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Check out other travel tips for Shanghai:
As technology is heavily involved in daily life in China, it’s crucial to have the right apps to enjoy the super convenient lifestyle.
Here are the essential apps to make your visit easier and help you stay connected with locals.
1. WeChat (微信)
— Like WhatsApp + Apple Pay + Instagram + more
- Contacts, chats, calls, posts
- WeChat Pay: Pay for everything, send money to friends
- Mini Programs: Apps within WeChat (no need to install). Order at restaurants, buy tickets, access museum info, and more
- Built-in Translator: Translates messages and mini programs (similar to Chrome’s translation). You can open most of the apps in WeChat mini program to get the translation
You’ll use WeChat for almost everything, it’s a must have!
2. Alipay (支付宝)
— Like Apple Pay and more
- Another widely used payment app
- Supports mini programs (like WeChat)
- Transportation card: Scan QR code to ride metro or bus of your location
3. Baidu (百度)
— Like Google
- The most popular search engine in China
4. Baidu Maps (百度地图)
— Like Google Maps
- Best for navigation and public transport info
- You can also order taxis through the app
5. Dianping (大众点评)
— Like Yelp + Google Reviews
- Find restaurants, cafes, shops, attractions, and more
- Tons of local reviews and photos
- Many places offer discounts and coupons in the app (make sure to check it out before you order)
6. Ele.me (饿了么)
— Like Uber Eats
- Order food, drinks, groceries, and anything (super fast delivery even late at night)
- Lots of deals and discounts
7. Meituan (美团)
— Like Amazon + Uber Eats + a lot more
- Order food, groceries delivery
- Buy coupons for restaurants, shops, services, and more
- Rent public bikes and power banks
- Also offers online shopping
8. Didi (滴滴)
— Like Uber
- The most used ride-hailing app in China
- Has an English version, very easy to use
9. Ctrip (携程)
— Like Booking.com + Expedia
- Book flights, trains, hotels, and tours
- Very helpful for planning trips around China
10. Taobao (淘宝)
— Like Amazon
- The biggest online shopping platform
- Find almost anything at great prices, with fast delivery
11. Xiaohongshu / Rednote (小红书)
— Like Instagram + Pinterest
- One of the most popular social media platforms in China
- Find travel tips, food spots, reviews, and more
✦ VPN
- Needed to access Instagram, YouTube, Google, etc.
- I personally recommend LadderVPN. It’s cheap, reliable, and works well in China
I’m not gonna lie, it can be a bit tricky to use these apps if you don’t read Chinese, but having them will definitely make your visit easier and give you the best experience in China.