Planning your first trip to China from the UK? The right apps can make everyday tasks much easier, from paying for a bowl of noodles to finding your hotel or reading a restaurant menu. Start with these five useful China travel apps: Alipay, Amap, Apple Translate, Trip.com and Dianping.
Set them up before departure where possible, then check that your accounts, payment methods and language settings work before relying on them during your trip.
1. Alipay: everyday payments and local transport
Alipay is a practical starting point for visitors who want to pay by QR code in China. Overseas travellers can link supported international Visa or Mastercard credit and debit cards, making it useful at participating restaurants, shops, market stalls and other merchants.
Depending on the merchant, you may scan their payment code or show your own payment code for them to scan. Follow the instructions in the app and check the amount before confirming.
Alipay also provides access to public transport and ride-hailing services. Look for the transport services available for your destination and activate the relevant city service before travelling. Do not assume one transport code will cover every bus or metro system.
You may be able to book a car through a ride-hailing service inside Alipay without installing a separate DiDi app. Availability and account requirements depend on the service you select.
Before you travel: link your card, complete any requested verification and check the payment terms and fees displayed in the app. Carry a backup payment method in case a transaction does not go through.
2. Amap: navigation and ride-hailing in English
Amap, also known as Gaode Maps, is a useful option for finding your way around China. Amap Global offers an English-language experience, helping visitors search for destinations and plan local journeys.
Its international version also offers ride-hailing, with pickup information, routes and estimated fares shown in English and other supported languages. Supported payment options include Alipay and WeChat Pay linked to eligible bank cards.
Compare the fare shown before booking rather than assuming a taxi will always be cheap. Take a moment to confirm your pickup point, especially at busy railway stations, shopping centres and attractions with several entrances.
Practical tip: save your hotel’s Chinese name and address as well as its English name. This gives you something clear to show a driver or hotel receptionist if you need help.
3. Apple Translate: menus, signs and everyday conversations
For iPhone users, Apple Translate can help with written text and spoken phrases. Use the camera feature to translate menus and signs, or speak into the app when you need help with a short conversation.
Download English and the appropriate supported Chinese language before departure for offline translation. Apple supports on-device translation using downloaded languages, so you can prepare an option that does not depend on an internet connection or a VPN.
Try the features you expect to use before leaving home. Available functions depend on your device, software version and selected languages.
Practical tip: keep sentences short and straightforward. For allergies or other important dietary needs, do not rely on an automatic translation alone. Ask your guide or a fluent speaker to check your message.
4. Trip.com: organising travel bookings
Trip.com is a useful option for organising accommodation and train travel. It accepts major international payment cards, including Visa and Mastercard, although the payment options available can depend on the booking.
Keep your booking confirmations easy to find, and check passenger details carefully before completing a purchase. For train travel, use the traveller details required by the booking and make sure they match the travel document you will use.
Before paying, review the total price, cancellation conditions and any booking fees. For attraction tickets, check the exact entry date, admission requirements and what the ticket includes.
Practical tip: save important confirmation details so you can retrieve them quickly, rather than relying solely on notifications.
5. Dianping: restaurant discovery and local deals
Dianping is useful for exploring restaurants, browsing customer photos and comparing places to eat. It can help you look beyond familiar tourist-facing options and discover dishes or neighbourhood spots that interest you.
English-language and translation features may help, but do not expect every listing, menu or offer to be fully translated. Customer photos can provide useful context when a description is difficult to understand.
You may also see meal packages, vouchers and promotional deals. Check the restaurant branch, valid dates, booking requirements and redemption instructions before purchasing. A deal is only useful if you can use it for the meal you actually want.
Practical tip: use Dianping for discovery first. If an offer is unclear, ask the restaurant or your guide to help you understand it before paying.
Which apps should you set up first?
Start with Alipay for payments and Amap for navigation. If you use an iPhone, download Apple Translate’s language packs next. Add Trip.com for your bookings and Dianping when you want more restaurant inspiration.
You do not need to master every feature before your holiday. Getting the essentials ready, saving your hotel address and keeping a backup payment option will give you a more comfortable start to your China trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can UK visitors use Alipay in China?
Overseas visitors can link supported international cards, including Visa and Mastercard. Complete any requested verification and check the terms shown for your account and transactions.
Do I need a separate DiDi app?
Not necessarily. Ride-hailing options are available through services such as Alipay and Amap Global. Check that your chosen service works with your account and payment method before relying on it.
Can Apple Translate work offline?
Yes. Apple supports offline, on-device translation with downloaded languages. Download the languages you need and test the relevant features before departure.
Is Dianping entirely in English?
Do not assume so. English-language or translation features may be available, but some content and deal conditions may still require translation or help from a Chinese speaker.
