PRE-FLIGHT / APP STACK
Essential apps before you fly
A small, deliberately prepared stack beats a phone full of recommendations you cannot log into when you land.
THE SHORT VERSION
- Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay as two payment rails.
- Use 12306 for rail and NIA channels for immigration workflows.
- Treat DiDi, maps, translation and eSIM tools as device-, city- and provider-dependent.
Core setup
Create Alipay and WeChat accounts, bind supported overseas cards and complete issuer checks. Add China Railway 12306 if rail is part of the trip. Use the NIA web, app or mini-program channel when an arrival-card or registration workflow applies.
Transport and navigation
Current official guidance says DiDi-Greater China supports foreign mobile-number registration and international credit cards. Service type, city coverage and airport pickup remain itinerary-specific. Choose a map and translation tool only after checking current mainland availability and offline fallbacks.
Test, do not merely install
Open every account on the device travelling with you. Confirm the verification number or email, save a second payment method and download essential addresses before departure.
SOURCE DESK
Check the underlying sources
- A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business ExpatriatesState Council of the People's Republic of China↗
- Guide to daily life services for foreigners in ChinaState Council of the People's Republic of China↗
- Foreign passenger ticketing FAQChina Railway 12306↗
- Online arrival card and 240-hour transit guidanceNational Immigration Administration↗
- DiDi international app downloadDiDi Global↗
Policies, provider terms and local operations change. Recheck the named authority before a consequential booking or travel decision.