Before you come to China

VPN

Download VPN before coming to China, otherwise, once you’re inside the country, you can’t access most western apps, such as Google-related services (Gmail, Google Search, Youtube, etc) and Meta-related services (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc).

Cash

Bring cash and ATM card. Even though China is becoming more of a cashless society, I would still recommend you to have some cash with you, just in case you have any problems with your mobile payment method.

Translator

Download Baidu Translate or Microsoft translator, as when using Google translate VPN can use a lot of your data.

Wechat and Alipay

Download Wechat and Alipay. China is pretty much a cashless society now, you will hardly find people who have change for cash. On Wechat and AliPay you can use it to take bus and metro/subway, call taxi, order food delivery, buy train/flight ticket, and so much more.

Map

Download Baidu Map and Gaode Map. Google Map is no use here in China.

Ride-hailing services

Download DiDi, as UBER is no use here in China.

Hotel and Apartment

Download Ctrip.com for hotel booking. If you are looking for an apartment or hotel to stay, ensure that the landlord accept foreigners.