Phone, payment and essential apps
The important points to settle before you set off. This is here to bring order to the planning; the official details are worth checking close to your departure date.
Install and set up Alipay and WeChat in advance. Both apps are extremely useful for payment, local services, communication, bookings and sometimes for reaching mini-apps. Link a credit card ahead of time, verify the account works, and run a basic test before the flight rather than after landing.
For navigation, install Amap — 高德地图 in Chinese. Inside China it is generally more useful than Western maps, especially for public transport, walking, taxis, journey times and local addresses. Save your hotels and key points in the app in advance, and screenshot the important addresses as well.
On payment, don't rely on a single method. Even if Alipay or WeChat work, carry a credit card, some cash in yuan, and a backup of your booking details and documents. Sometimes a foreign payment is declined, an app asks for verification, or a small place simply prefers something simpler.
In summary
- A working connectivity solution before day one.
- Alipay installed, linked to a card and tested in advance.
- WeChat installed and ready for communication, payment and local services.
- Amap / 高德地图 installed, with hotels and key points saved in advance.
- Some cash in yuan, a credit card and a backup of documents and bookings.