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Apps for China


When traveling and working with China, you may need access to a variety of apps to help you navigate the country and its people, where the internet and services we are used to may not work the same way.If you have an iPhone, some apps may not be available in your regional AppStore. In this case, you will need to change your region to China or create a new Chinese account.


For Android users, some apps can be found on Google Play. You can also use the built-in Chinese app stores or the QQ one-stop store: https://sj.qq.com/. In addition, apk files can be downloaded directly from the official websites of the respective services.


It is worth noting that many apps in China offer not only their basic functions, but also integrate a lot of additional features. Only the main ones will be described here.



Here's a list of apps that will come in handy:

WeChat


It is not just a messenger, but also a tool for paying for goods and services via WeChat Pay, booking cabs, food delivery and much more. WeChat will become your universal assistant in China.




Alipay


Alipay - is another popular mobile payment system that is widely used in China. It can be used to easily pay for shopping, transportation, food and other services.




Baidu Maps


Google Maps works in China with restrictions, so it is better to use the local service Baidu Maps to find routes and orienteering. It will show you the routes you need and make sure you don't get lost in the city.



VPN

Due to the blocking of many international sites and services in China (e.g. Google, Facebook and Instagram), it is recommended to install a VPN application in advance. This will allow you to use familiar resources in the conditions of the Chinese Internet filter.


Pleco

If you don't speak Chinese, the Pleco app can help you translate texts and words, making it much easier to communicate with locals.


MetroMan 地铁通地铁换乘查询软件


This is a MetroMan app with an interface where the stations are duplicated in English, making it much easier to navigate.


  • Android: Google Play, QQ

  • iOS: App Store


Online shopping


Taobao, JD, Tmall, Pinduoduo and Poizon are popular for shopping. All of these platforms offer a wide range of products.


  • Taobao 淘宝, JD 京东, Tmall 天猫, Pinduoduo 拼多多, Poizon 得物



Taobao 淘宝




JD 京东



Tmall 天猫

Android: Google play, QQ



Pinduoduo 拼多多

Android: Google play, QQ



Poizon 得物

Android: Google play, QQ


Wholesale purchases


For wholesale purchases, both 1688 and Alibaba platforms are in demand. 1688 is designed for the Chinese domestic market, offering goods to local buyers, while Alibaba focuses on international trade, providing opportunities for exports and global transactions.



1688 阿里巴巴

Android: Google play, QQ




Alibaba

Android: Google play, QQ


Б.у. вещи


There is an app for buying and selling used goods Goofish Xianyu 闲鱼.



Goofish Xianyu 闲鱼

Also, with foreigners on vichat, a popular mini-application Movin (open in vichat)



Hotel rentals

Hotels can be booked using Ctrip (the Chinese version of trip.com) or Agoda.



Ctrip 携程旅行

Agoda

Booking is also possible through Qunar. You can also find hotels on Baidu Maps and Amap, but not all of them have experience in accommodating foreigners.


Rental housing


A large Chinese online marketplace where you can find accommodation, the downside is that there can be a lot of fake listings.

Android: Google play, QQ

Wellcee 唯心所寓 an application that is predominantly used by foreigners.



Wellcee 唯心所寓

Excellent service subletting apartments, the manager shows the apartment, right in the app you can sign a contract and set passwords for locks. Payment takes place in the app.



Ziroom 自如

Android: Google play, QQ


Air and railway tickets


铁路12306 official app for purchasing railroad tickets.



铁路12306

Qunar 去哪儿旅行 application for buying air and rail tickets, as well as hotel reservations.


Qunar 去哪儿旅行

In addition to these apps, tickets can be purchased on Vichat and Alipay.


Translators


Baidu translate 百度翻译

Android: Google play, QQ



Dear translate 有道翻译官

Android: Google play, QQ


Mobile communication


If you are a local SIM card holder, it will be helpful to download the service provider's app. There are only 3 of them: China Mobile 中国移动, China Telecom 中国电信 и China Unicom 中国联通.


China Mobile 中国移动

Android: Google play, QQ

China Telecom 中国电信

Android: Google play, QQ

China Unicom 中国联通

Android: Google play, QQ


Driving


交管12123

If you drive a car, you can check and pay fines using the 12123 application. Registration for foreigners is only possible at the police station where you obtained your license.

Android: Google play, QQ

The list of applications and services is not exhaustive and will be expanded.


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