Essential Apps for Your Stay in China
Life in China gets easier and more convenient, largely thanks to the multitude of smartphone applications available. If you are planning to visit China, here are some essential apps to have on your device.
If you plan to use your smartphone while in China, particularly for an extended stay, downloading WeChat is highly advisable. This app is a fundamental part of daily life in China. While primarily used for social media among friends, it serves as an excellent communication tool. For instance, you can easily chat with your tailor; each of you can use a “translate” feature, allowing you to send messages in English and receive replies in Chinese, making communication considerably simpler.
Furthermore, for long-term visitors, WeChat becomes even more critical. It is recommended to link your bank account to the wallet function within the app, allowing you to make payments for numerous services, reducing the necessity for cash.
CityWeekend
This versatile app covers major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Shenzhen, allowing users to switch cities without downloading multiple apps. CityWeekend is particularly useful for discovering dining options, nightlife, and other attractions like swimming pools or antique markets. Notably, the app features a function to display information in Chinese for taxi drivers, ensuring you won’t face difficulties when directing your cab.
However, keep in mind that the listings may sometimes be outdated, so it’s prudent to call ahead whenever possible.
China Air Quality Index
Many residents swear by this app, which provides real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) readings for your current location or the nearest city in China. Given the well-known air pollution challenges in many parts of the country, using the AQI index can help you decide whether to go for a run outdoors or opt for indoor exercise.
The app operates similarly to standard weather apps, presenting the local AQI for your area while allowing you to monitor the air quality of other cities you may plan to visit.
Uber
Familiar to most, Uber provides a convenient car service in China. While various taxi apps exist, managing them can be challenging if you don’t read or write Mandarin. Fortunately, Uber offers an English interface and allows you to pay using your international credit card. Make sure to notify your bank beforehand if you intend to use Uber internationally.
As you use the app, you’ll notice several vehicle options available at the bottom, with “People’s Uber” being the most economical choice and “Uber Black” the premium option.
As of October 2023, Uber operates in numerous cities across China, including Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and more, making it particularly convenient for travelers, especially those on business trips.
Betternet
Accessing international platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google can be quite limited in China without a VPN. For those staying long-term, opting for a paid service such as StrongVPN or Astrill is advisable. However, Betternet serves as a free VPN with reasonable performance; thus, it may suffice for brief visits.
Pleco
For anyone wishing to learn or decipher Mandarin, having a reliable dictionary is essential. Pleco is a well-regarded option that lets you search for words in English and provides translations by inputting pinyin or Chinese characters. Interestingly, it also includes a pronunciation feature to help with learning.
Currency
Among many currency converter apps, Currency stands out for its ease of use. You can effortlessly input and convert multiple currencies. For travelers in China, simply enter your home currency alongside RMB to easily interpret prices and expenses.
Waygo
Waygo takes advantage of your phone’s camera to translate Chinese text into English. Although the translations may not always be perfect, it can help clarify whether you’re ordering pork or donkey, which is certainly helpful when navigating menus.
