Navigating Daily Life in China: Essential Apps and Services for Expats

Living in China as an expat offers an exciting blend of rich culture, dynamic cities, and unique challenges. One of the key factors in making your transition smooth and successful is leveraging the right digital tools. China’s app ecosystem is vast and can be overwhelming at first, but it’s also incredibly efficient and user-friendly once you get the hang of it. From communication and transportation to food delivery and financial management, this guide covers the essential apps and services that will make daily life in China easier and more enjoyable.

WeChat (微信) WeChat is more than just a messaging app; it’s an all-in-one platform that you’ll find indispensable in China. Beyond texting and voice calls, WeChat offers a host of services including social media, mobile payments (WeChat Pay), and even government service access. Most people in China use WeChat for daily communication, so setting up an account should be one of your first steps.

Alipay (支付宝) While Alipay is primarily known for mobile payments, it also serves as a platform for social networking, making it an essential app for both financial transactions and staying connected. Alipay’s messaging feature isn’t as widely used as WeChat’s, but its payment integration with other services makes it a must-have.

QQ QQ is another popular messaging app in China, especially among younger users. It’s also a robust tool for file sharing, gaming, and accessing a wide range of services. Though less crucial than WeChat, QQ can be useful, particularly if you need to communicate with people who prefer this platform.

Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) Didi is China’s equivalent of Uber and the go-to app for hailing rides across the country. Whether you need a regular car, a luxury vehicle, or a taxi, Didi has options to suit your needs. The app is available in English, making it accessible for expats. For seamless travel, it’s advisable to link your Didi account to WeChat Pay or Alipay.

Baidu Maps (百度地图) Baidu Maps is the most widely used navigation app in China, similar to Google Maps. While it’s predominantly in Chinese, the app offers detailed maps, real-time traffic updates, and public transportation routes. It’s an invaluable tool for getting around, especially if you’re traveling to less touristy areas where English signage is scarce.

Metro and Public Transportation Apps Most major Chinese cities have their own metro apps that provide route maps, train schedules, and real-time updates. For example, Shanghai Metro and Beijing Subway apps are essential for navigating these cities’ extensive subway systems. These apps often support mobile payments through QR codes, making your commute easier.

Meituan (美团) and Ele.me (饿了么) When it comes to food delivery, Meituan and Ele.me are the two dominant players. These apps allow you to order from a vast range of restaurants, from local eateries to international chains, and have food delivered to your door. Both apps are available in Chinese, but with built-in translation features and visual menus, they are fairly easy to use. They also support grocery delivery and even services like booking movie tickets.

Dianping (大众点评) Dianping is China’s equivalent of Yelp, offering reviews and ratings for restaurants, cafes, and other local businesses. It’s an excellent resource for discovering new places to eat and drink, with the added benefit of being integrated with Meituan for easy booking and ordering.

Sherpa’s Sherpa’s is a food delivery service specifically tailored for expats, offering an English interface and a curated selection of restaurants in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing. While it’s more expensive than Meituan or Ele.me, it’s a convenient option if you prefer an easier user experience.

WeChat Pay and Alipay Mobile payments are ubiquitous in China, and WeChat Pay and Alipay are the two main services you’ll need. These apps allow you to pay for almost everything, from groceries and taxis to utility bills and online shopping. Setting up these payment methods is straightforward once you have a Chinese bank account. You can link your bank account or credit card to either app and start making cashless payments everywhere.

Banking Apps Each major Chinese bank has its own app that allows you to manage your account, transfer funds, and pay bills. For example, ICBC, Bank of China, and China Construction Bank all offer apps with English language support. These apps are crucial for managing your finances, especially if you need to transfer money internationally or pay rent.

TransferWise (now Wise) If you need to transfer money between your home country and China, Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a cost-effective and reliable service. It offers lower fees and better exchange rates compared to traditional banks. Wise is especially useful for expats who need to manage finances across borders.

Taobao (淘宝) and JD.com (京东) Taobao and JD.com are the largest e-commerce platforms in China, offering everything from clothing and electronics to home goods and groceries. While Taobao is known for its vast selection and low prices, JD.com is preferred for faster delivery and more reliable customer service. Both apps offer mobile payment options and are essential for online shopping in China.

Tmall (天猫) Tmall is a premium version of Taobao, offering branded products and higher-end merchandise. It’s ideal for expats looking for quality products and international brands. Like Taobao, Tmall supports mobile payments and offers a wide range of delivery options.

Youku (优酷), Tencent TV (腾讯视频) and iQiyi (爱奇艺) For entertainment, Youku, Tencent TV and iQiyi are three of the leading video streaming platforms in China, offering a mix of local and international content. Both apps provide access to movies, TV shows, and live broadcasts, though much of the content is in Chinese. Subscriptions are affordable and can be paid through WeChat Pay or Alipay.

Emerging Short Video Apps are gaining a lion’s share of the entertainment market as well. Typically, the Douyin (抖音) and Kuaishou (快手) are becoming popular among the public (particularly among the youngsters circle), while they support the WeChat Pay or Alipay as well.

Pleco Pleco is a powerful Chinese dictionary app that is highly regarded among expats for its comprehensive features. It includes detailed word definitions, example sentences, handwriting recognition, and OCR (optical character recognition) for translating Chinese text using your phone’s camera. It’s an invaluable tool for learning Mandarin and navigating daily life.

Google Translate While Google services are limited in China, Google Translate remains accessible and incredibly useful. It supports text, voice, and image translation between English and Chinese, making it a versatile tool for communication. Although it’s not perfect, especially with more complex sentences, it’s a helpful app for translating menus, signs, and conversations on the go.

HelloChinese For those serious about learning Mandarin, HelloChinese is a highly recommended language learning app. It offers interactive lessons, speaking practice, and gamified learning experiences that make mastering Chinese more engaging. The app is designed with beginners in mind but also offers advanced features for more experienced learners.

Adapting to life in China is much easier with the right digital tools at your fingertips. The apps and services highlighted in this guide are essential for navigating everything from communication and transportation to shopping and entertainment. By familiarizing yourself with these tools, you’ll find that living in China can be incredibly convenient and rewarding. Whether you’re staying for a few months or a few years, these apps will become integral to your daily routine, helping you thrive in your new environment.