation App
English is not widely spoken by Chinese, so if you tavel independently and get lost somewhere, willy nilly you had ask to local to get direction. The best translation App: Google Translate (with eSIM) or Baidu Translate (without).
Install Trip App
It’s mandatory to handle your booking (hotel, train, attraction, etc) in China . Other apps like: booking.com, agoda,etc are not working here. Sometimes there’s a small commission fee when booking through Trip.com. But honestly? It’s worth the extra cost just to skip the hassle, especially if you’re short on time or patience.