This list has been compiled thanks to repeated travel in China. It sums up the tools and tricks that actually make a difference when moving around the country.
(No shame: I used ChatGPT for quick formatting and some of the content)
There are no affiliations in this post, sadly. If any of the company mentioned here wishes to give me money, please do.
Essential Apps & Tools
AMAP
- It’s available in English, even on Android now (yay).
- Works much better than Google Maps in mainland China.
- Rather accurate for walking, buses, and metro.
- Stations are detailed down to exits and entrances.
- It’s wonky at times and there are untranslated parts.
Google Translate
- /!\ Download the Chinese language before arriving.
- The camera function is useful for menus and signs (It understandmy english better than my french!?).
- Conversation mode works decently for simple interactions, but I prefer to use the one in Alipay.
VPNs
- Most of our sites (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube…) are blocked.
- Install a VPN before entering China. LetsVPN and Astrill are common choices (I couldn’t get Windscribe or Google’s VPN to work).
- Some work better than others depending on the region, so it’s worth having a backup.
- If you have a foreign sim card with data in China, then there’s probably no need for a VPN.
My French SIM Card with Free Mobile has 30 GB of data in China and let me use Whatsapp, Reddit and more without a VPN But the downside is that, with this one, I don’t have internet in France. Since I switched to a better provider, I had to say goodbye to those benefits
Transportation
Booking Trains
- Trains are the easiest way to move around (And are often cheap).
- Trip.com offers English booking, accepts foreign cards, and often has competitive prices.
- You’ll receive a QR code or pick-up code.
- A passport is required for every booking and at the station (They check…).
Using Didi
- Equivalent of Uber, but cheap.
- The app has an English interface and can be use through Alipay.
- Payment works with foreign cards or through Alipay.
Payments
Alipay
- QR code payments, anytime, anywhere.
- Non chinese citizen can link their bank card on it (needs a passport).
- If linking fails, apparently, there is a “Tour Pass” option you can top up. I never tried.
- Requires a stupid verification using chinese friend.
- You can get banned anytime for no reason.
- It’s a shitty app, I hate it.
- Payment with foreign cards is unreliable, but it’s still useful for messaging.
- I use Rednote for messaging now, it’s fine.
Other Notes
- Cash: Be prepared to receive weird looks. I usually avoid paying by cash
- Trains vs flights: For distances under 1,000 km, trains are faster overall.
- Toilets: Widespread but basic; carry tissues and sanitizer.
- Etiquette: Avoid politics, queue firmly, stay polite and calm at all time, Thai style: Don’t lose face.
- Don’t speak about you-know-what. Don’t.
- Never carry a lighter, don’t take pictures of flags, military installations or anything that could be sensitive
- Photos: Some government employees can ask to check your phone, some flags and previous leaders of long-gone countries (And an empire) are forbidden.
- People taking pictures: Chinese love to take pictures of foreigners. I don’t wanna know what they do with them… Insert Larry.webp
