Nowadays, with modern technology the way it is, there are countless apps that can benefit you in a variety of ways. When it comes to life in China there are some apps that are absolutely essential to have. Here, we’ve picked our top 5 must-have apps for anyone who is moving to China!

WeChat

The number one must-have app if you are living in China! With over one billion users everyone you meet in China will have this app. In its simplest form, it is the Chinese version of WhatsApp, however, it is much more than that, as it is the largest social media platform in China. Furthermore, there are countless other things you can use WeChat for, such as transferring money to people, booking train tickets, paying for things, and even translating text from Chinese to English!

Alipay

An essential app to have when living in China, and like WeChat, it has many uses. Its primary use is for transferring money in a safe and easy way. It’s really straightforward to use, you simply add your bank account to it and then manage your finances on the app.

Didi

Didi is essentially the Chinese Uber, and again an absolute must-have. There is an English version of the app that you can download and it’s extremely easy to use. Prices are remarkably cheap compared to the local taxis, and you’re never more than a two-minute wait from an available Didi!

Metro Map

No matter what city you’re based in it’s absolutely essential that you download the local metro map onto your phone. The metro systems in China are unbelievable, but they can be a little confusing to navigate when you first arrive in the country. With a Metro Map app, you’ll be able to navigate the metro easily whilst getting to grips with life in China.

Apple Maps

This app shouldn’t need any introduction. Most people typically use either Google Maps or Apple Maps on a daily basis outside of China, but since there are restrictions on Google apps within China, this decision is made for you. A must-have to help you navigate wherever you’re located in China.