Essential Apps Guide

Which apps to install before you fly, and how to make sure maps, translation, and ride-hailing actually work when you land.

When to read

Before departure, while the traveler still has stable internet and time to test setup.

What it covers

Rules and services change. For anything important — entry, transport, payment, hotels, telecom — double-check with official sources before you travel.

Arrival task by taskDon't install 20 apps because a blog told you to. Think about what you actually need to do on day one: pay, navigate, translate, get a ride, and talk to your hotel.SourcesState CouncilChina Railway 12306National Immigration AdministrationRead details What to install and test"Installed" doesn't mean "ready." You need to actually open each app, log in, link your card, and make sure it works before you're standing in a Chinese airport with no Wi-Fi.SourcesState CouncilChina Railway 12306Read details Offline savesWhen your phone has no signal, no data, or 3% battery — screenshots and notes still work. Save the important stuff where it doesn't need internet.SourcesNational Immigration AdministrationChina Railway 12306Read details Service availability caveatsApps change, services update, and what worked for someone else might not work for you. Don't build your entire day-one plan around a single app working perfectly.SourcesState CouncilChina Railway 12306National Immigration AdministrationRead details