YOUR PHONE, READY FOR MAINLAND CHINA
Find the apps that make arrival easier.
Payments, trains, stays and everyday errands. Start with the task you need to do, see the closest app you already know, and learn where the comparison breaks down.
01 / FIND YOUR WAY IN
Start with the task, not the download count.
A short list for your first days. Each match describes a job the app helps with; it is not a claim that the services work identically.
Alipay / WeChat Pay
A mobile wallet, with different setup and acceptance from PayPal or Apple Pay.
DiDi
A ride-hailing option comparable in purpose to Uber; pickup and account setup deserve a separate check.
China Railway 12306
The official rail ticket channel, rather than a like-for-like Trainline marketplace.
Trip.com / Ctrip
A place to compare and book accommodation; always check passport, cancellation and payment details.
Amap / Apple Maps
Local map choices for addresses and routes. Verify the exact entrance and keep the Chinese address.
Meituan
Food ordering is the shared task; address, phone verification and handoff are different from Uber Eats.
Messaging like WhatsApp, with local service mini programs that need their own account and payment checks.
Taobao / JD.com
Online marketplaces comparable in task to Amazon; shipping addresses, returns and seller terms differ.
Local transit codes
A city transport QR code can act like a mobile transit pass; activation and acceptance vary by city.
- 01
Get a reliable data connection and save your hotel address.
- 02
Set up a payment method and keep a second way to pay.
- 03
Check transport and booking details against the official service.
03 / EDITORIAL METHOD
What we check before recommending an app
We distinguish official services from third-party booking platforms, give fallback options, and link to the source for rules that can change. Availability, card acceptance, fees and account checks vary.