Top 10 apps for China
We’ve picked the top apps to 100% make your transition smoother and your life more efficient!
1. WeChat
Top of the list is the mother of all apps you need in China. This is your WhatsApp, your Facebook, your Youtube and Deliveroo all in one app. As one of the world’s most popular messaging and social networking platforms and over 1billion users worldwide, it’s a must.
Download here:
2. Baidu Translate
Baidu is the mini pocket translator you’ll need wherever you go. Translate words, phrases and sentences instantly. Baidu also supports audio and image recognition, so when faced with a paragraph of Chinese characters, simply snap it, translate it and read it!
3. Pleco
Pleco is a dictionary app with ALL your synonym and definition needs, with a particularly easy to use interface.
4. Didi (English version)
Hail your cab via the Didi app and avoid frantically flapping your arm into the manic traffic. For those times Ubers aren’t available to take you to the bar to meet those new expat friends, Didi is the one.
5. Didi
Didi is basically China’s Uber. The best bit is - the app is fully in English which means you have no problem navigating this must-have app!
6. Shanghai metro map
Whether you’re living in Shanghai or simply visiting, this app is your saviour for navigating around the city’s complex metro system. It works offline too, ideal when you’re confused at Xintiandi station.
iPhone
7. Apple Maps
Getting lost in a new country for the first or tenth time, is not fun! Remember that anything Google is out of the picture when it comes to China, including Google Maps. So Apple is your go to, which operates offline too (you must open the app when online first).
8. Alipay
Your PayPal of China. Quick and safe transactions made simple. You can now add a bank card, check your account balance, top up you account, transfer money and make mobile payments – big advancements on where the app was not so long ago.
iPhone
9. Monzo
Monzo allows you to set up direct debits and standing orders in-app and to transfer to / from friends & family at home, instantly.
10. Air quality
Monitor that air quality with the Air Quality app.