Essential Apps to Prepare Before Landing in China

Connectivity: buy a local SIM at the airport or city outlets (passport required); China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom all have foreigner plans.

Payments: WeChat Pay and Alipay are essentials; bind an international card - no local bank account needed. Complete verification before departure.

Maps: Amap (Gaode) and Baidu Maps are the most accurate; Google Maps does not work in mainland China, switch in advance.

Translation: Baidu Translate and Youdao support photo and voice translation - essential for menus and directions.

Transport: Didi (ride-hailing), 12306 (train tickets), Umetrip (flight check-in).

Download and register everything before you fly so SMS verification does not block you after landing.