Your phone is your most important travel tool in Hangzhou. Without the right apps, you will struggle to pay for things, get around, or communicate. Download and set up these apps before you arrive — some require verification steps that are difficult to complete from inside China.
⚠ No Phone Number = No Service
This is the single biggest shock for first-time visitors to China: most Chinese apps have no email registration option. Didi, Meituan, Dianping, 12306, shared bike apps — they all require a phone number to sign up. Without a Chinese phone number, you cannot use food delivery, ride-hailing, or many other essential services. Buy a local SIM card at the airport on arrival (50-100 RMB) even if you have an eSIM for data. See our eSIM & Internet Guide for the dual-SIM strategy.
⚠ QR Code-Only Ordering (强制扫码点餐)
Many restaurants in Hangzhou — especially mid-range and chain restaurants — do not accept cash and do not have paper menus. You must scan a QR code on the table to view the menu (in Chinese) and place your order through WeChat or Alipay. There is no waiter to take your order. If you cannot read Chinese, use Pleco's OCR feature or Alipay's built-in translation to navigate the menu. Some restaurants have staff who can help, but do not count on it. This is increasingly common and catches many foreign visitors off guard.
Before You Install: Preparation
Before downloading anything, handle these prerequisites. Two of them can only be done outside China.
Internet Access (Set Up Before Arrival)
Google services, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and many Western websites are blocked in China. The easiest solution is an travel eSIM — it bypasses the Great Firewall entirely so Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram all work normally. Alternatively, you can use hotel Wi-Fi for non-blocked sites. See our eSIM & Internet Guide for the full setup.
Chinese Phone Number (Recommended)
Several apps on this list require a Chinese phone number for full functionality. You can get one in three ways: (1) buy a prepaid SIM at Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport on arrival (China Mobile or China Unicom counter, approximately 50-100 for 7-30 days with data); (2) order an eSIM from providers like Holafly or Airalo before departure; (3) use your home number with international roaming (expensive, but Alipay and WeChat verification codes will arrive via SMS).
Which apps need a Chinese number: Didi (required for registration), Meituan (required), 12306 (recommended). Which do not: Alipay (accepts foreign numbers), WeChat (accepts foreign numbers), Trip.com (accepts foreign numbers), Apple Maps, Pleco.
Apple ID Region
Some apps (especially Didi and local Chinese apps) are only available on the App Store if your Apple ID region is set to China. You do not need to change your region permanently — create a second Apple ID with China as the region, or download the apps before you leave using your regular account (many are available globally now).
Essential Apps
1. Alipay (支付宝) — The Most Important App
Why you need it: Alipay is the backbone of daily life in China. You will use it to pay at restaurants, shops, convenience stores, metro turnstiles, Didi rides, and even street food vendors. Without Alipay or WeChat Pay, you will be carrying large amounts of cash and constantly searching for places that accept it.
Setup steps:
- Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open the app and tap "Sign Up." Select your country/region and enter your phone number (foreign numbers work).
- Verify with the SMS code.
- Tap "Me" at the bottom, then "Bank Cards" to link your international Visa or Mastercard. Alipay now supports foreign credit cards through the "Tour Pass" mini-program.
- Complete identity verification: you will need to photograph your passport. This takes 1-24 hours to process.
- Once verified, you can pay by scanning QR codes at any merchant.
Usage tips: At checkout, look for the blue Alipay QR code on the merchant's screen or stand. Tap "Scan" in Alipay, scan the code, confirm the amount, and pay. For metro rides, open Alipay, search for "Hangzhou Metro" (杭州地铁), and use the transit QR code to tap through fare gates. Alipay also has a built-in translation feature — tap "Me" then the settings gear, then "Language" to switch to English.
Important: Alipay has waived its 3% transaction fee for international cards (cancelled in late 2023). However, your card issuer may still charge a foreign transaction fee (typically 1-3%). Check with your bank.
2. WeChat (微信) — Communication and Payment
Why you need it: WeChat is how Chinese people communicate. Hotel staff, tour guides, restaurant reservations and new acquaintances will all want to add you on WeChat. It also includes WeChat Pay, which is the second payment system alongside Alipay — some merchants only accept one or the other.
Setup steps:
- Download WeChat from the App Store or Google Play.
- Sign up with your phone number (foreign numbers accepted).
- Complete the verification process (SMS code + facial recognition may be required).
- To enable WeChat Pay: go to "Me" then "Wallet," then link your international Visa or Mastercard. The process is similar to Alipay — photograph your passport for verification.
Usage tips: WeChat "mini-programs" are lightweight apps inside WeChat that do everything from ordering food to booking museum tickets. Search for mini-programs by name or scan QR codes. The translation feature in WeChat chats is excellent — long-press any Chinese message and tap "Translate." For group communication, WeChat groups are how tours, expat communities and event organizers coordinate.
3. Didi (滴滴出行) — Ride-Hailing
Why you need it: Didi is China's equivalent of Uber and operates everywhere in Hangzhou. It is typically 20-30% cheaper than street-hailed taxis, shows the fare upfront, and avoids the language barrier since you enter your destination in the app.
Setup steps:
- Download "DiDi — Ride Hailing" (the international version with English interface) from the App Store or Google Play. The Chinese-only version is called 滴滴出行.
- Register with your phone number. A Chinese phone number is required for the Chinese version; the international version accepts foreign numbers but has fewer vehicle options.
- Link a payment method: Alipay, WeChat Pay, or an international credit card.
- Set the app language to English in Settings.
Usage tips: Type your destination in English or pinyin — the app's autocomplete usually figures it out. For popular tourist spots, search in pinyin (e.g., "Lingyin Si" for Lingyin Temple). Choose "Express" (快车) for the cheapest option, "Premier" (专车) for larger, cleaner vehicles. If you have luggage, select "Express Plus" (优享) for more trunk space. Always confirm the license plate before getting in.
4. Amap / Gaode Maps (高德地图) — Navigation
Why you need it: Google Maps is unreliable in China — locations are often offset by 50-500 meters, and real-time transit data does not work. Amap is the most accurate map app for China, with correct locations, real-time bus tracking, metro routing and driving directions.
Setup steps: Download "Amap" (高德地图) from the App Store. The app has a partial English interface if your phone language is set to English. No registration required for basic navigation.
Usage tips: Search for destinations in pinyin or Chinese characters. The metro route planner is excellent — enter your start and end points, and it shows the fastest route with transfer instructions, estimated time and fare. For walking navigation, the blue dot is accurate to within 5 meters. Alternative: Baidu Maps (百度地图) has similar functionality but no English interface at all. Apple Maps works well for iPhone users and has English labels — use it as a backup.
5. Pleco — Chinese Dictionary and Translation
Why you need it: Pleco is the best Chinese-English dictionary app, and it works entirely offline. Unlike Google Translate, it does not need an internet connection, which matters when you are in a temple with no signal or your data connection is spotty.
Setup steps: Download Pleco from the App Store or Google Play. No account needed. Download the "OCR Add-on" (free with the basic app) for camera-based character recognition.
Usage tips: The OCR feature is the killer tool — point your camera at any Chinese text (menus, signs, labels) and Pleco overlays English translations in real time. Draw characters you see on signs with your finger to look them up. Save frequently used phrases to a flashcard list (e.g., "no MSG," "wheelchair accessible," "how much"). The free version is sufficient for most travelers; the paid add-ons ($10-30) add example sentences and more dictionaries.
6. Dianping (大众点评) — Find Restaurants and Services
Why you need it: Dianping is China's Yelp + TripAdvisor combined. It has reviews, photos and ratings for virtually every restaurant, spa, hair salon and entertainment venue in Hangzhou. Locals use it to find the best food — if a restaurant has 4.5+ stars and 1000+ reviews on Dianping, it is genuinely good.
Setup steps: Download 大众点评 from the Chinese App Store (you may need a China-region Apple ID) or download the APK for Android. Register with your Chinese phone number. Link Alipay for in-app purchases and reservations.
Usage tips: The app is Chinese-only, so use Pleco's OCR or screenshot + Google Translate to navigate. Search by location (杭州 = Hangzhou) and category. Photos uploaded by reviewers are more reliable than the text — look for recent photos to see actual portion sizes and restaurant conditions. Dianping also sells discounted vouchers for many restaurants, typically 10-30% off.
7. Meituan (美团) — Tickets, Hotels and Delivery
Why you need it: Meituan is Dianping's parent company and the super-app for booking attraction tickets, hotel rooms, food delivery and local experiences at discount prices. Many attractions offer 15-40% off tickets when booked through Meituan versus buying at the gate.
Setup steps: Download 美团 from the Chinese App Store. A Chinese phone number is required for registration. Link Alipay or WeChat Pay for payment.
Usage tips: For attraction tickets, search the venue name, select your date, and buy the e-ticket. You will receive a QR code — show this at the entrance. For food delivery (美团外卖), enter your hotel address, browse restaurants and order. Delivery typically takes 30-45 minutes. The app is Chinese-only — use Pleco OCR or ask hotel staff to help you place orders.
8. 12306 — Official Train Ticket Booking
Why you need it: 12306 is the official China Railway ticketing app. It is the most reliable way to book high-speed rail tickets, with real-time seat availability and no markup. During peak seasons (National Day, Spring Festival, summer holidays), tickets sell out within minutes of release — 12306 gives you the best chance of securing a seat.
Setup steps: Download "China Railway 12306" (铁路12306) from the App Store. The app now supports English. Register with your passport number and phone number (foreign numbers work but SMS delivery can be unreliable — a Chinese number is recommended). Verify your identity by photographing your passport.
Usage tips: Tickets are released 15 days before departure at 8:00 AM China time. For popular routes (Shanghai-Hangzhou, Hangzhou-Beijing), book as early as possible. You can select specific seats — window seats are A and F, aisle seats are C and D. E-tickets are linked to your passport — just scan your passport at the station turnstile to enter, no paper ticket needed.
9. Trip.com (携程) — Comprehensive Travel Booking
Why you need it: Trip.com is the English-language version of Ctrip, China's largest online travel agency. It is the easiest way for foreigners to book trains, flights, hotels and tours with full English support and international payment methods. If 12306 feels too complicated, Trip.com is the alternative — slightly higher prices but much easier to use.
Setup steps: Download Trip.com from the App Store or Google Play. Register with your email. Add your passport details in "My Bookings" for train ticket bookings. Link an international credit card.
Usage tips: Train tickets on Trip.com cost 20-50 RMB more per ticket than 12306 (service fee), but the English interface and customer service are worth it if you are not comfortable with 12306. Trip.com also offers airport transfer bookings, attraction tickets and day tours with English-speaking guides. Their 24/7 English customer service line (+86 400-830-2766) is genuinely helpful if something goes wrong.
10. Apple Maps — Backup Navigation
Why you need it: Apple Maps works in China and has English labels for most points of interest. It is not as detailed as Amap for local businesses, but it is the easiest navigation option for iPhone users who do not read Chinese.
Setup steps: Already installed on iPhone. No setup required. Works immediately with your existing Apple ID.
Usage tips: Apple Maps in China uses AutoNavi (Gaode) data, so location accuracy is good. It shows metro station entrances, bus routes and walking directions in English. Use it for basic navigation and switch to Amap when you need more detail (like finding a specific restaurant entrance). Siri also works with Apple Maps in China — say "Navigate to West Lake" and it will start turn-by-turn walking directions.
Remote Work & Video Calls in China
If you need to work remotely while in Hangzhou, be prepared for significant connectivity challenges. Most Western collaboration tools are blocked or unreliable behind the Great Firewall.
| Tool | Status in China | Workaround |
|---|---|---|
| Google Meet | ✗ Blocked | Use an travel eSIM to bypass the GFW — Google Meet works normally. On hotel Wi-Fi, expect lag and dropped connections. Not reliable without eSIM. |
| Zoom | ⚡ Unreliable | Zoom's international servers are partially blocked. Connection drops mid-call are common. travel eSIM resolves this. |
| Microsoft Teams | ⚡ Slow | Works but very slow on local networks. Desktop app is better than web. travel eSIM improves speed significantly. |
| Slack | ⚡ Unreliable | Desktop app works better than web. Messages sometimes fail to send. travel eSIM fixes this. |
| Skype | ✓ Works | Works on local networks (Microsoft cooperates with Chinese regulations). Best option for video calls without eSIM. |
| WeChat Video | ✓ Works | High-quality video calls within China. Not useful if your colleagues do not have WeChat. |
| Tencent Meeting (腾讯会议) | ✓ Works | China's equivalent of Zoom. Works perfectly. Create a free account if you need to join meetings hosted by Chinese colleagues. |
💡 Best Strategy for Remote Workers
Use an travel eSIM as your primary data line. This completely bypasses the GFW, making Google Meet, Zoom, and Slack work normally. Combine this with a local Chinese SIM for the phone number. Always test your connection 15 minutes before an important call, and have a Skype backup ready.
Setup Checklist (Do Before You Arrive)
Follow this order — each step builds on the previous one:
- Set up your eSIM — install an travel eSIM before departure so you have internet access and GFW bypass from the moment you land
- Download Alipay — link your credit card and complete identity verification (allow 24 hours for passport verification)
- Download WeChat — create account, link credit card for WeChat Pay
- Download Pleco — install offline dictionaries and OCR add-on
- Download Didi — register and link payment (Alipay or credit card)
- Download Amap — no registration needed, just have it ready
- Download Trip.com — add passport details, book train tickets if needed
- Download 12306 — register with passport, verify identity (alternative to Trip.com)
- Download Dianping and Meituan — only if you have a Chinese phone number; skip otherwise
- Screenshot important addresses — your hotel, the nearest hospital, embassy — in both English and Chinese characters, in case your phone dies
FAQ
Can I survive without these apps?
It is possible but very difficult. Cash works for basic purchases, but many services (metro, bike rental, some restaurants) require mobile payment. At minimum, install Alipay and a translation app.
Will my foreign credit card work in Alipay?
Yes. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are all supported through Alipay's Tour Pass feature. Alipay has waived its 3% transaction fee for international cards, but your card issuer may still charge a foreign transaction fee (typically 1-3%).
How do I access Google and blocked sites?
Get an travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad) — this bypasses the Great Firewall entirely so Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram work normally. See our eSIM & Internet Guide for details.
Do I need a Chinese phone number?
It is not strictly required — Alipay and WeChat accept foreign numbers. However, a Chinese number makes Didi, Meituan and 12306 much easier to use. Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport on arrival for 50-100.
Can I use Google Maps instead of Amap?
Google Maps has significant location offset errors in China (up to 500 meters) and lacks real-time transit data. Use Amap or Apple Maps for navigation in China.