What Apps Should I Download Before Traveling to China?
Six core apps before flying—full install order is in the app checklist and best-apps guide.
Key takeaway
**Six apps** for most city trips—not a 30-app list:
Full guide
Detailed Answer
Read this if you want the minimum list—not screen-by-screen setup (best apps guide).
Skip for most first trips
| Skip | Why |
|---|---|
| Uber as primary ride | Use Didi (Uber question) |
| Google Maps as only nav | Use Amap (maps question) |
| 5 map apps | One local map is enough |
| Random “China tourism” aggregators | Never opened on day 3 |
| VPN as map/pay fix | Does not replace Amap or wallets |
Conditional (add if true)
- 12306 — you read Chinese and want official rail inventory
- Meituan/Dianping — deep restaurant booking beyond walk-in
- Banking app — 3-D Secure / travel notices for card bind
Payment detail lives in payment hub—do not duplicate wallet setup in this page.
Who this is for
- “Which apps do I actually need?”
- Overwhelmed by listicles
- Anyone planning to install everything at PVG (high risk)
What to do next
- China app setup checklist — canonical install order.
- Best apps guide — tests, icons, offline packs.
- Mobile data guide — eSIM vs roaming vs local SIM.
How to do it
Install six core apps from home store
Follow china app setup checklist
Skip Google-only maps and Uber-as-primary
Use best apps guide for testing
Watch for
Too many untested downloads
Post-landing install only
WeChat Pay not enabled
What may vary
Store region and DiDi version affect availability.
Backup plan
Hotel Wi‑Fi to finish one failed install—not the primary plan. Printed hotel address in Chinese.
FAQ
How many apps minimum?
**Six** for typical city travel (+ Trip.com if booking HSR).
Can I install after landing?
Risky—do it before the flight.