Internet, Apps & Payments in China

How to stay connected

A lot of people worry that once they arrive in China, they won’t be able to use Google, YouTube, Instagram, or WhatsApp.

It's a real problem, but easy to solve. I mean... I live in China, and you can still find me on YouTube —so clearly, there are ways to stay connected.

For a short trip, the easiest option is to use international roaming. You can check whether your current carrier offers it. If it isn’t available or is too expensive, I’d recommend getting a travel eSIM.
Many travel eSIMs route your data outside mainland China, so you can bypass the firewall and keep using your usual apps. Just make sure your phone supports eSIM before you buy it.
If you’re staying longer and plan to use a local Chinese SIM card or Wi-Fi, you’ll need a VPN to bypass internet restrictions so you can use those apps.

Astrill VPN is the VPN I personally use in China to access blocked apps. Download and set it up before you arrive.

Billion Connect is an eSIM that one of my students recommended after comparing prices and using it during our China tour. It also offers regional plans if you’re visiting more than one country.

Must-have Apps

Once you’re connected, the next question is: which apps do you need?

Instead of giving you a long list, here are four must-have apps.

First, WeChat. It’s the messaging app everyone uses in China, so it’s really useful if you want to connect with local people.

But it's not just a messaging app. It also has WeChat Pay and lots of built-in mini programs. Once you link your bank card, you can use it for almost everything: book a ride with DiDi, take the bus or subway, and order and pay at restaurants.

Second, Alipay. Some of my students found it easier to set up than WeChat. It’s widely used for payment and also has mini programs for transportation, train tickets, shared bicycles, and many other services.

Thanks to these built-in mini programs, these two apps can cover about 90% of what you need in China, so you don't really need a separate app for everything. I recommend setting up both, so if one doesn’t work, you’ll have a backup.

For maps, use AMapGlobal instead of Google Maps. It’s a local app, so its navigation is much more accurate in China.

Finally, Trip.com is useful for booking hotels, flights & trains, attraction tickets, and tours.

Disclaimer: Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Paying in China

Another big concern is payment. Well, you don’t need to worry about carrying large amounts of cash here, because China is a cashless society.

Once you have WeChat or Alipay linked to your bank card, you can pay easily by showing your QR code for them to scan, or scan their QR code to pay.

And it’s not just in shopping malls and restaurants. It’s everywhere—convenience stores, street food, fruit stands... I’m not joking, I’ve even seen beggars with QR codes hanging around their necks.

It’s still a good idea to carry a little cash and your bank card as a backup. You can withdraw cash with Visa or Mastercard at ATMs and use them at malls, but smaller shops may not accept them.

Tipping in China

I've got good news for you: you don’t need to tip in China!

One thing I hated about traveling in the United States was seeing another 20 percent added to my bills. In China, tipping isn’t really required or expected. In everyday restaurants, taxis, or cafés, the price you see is the price you pay.

That said, tipping is more common in the tourism industry, especially for private guides and drivers. If you're happy with their service, you can leave a tip to show your appreciation—but it’s still optional.

I lead small-group China tours for travelers who want more than just sightseeing.

Before the trip, you can email me with any questions as you get ready. Once we’re in China, I’ll be there throughout the journey to help with practical problems along the way, so you won’t have to deal with them alone.

View Our China Tour →