7 Must-Have Apps Before Visiting China (2026) + Tourist Medical Guide: Avoid Mistakes I Made

Apps you should install before visiting China (from someone who learned the hard way)

If you’re visiting China for the first time, having the right apps installed before you land makes life way easier—so much easier, in fact, that I still kick myself for not doing it properly before my first trip. I arrived in Shanghai four years ago, jet-lagged, carrying a bulky wallet full of cash, a foreign credit card I thought would work everywhere, and a phone loaded with the usual Western apps: Google Maps, WhatsApp, and PayPal. Within the first hour, I realized I was completely unprepared. I stood on a busy street corner, unable to pay for a bottle of water at a convenience store (the cashier shook her head at my cash, gesturing to a QR code I couldn’t scan), unable to call the hotel I’d booked (WhatsApp was useless), and unable to figure out how to get to my accommodation (Google Maps showed a blank screen). That first day was a chaotic mix of confusion, frustration, and awkward hand gestures—and it all could have been avoided if I’d installed the right apps beforehand.

China’s digital ecosystem is unlike anything I’ve experienced elsewhere. It’s a world where smartphones are not just tools, but extensions of daily life—used for paying for everything from a cup of coffee to a train ticket, communicating with strangers, navigating winding alleyways, and even ordering groceries to be delivered in 30 minutes. Unlike many Western countries, where multiple apps split different functions (one for messaging, one for payments, one for maps), China has a few “super apps” that do it all, plus a handful of niche apps that solve specific travel problems. The good news is that most of these apps are free, easy to set up (with a little advance planning), and will transform your trip from stressful to smooth.

After that disastrous first day, I spent weeks testing different apps, asking locals for recommendations, and figuring out which ones were non-negotiable. I’ve now visited China five times—exploring big cities like Beijing and Guangzhou, small towns in Yunnan, and remote villages in Sichuan—and each trip has been exponentially easier thanks to these apps. Below, I’m breaking down the must-have apps you need to install before you land, plus a few optional ones that will make your trip even better. I’m including detailed tips, step-by-step setup advice, and real-life stories of how these apps saved me (so you don’t have to learn the hard way like I did).

1. Alipay (支付宝) – The Mobile Payment Lifeline

Let me start with the most important one: Alipay. If you only install one app before visiting China, make it this one. I cannot stress enough how essential mobile payment is in China—cash is becoming obsolete, and foreign credit cards are rarely accepted, even in tourist areas. During my first trip, I walked into a popular dumpling restaurant near the Bund in Shanghai, ordered a delicious meal, and when it came time to pay, I pulled out my credit card. The waiter looked at me like I was from another planet, then pointed to a small sign on the wall that said “No Cash, No Foreign Cards—Alipay or WeChat Pay Only.” I had to sheepishly ask the couple at the next table if they could pay for my meal (I paid them back with cash later), and that’s when I realized: without mobile payment, you’re stuck.

Alipay is China’s largest mobile payment app, with over 1.3 billion active users. It’s owned by Alibaba, one of China’s biggest tech companies, and it’s accepted absolutely everywhere—from street food stalls and convenience stores to high-end restaurants, hotels, museums, and even public transport. You can use it to pay for groceries, buy movie tickets, top up your phone plan, pay utility bills (though you won’t need that as a tourist), and even send money to friends or locals if needed.

The biggest question I get about Alipay is: “Can I use it with a foreign card?” The answer is yes—but you need to set it up before you arrive in China. A few years ago, Alipay only worked with Chinese bank cards, which was a huge hassle for tourists. But now, they’ve made it much easier for foreigners to use the app by allowing links to international credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.). Here’s how to set it up step by step:

First, download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play (you can do this outside China). Once you open the app, you’ll be prompted to create an account. You can sign up with your phone number—just make sure to select your home country’s code (e.g., +1 for the US, +44 for the UK) before entering your number. You’ll receive a verification code via SMS, which you’ll enter to confirm your account.

Next, you need to link your foreign card. Tap the “Me” tab at the bottom right of the screen, then select “Bank Cards.” Tap “Add Card” and enter your card details (card number, expiration date, CVV). You may be asked to verify your identity via a phone call or SMS from your bank—this is normal, so make sure your phone is set up to receive international calls/SMS. Once your card is linked, you’re ready to use Alipay!

One important tip: When paying, you’ll need to show your Alipay QR code to the merchant (they’ll scan it) or scan their QR code (if they have a personal account). To find your QR code, tap the “Pay” tab at the bottom center of the screen. The app will generate a unique QR code that expires after a few minutes for security. You can also set a payment password (a 6-digit code) or use biometrics (fingerprint or face ID) to confirm payments—this is highly recommended for security.

Another thing to note: Some small merchants (like street food vendors) may only accept Alipay’s “Huabei” (a credit service) or “Yu’e Bao” (a savings account), but if you’ve linked a foreign card, you can still pay by selecting “Credit Card” as the payment method. I’ve never had an issue paying with my foreign card on Alipay—even in tiny villages in Yunnan, where the locals barely spoke English, they knew exactly how to scan my QR code.

Pro tip: Before you leave for China, test your Alipay by making a small payment (e.g., buy a digital gift card or send a small amount of money to a friend if they have Alipay). This will ensure that your card is linked correctly and that the app is working properly. There’s nothing worse than arriving in China and realizing your Alipay isn’t set up right—trust me, I’ve been there.

2. WeChat (微信) – The All-in-One Super App

If Alipay is the payment lifeline, WeChat is the heart of China’s digital life. WeChat is more than just a messaging app—it’s a social media platform, a mobile payment tool, a booking app, a map, and so much more. Over 1.2 billion people use WeChat in China, and it’s impossible to go a day without using it, even as a tourist. During my first trip, I didn’t have WeChat, and I struggled to communicate with locals. Most people in China don’t use WhatsApp or Facebook—they use WeChat. I couldn’t message my hotel to ask for directions, I couldn’t join a group tour (most tour guides use WeChat groups to share information), and I even had trouble making friends with locals, who wanted to add me on WeChat to stay in touch.

Let’s break down the key features of WeChat that you’ll use as a tourist:

Messaging: WeChat’s primary function is messaging, and it works similarly to WhatsApp. You can send text messages, voice messages, photos, videos, and even make voice or video calls—all for free (as long as you have Wi-Fi or data). The best part is that almost every local in China has WeChat, so it’s the easiest way to communicate with people. If you’re lost, you can message your hotel or tour guide for help. If you’re at a restaurant and can’t read the menu, you can send a photo of the menu to a local friend (or even a stranger) and ask for translation. During my trip to Chengdu, I got lost in a market and asked a local vendor for directions—she didn’t speak any English, so she added me on WeChat, sent me a location pin, and even walked me to the nearest subway station. I still keep in touch with her on WeChat!

WeChat Pay: Similar to Alipay, WeChat Pay is a mobile payment tool that’s accepted everywhere. You can link your foreign card to WeChat Pay, just like you did with Alipay, and use it to pay for goods and services. Some people prefer WeChat Pay over Alipay, while others use both—having both is a good idea, just in case one doesn’t work for some reason. To set up WeChat Pay, tap the “+” icon at the top right of the chat screen, select “Pay,” then follow the instructions to link your card.

QR Codes: QR codes are everywhere in China, and WeChat is the main app used to scan them. You’ll need to scan QR codes to enter museums, subway stations, parks, and even some restaurants (to view the menu or order food). You can also scan QR codes to add friends, follow official accounts (like hotel or tourist attraction accounts), or access Wi-Fi (many cafes and hotels have a QR code you can scan to connect to their Wi-Fi).

Official Accounts: WeChat has “Official Accounts” for almost every business, organization, and tourist attraction. You can follow the official account of a museum to buy tickets, follow a restaurant to view their menu and make reservations, or follow a tourist board to get information about events and attractions. For example, when I visited the Forbidden City in Beijing, I followed their official WeChat account, bought my ticket online (which saved me from waiting in a long line), and even got a free audio guide.

Mini Programs: WeChat’s “Mini Programs” are small apps within WeChat that you can use without downloading them separately. There are mini programs for everything—booking train tickets, ordering food, renting bikes, checking the weather, and even playing games. For example, the “12306” mini program (China’s official train ticketing system) allows you to book train tickets directly through WeChat, and the “Meituan” mini program lets you order food delivery. Mini programs are a huge time-saver, and you’ll find yourself using them constantly.

Setting up WeChat is easy. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, sign up with your phone number (select your home country code), and verify your account with the SMS code. Once you’re signed up, you can add friends by their WeChat ID, phone number, or by scanning their QR code. I recommend adding your hotel, tour guide, and any local friends you make to your WeChat contacts—you’ll be glad you did.

Pro tip: WeChat has a “Translate” feature built into the messaging app. If someone sends you a message in Chinese, you can long-press the message and select “Translate” to turn it into English (or your native language). This is a lifesaver for communicating with locals who don’t speak English. You can also use the “Camera Translate” feature in WeChat—just tap the “+” icon, select “Translate,” and point your camera at text (like a menu or sign) to get an instant translation.

3. Didi (滴滴出行) – China’s Uber (But Better)

Getting around in China’s big cities can be overwhelming—subways are crowded, buses are hard to navigate if you don’t speak Chinese, and taxis can be expensive (and sometimes dishonest). That’s where Didi comes in. Didi is China’s largest ride-hailing app, often referred to as “China’s Uber,” but it’s actually much better than Uber in many ways. It’s reliable, affordable, has an English interface, and avoids the whole “explaining addresses to taxi drivers” problem that I struggled with during my first trip.

During my first day in Shanghai, I tried to take a taxi from the airport to my hotel. I had the hotel address written down in Chinese, but the taxi driver didn’t speak any English, and he couldn’t read the address (it was written in simplified Chinese, but he was from a small town and was more familiar with traditional Chinese characters). We drove around in circles for 45 minutes, and I ended up paying twice as much as I should have. When I finally got to the hotel, I was exhausted and frustrated. The next day, I downloaded Didi, and it changed everything.

Didi works just like Uber or Lyft: you open the app, enter your destination (you can enter it in English or Chinese), select the type of ride you want (standard, premium, shared, etc.), and a driver will accept your request. The app shows you the driver’s name, photo, license plate number, and estimated arrival time. You can also track the driver’s location in real time, so you know exactly when they’ll arrive. The best part is that you don’t have to communicate with the driver—everything is handled through the app. The driver will see your destination in Chinese, and you’ll get updates in English (if you’ve set the app to English).

Here’s how to set up Didi: Download the app from the App Store or Google Play (you can do this outside China). Open the app, select “English” as your language (the app will prompt you to choose a language when you first open it), and sign up with your phone number. Verify your account with the SMS code, then add a payment method. You can link your Alipay, WeChat Pay, or foreign credit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). I recommend linking Alipay or WeChat Pay, as it’s faster and more convenient, but foreign cards work too.

When using Didi, there are a few things to keep in mind:

– Enter your destination correctly: If you’re staying at a hotel, enter the hotel’s name in English (the app will usually recognize it and convert it to Chinese for the driver). If you’re going to a specific landmark, enter the landmark’s name (e.g., “Forbidden City, Beijing”). You can also drop a pin on the map if you’re not sure of the exact address.

– Choose the right ride type: Didi offers several ride types, including “Express” (standard, affordable ride), “Premier” (more comfortable car, higher price), “Shared” (shared ride with other passengers, cheaper), and “Didi Taxi” (regular taxi, booked through the app). For most tourists, “Express” is the best option—it’s affordable and reliable.

– Be ready when the driver arrives: Drivers in China are usually on time, so make sure you’re ready to go when the app notifies you that the driver is nearby. The app will send you a notification when the driver is 5 minutes away, and you can call or message the driver through the app if needed (though most drivers don’t speak English).

– Pay through the app: The fare is calculated automatically based on distance and time, and you can pay through the app using your linked payment method. You don’t need to carry cash for Didi rides, which is a huge plus.

Didi also works in smaller cities and towns—during my trip to Lijiang (a small town in Yunnan), I used Didi to get around, and it was just as reliable as in Shanghai. The only time I had a problem was when I was in a very remote village, where there were no Didi drivers available—but that’s to be expected.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with a group, you can book a “Didi XL” (a larger car that can fit 5-7 people) through the app. This is much cheaper than taking multiple taxis, and it’s perfect for families or groups of friends.

4. Amap (Gaode Maps 高德地图) – The Only Map You’ll Need in China

If you’re used to using Google Maps, you’ll be disappointed when you arrive in China—Google Maps is blocked in China, and even if you have a VPN, it’s not reliable. During my first trip, I tried to use Google Maps with a VPN, but it kept crashing, and the navigation was inaccurate. I ended up getting lost multiple times, including once in a busy market in Beijing where I wandered around for an hour before finding my way back to my hotel. That’s when I downloaded Amap, and it quickly became my go-to map app in China.

Amap (also known as Gaode Maps) is China’s most popular map app, with over 700 million active users. It’s developed by Alibaba, and it’s way better than Google Maps inside China—its navigation is more accurate, it has detailed information about public transport (subways, buses, trains), and it even shows you real-time traffic updates. The only downside is that most of the app is in Chinese—but don’t let that stop you from using it. Even if you don’t speak Chinese, you can still use Amap to navigate, find attractions, and get around.

Here’s how to use Amap as a tourist (even if you don’t speak Chinese):

First, download Amap from the App Store or Google Play (you can do this outside China). Once you open the app, you’ll see a map of your current location (if you have location services turned on). The app is in Chinese by default, but you can change the language to English—here’s how: Tap the “Me” tab at the bottom right of the screen, then tap the gear icon (settings) at the top right. Scroll down to “Language” (it’s usually the second option from the bottom) and select “English.” The app will restart, and now most of the interface will be in English.

Navigation: To get directions, tap the search bar at the top of the screen and enter your destination in English (e.g., “Shanghai Disney Resort,” “Great Wall of China, Badaling”). The app will recognize most popular tourist destinations and convert them to Chinese. Once you select your destination, tap the “Navigate” button (it’s a blue arrow icon), and Amap will give you turn-by-turn navigation. The navigation is voice-guided (in English, if you’ve set the app to English), and it will tell you when to turn, how far to go, and even which lane to be in. The navigation is extremely accurate—during my trip to Beijing, I used Amap to navigate the subway system, and it never led me astray.

Public Transport: Amap is amazing for public transport. It shows you all the subway lines, bus routes, and train stations in your area, and it tells you exactly which train or bus to take, how many stops to go, and how long it will take. You can also see real-time updates for buses and trains—so you know if a bus is late or if a subway line is delayed. For example, when I was in Guangzhou, I used Amap to get from my hotel to the Canton Tower. The app told me to take subway line 3 to Chigang Tower Station, then walk 5 minutes to the tower. It even showed me the exact exit to take from the subway station—so I didn’t get lost.

Finding Attractions, Restaurants, and Hotels: Amap has a built-in search feature that allows you to find attractions, restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, and more. You can search by name (in English or Chinese), or you can browse by category (e.g., “tourist attractions,” “restaurants,” “hotels”). The app will show you the location of each place on the map, along with reviews, ratings, and opening hours (some in English, some in Chinese). You can also filter results by price, distance, and rating—so you can find the best restaurants or hotels for your budget.

Other Useful Features: Amap has a few other features that are useful for tourists. You can use it to find Wi-Fi hotspots (tap the “Wi-Fi” icon at the bottom of the screen), check the weather (tap the “Weather” icon), and even book tickets for tourist attractions (tap the “Tickets” icon). The app also has a “AR Navigation” feature, which uses your phone’s camera to show you directions overlaid on the real world—this is perfect for when you’re walking in a busy area and can’t figure out which way to go.

I know what you’re thinking: “What if I can’t read Chinese, and the app doesn’t have English for everything?” Don’t worry—most of the important features (navigation, search, public transport) are in English, and even the Chinese text is easy to navigate if you use the icons. For example, the subway icon is a small train, the bus icon is a bus, and the restaurant icon is a fork and knife. You’ll quickly get the hang of it.

Pro tip: Download offline maps before you arrive in China. This way, you can use Amap even if you don’t have Wi-Fi or data. To download offline maps, tap the “Me” tab, select “Offline Maps,” then choose the cities or regions you want to download. Offline maps are free, and they’ll save you a lot of data while you’re traveling.

5. Trip.com – The Best App for Booking Travel in English

Booking trains, flights, and hotels in China can be a nightmare if you don’t speak Chinese. Most of China’s official booking websites are in Chinese, and even if they have an English version, it’s often outdated or hard to use. During my first trip, I tried to book a train ticket from Shanghai to Beijing using the official 12306 website, but I couldn’t figure out how to use it (the English version was terrible), and I ended up buying a ticket from a scalper at the train station, which cost me twice as much as the regular price. That’s when I discovered Trip.com—and it’s been my go-to app for booking travel in China ever since.

Trip.com (formerly known as Ctrip) is China’s largest online travel agency, and it has a fantastic English interface that’s easy to use. You can use it to book flights (domestic and international), trains, hotels, hostels, group tours, and even activities (like tickets to theme parks or cultural experiences). The app is free to download, and it’s available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Japanese.

Here’s why Trip.com is a must-have for tourists:

Train Tickets: Booking train tickets in China is notoriously difficult, especially during peak travel times (like Chinese New Year or National Day). But Trip.com makes it easy. You can search for train tickets by route (e.g., Shanghai to Beijing), date, and time, and the app will show you all the available trains, along with their departure and arrival times, seat classes, and prices. You can book tickets directly through the app, and you’ll receive a confirmation email with your ticket details. When you arrive at the train station, you can pick up your ticket from a self-service kiosk using your passport (make sure to bring your passport—you’ll need it to book and pick up train tickets in China).

Flights: Trip.com is great for booking domestic flights in China. It compares prices from multiple airlines, so you can find the cheapest flights. You can also book international flights (from China to your home country, or to other countries in Asia), and the app will show you all the available options, including layovers and flight times. The app also sends you real-time updates about your flight (e.g., if it’s delayed or canceled), which is extremely useful.

Hotels: Trip.com has a huge selection of hotels in China, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. You can search for hotels by location (e.g., near the Forbidden City), price, rating, and amenities (e.g., free Wi-Fi, breakfast included). The app has detailed reviews and photos from other travelers, so you can make an informed decision. You can also book hotels directly through the app, and you’ll often get a discount if you book in advance.

Tours and Activities: Trip.com offers a wide range of group tours and activities in China, from day trips to the Great Wall to multi-day tours of Yunnan. Most of the tours have English-speaking guides, which is perfect for tourists who don’t speak Chinese. You can book tours directly through the app, and you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details (meeting time, meeting place, what’s included).

Setting up Trip.com is easy. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, sign up with your email address or phone number, and create a password. Once you’re signed up, you can start searching for flights, trains, hotels, and tours. You can link your payment method (credit card, Alipay, WeChat Pay) to the app, so you can book quickly and easily.

Pro tip: Sign up for Trip.com’s loyalty program (it’s free) to get discounts, free upgrades, and other perks. You’ll earn points for every booking you make, and you can redeem those points for free flights, hotel stays, or activities.

6. Google Translate – The Ultimate Language Lifesaver

Let’s be honest: Most people in China don’t speak English, especially outside of major tourist areas. During my first trip to China, I struggled to communicate with locals—waiters, shopkeepers, taxi drivers, and even hotel staff often didn’t speak any English. I couldn’t read menus, signs, or app interfaces, and I often found myself using awkward hand gestures to try to get my point across. That’s where Google Translate came in—it was my lifesaver.

Google Translate is a free translation app that can translate text, voice, and even images from one language to another. It supports over 100 languages, including Chinese (simplified and traditional) and English. The best part is that you can download offline language packs, so you can use the app even if you don’t have Wi-Fi or data—which is essential in China, where Google services are blocked (but the offline mode still works).

Here’s how to use Google Translate effectively in China:

Download Offline Language Packs: Before you leave for China, download the offline Chinese (simplified) and English language packs. To do this, open Google Translate, tap the menu icon (three lines) at the top left of the screen, select “Offline translation,” then tap “Download” next to “Chinese (Simplified)” and “English.” This will allow you to translate text and images without Wi-Fi or data.

Camera Mode: The camera mode is the most useful feature for tourists. It allows you to point your phone’s camera at text (like a menu, sign, or app interface) and get an instant translation. This is perfect for reading menus (which are almost always in Chinese), street signs, museum exhibits, and even product labels. During my trip to Chengdu, I used the camera mode to translate a menu at a local Sichuan restaurant—I wanted to try spicy food, but I didn’t want anything too spicy, so I translated the menu and ordered a dish that was “mildly spicy.” It was delicious, and I didn’t have to worry about getting something too hot!

Voice Translation: The voice translation feature is great for communicating with locals. You can speak into your phone in English, and Google Translate will translate it to Chinese (and vice versa). For example, if you’re at a restaurant and want to ask for a glass of water, you can say “Can I have a glass of water?” in English, and Google Translate will translate it to Chinese for the waiter. The voice translation isn’t perfect—sometimes it makes mistakes—but it’s good enough for basic communication.

Text Translation: If you have a text message (like a WeChat message from a local) or a piece of text that you need to translate, you can type it into Google Translate or copy and paste it. The app will translate it instantly, and you can even listen to the pronunciation (which is useful if you need to say the word or phrase out loud).

One thing to note: Google Translate is blocked in China, so you won’t be able to use the online features (like translating text or voice without the offline pack) unless you have a VPN. But the offline mode still works perfectly—you just need to download the language packs before you arrive. I never had a problem using the offline mode in China, even in remote areas.

Pro tip: Practice using Google Translate before you leave for China. Try translating a few Chinese phrases (like “hello,” “thank you,” “how much is this?”) to get used to the app. You can also save frequently used phrases (like “I don’t speak Chinese”) to your favorites, so you can access them quickly.

Optional But Useful Apps – Take Your Trip to the Next Level

The apps above are non-negotiable—you won’t be able to have a smooth trip without them. But there are a few optional apps that are useful for tourists, especially if you’re planning to stay in China for a while or want to have a more immersive experience. Here are my top picks:

Pleco (鱼) – For Deeper Chinese Translation

If you want a more detailed translation app than Google Translate, Pleco is the way to go. Pleco is a Chinese-English dictionary app that’s designed for learners of Chinese, but it’s also useful for tourists. It has a more accurate translation than Google Translate, especially for complex words and phrases, and it includes detailed definitions, examples, and pronunciation guides. It also has a camera mode (like Google Translate) that allows you to scan text and get an instant translation.

Pleco is free to download, but it has a premium version (which costs around $20) that unlocks more features, like offline dictionaries, advanced search, and flashcards. If you’re only staying in China for a short time, the free version is enough. But if you’re planning to stay longer or want to learn a little Chinese, the premium version is worth it.

I used Pleco during my trip to Yunnan, where I encountered a lot of local dialects and unique words that Google Translate couldn’t translate. Pleco was able to give me accurate translations, and it even helped me learn a few Chinese words and phrases.

Meituan (美团) – Food Delivery and More

Meituan is China’s largest food delivery app, and it’s also used for ordering groceries, booking movie tickets, and even getting massages. The only downside is that the entire app is in Chinese—so if you don’t speak Chinese, it’s hard to use. But if you have a basic understanding of Chinese (or if you use Google Translate to navigate the app), it’s a great app to have.

Meituan is perfect for days when you don’t want to go out to eat—you can order food from thousands of restaurants in your area, and it will be delivered to your hotel or accommodation in 30-60 minutes. The food is affordable, and there’s a huge variety—from Chinese food (Sichuan, Cantonese, Beijing-style) to Western food (pizza, burgers, fries). You can also use Meituan to order groceries (like water, snacks, and toiletries) to your hotel, which is convenient if you’re staying in a remote area.

If you don’t speak Chinese, you can use Google Translate’s camera mode to navigate the app. Just point your camera at the text, and it will translate it to English. You can also search for restaurants by name (in English), and the app will usually recognize it.

VPN – For Access to Google/Instagram/Facebook

Most Western websites and apps are blocked in China, including Google, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube. If you need to access these apps while you’re in China (e.g., to stay in touch with friends and family back home, or to use Google Maps), you’ll need a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN allows you to bypass China’s internet restrictions and access blocked websites and apps.

It’s important to note that VPNs are technically illegal in China without government approval, but many tourists use them without any problems. However, some VPNs are blocked by China’s Great Firewall, so you need to choose a VPN that works in China. I recommend doing your research before you leave for China and choosing a reputable VPN (like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark). Most VPNs cost around $10-15 per month, and you can download them before you arrive in China.

I used ExpressVPN during my last trip to China, and it worked perfectly. I was able to access Instagram, Facebook, and Google Maps without any issues. However, I only used it when I needed to—most of the time, I used the Chinese apps I mentioned earlier, which are more reliable and faster.

Pro tip: Download and set up your VPN before you arrive in China. You won’t be able to download a VPN once you’re in China (since most VPN websites are blocked), so make sure to do it in advance.

7. Medical Guide for Tourists – Common Illnesses & Price Reference

No one wants to get sick while traveling, but it’s important to be prepared—especially in a country where language barriers and medical systems differ from what you’re used to. During my third trip to China, I came down with a bad case of food poisoning after eating street food in Chongqing (I ignored the “extra spicy” warning!), and I had no idea how to find a doctor or what to expect in terms of cost. After fumbling through the process with Google Translate and a lot of help from my hotel staff, I learned exactly what tourists need to know about seeking medical care in China—including common illnesses, typical prices, and how to navigate the system smoothly.

First, let’s start with the basics: China has two main types of medical facilities for tourists: community health centers (affordable, for minor issues) and international hospitals (English-speaking staff, more expensive, for complex issues). For most tourists, community health centers are sufficient for minor illnesses, while international hospitals are better if you need more specialized care or don’t want to deal with language barriers.

Below are the most common illnesses tourists face in China, along with price references (as of 2026, converted to USD for clarity—note that prices may vary slightly by city, with Beijing/Shanghai being 10-20% higher than smaller cities like Lijiang or Chengdu). All prices include consultation, basic tests (if needed), and medication.

Common Illnesses & Typical Costs

1. Food Poisoning/Stomach Aches: This is the most common issue for tourists, often caused by spicy food, unaccustomed ingredients, or street food. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

– Community Health Center: $15–$30. Consultation with a doctor (use Google Translate to describe symptoms), basic stool test (if needed), and anti-diarrheal/anti-nausea medication. During my food poisoning incident in Chongqing, I paid $22 for a consultation, medication, and a rehydration drink.

– International Hospital: $80–$120. English-speaking doctor, more comprehensive tests, and imported medication (if preferred).

2. Cold/Flu: Changes in climate (e.g., going from hot Guangzhou to cool Xi’an) or crowded public transport often lead to colds or flu. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, and runny nose.

– Community Health Center: $10–$25. Consultation, fever check, and over-the-counter cold medicine (Chinese herbal or Western-style). Note that Chinese doctors often recommend herbal remedies, but you can ask for Western medicine using Google Translate.

– International Hospital: $60–$90. English consultation, flu test (if needed), and imported cold/flu medication.

3. Allergies: Pollen (especially in spring), dust, or local plants can trigger allergies for tourists. Symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose.

– Community Health Center: $12–$28. Consultation and antihistamine medication (oral or nasal spray).

– International Hospital: $70–$100. Allergy assessment (if needed) and imported antihistamines.

4. Minor Injuries (Cuts, Sprains): Common from walking long distances (e.g., climbing the Great Wall) or accidental scrapes.

– Community Health Center: $8–$20. Cleaning/dressing the wound, bandages, and anti-inflammatory cream (for sprains). For a minor sprain I got in Beijing, I paid $11 for a bandage and pain-relief ointment.

– International Hospital: $50–$80. Professional wound care and pain medication.

5. Heatstroke: Common in summer (June–August) in southern China (Guangzhou, Shenzhen) or inland cities (Chongqing, Wuhan), where temperatures often exceed 35°C (95°F). Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, and excessive sweating.

– Community Health Center: $15–$35. Consultation, rehydration treatment, and cooling medication.

– International Hospital: $80–$130. IV rehydration (if severe) and monitoring.

Key Tips for Seeking Medical Care as a Tourist

– Bring Your Passport: You’ll need your passport to register at any medical facility—this is mandatory for both community health centers and international hospitals.

– Use Translation Tools: Google Translate’s voice/camera mode is essential—describe your symptoms in English, translate them to Chinese, and show them to the doctor. You can also save phrases like “I have a stomach ache” or “I feel dizzy” to your favorites for quick access.

– Payment: Most community health centers accept Alipay or WeChat Pay (link your foreign card in advance), while some also accept cash. International hospitals accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) in addition to mobile payment.

– Find Facilities Easily: Use Amap to search for “community health center” (社区卫生服务中心) or “international hospital” (国际医院) near you—Amap will show you the address, opening hours, and reviews. Popular international hospitals for tourists include Beijing United Family Hospital and Shanghai East International Medical Center.

– Travel Insurance: It’s highly recommended to buy travel insurance before your trip—most policies cover medical expenses in China, so you can get reimbursed later. Keep all receipts and medical records for your claim.

Pro tip: If you’re staying at a hotel, ask the front desk for help—they can call a doctor for you, arrange transportation to a nearby facility, or even translate your symptoms for the medical staff. This saved me a lot of time during my food poisoning incident!

Final Tips – Make Your Trip Even Smoother

Now that you know which apps to install, here are a few final tips to make your trip to China even smoother:

1. Install all apps before you arrive in China: Some apps (like VPNs) can’t be downloaded once you’re in China, and others (like Alipay and WeChat) are easier to set up outside China. Make sure to download and set up all the apps you need a few days before your trip.

2. Bring a portable charger: You’ll be using your phone constantly (for navigation, payment, translation), so your battery will drain quickly. Bring a portable charger to keep your phone charged throughout the day.

3. Get a Chinese SIM card: If you’re staying in China for more than a few days, it’s a good idea to get a Chinese SIM card. This will give you access to data, which is essential for using the apps. You can buy a Chinese SIM card at the airport when you arrive, or you can order one online before you leave. Most Chinese SIM cards cost around $10-20 per week, and they come with a certain amount of data.

4. Learn a few basic Chinese phrases: Even if you have Google Translate, it’s polite to learn a few basic Chinese phrases, like “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xie), “sorry” (duì bu qǐ), and “how much is this?” (zhè duō shao qián). Locals will appreciate it, and it will make your interactions more pleasant.

5. Be patient: China’s digital ecosystem is different from what you’re used to, and it may take a few days to get used to the apps. Don’t get frustrated if things don’t work perfectly at first—with a little practice, you’ll be using the apps like a local.

Final Thoughts

Visiting China is an amazing experience—from the bustling cities to the beautiful countryside, there’s so much to see and do. But it’s important to be prepared, and installing the right apps before you land is the best way to ensure a smooth, stress-free trip. The apps I’ve mentioned above are the ones I wish I’d installed before my first trip to China—they saved me time, money, and a lot of frustration.

If you have any other must-have apps or tips for visiting China, I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below and share your experiences—I’m always looking for new ways to make my trips to China even better.

Happy travels, and remember: don’t be like me—install these apps before you land! You’ll thank yourself later.