In today’s world, modern technology offers a plethora of apps that can enhance your daily life in various ways. For anyone living in China, there are certain apps that are absolutely essential. Here, we’ve curated our top five must-have apps for anyone moving to China!
WeChat is the number one essential app for anyone residing in China. With over one billion users, nearly everyone you meet will have this app. While it functions similarly to WhatsApp, it goes far beyond messaging to become the largest social media platform in China. You can use WeChat for a multitude of purposes, including transferring money, booking train tickets, making payments, and even translating text from Chinese to English!
Alipay
Alipay is another indispensable app for life in China, and like WeChat, it offers a wide range of functionalities. Primarily, it serves as a secure and convenient way to transfer money. Using Alipay is straightforward: simply link your bank account and manage your finances directly through the app.
Didi
Didi is essentially China’s answer to Uber and is a must-have app for getting around. There’s an English version available, making it extremely user-friendly. Didi offers remarkably low fares compared to traditional taxis, and you’re never more than a two-minute wait away from an available ride!
Metro Map
Regardless of which city you’re in, downloading the local metro map onto your phone is absolutely essential. The metro systems in China are impressive but can be somewhat confusing to navigate when you first arrive. By using a Metro Map app, you’ll be able to easily find your way around the metro while acclimating to life in China.
Maps
Regardless of whether you’re an Android or Apple user, having a maps app on your phone is crucial for navigating your way around China. Most devices come with a built-in maps application, but we also recommend downloading a reliable offline map alternative, such as ‘Maps.me’, in case you encounter connectivity issues.
