If you struggle to understand any of these, look up on YouTube or reddit for more info on how to sign up, etc.

Make sure to set these up in your home country before you go.

Apps to download and learn

• [ ] Map - Amap (preferred) or Baidu Maps
• [ ] Translation - Papago or Google translate
• [ ] Everything/payment apps
  • [ ] WeChat - people use this ewallet more
  • [ ] Alipay - but I prefer this and there is a Didi (uber) mini app on here, super helpful
    • these will need some time to set up with your ID etc. for verification. You will/can put in your credit/debit card here (no international transaction fee is best obviously).
• [ ] Esim - Holafly app or Mobimatter (esim marketplace) according to the country, duration and GB you want
• [ ] Rednote (xiaohongshu) - “Instagram” or for “good recs”
• [ ] Dianping - “Google reviews” and more it’s like Google on steroids with food, attractions etc. recommendations with reviews - search by city and there is an English translation feature
• [ ] Trip.com - to book trains, etc. (make sure you double check when it’s booked because they are a middle man)
• [ ] VPN - LetsVPN (I use this, it’s the best) or NordVPN - make sure to turn it on before you fly into China
• [ ] Online shopping - Taobao
• [ ] Online food delivery - Meituan

That’s pretty much it, it’s a hurdle to set these things up but so worth it and so convenient when you’re there.

All the best and I hope you come to love China as much as I do 🥹 be prepared for some culture shock and some heartwarming moments!

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Made my @Saymiew

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