Apps for China

Alipay

Payment system and taxi service in one app.

Verification

• When signing up, you need a passport (to scan or photograph your details) and a Russian phone number, which receives the SMS verification code when you log in.
• In 2026, Alipay introduced direct linking of foreign cards (Visa/Mastercard/Amex). Money is charged from your card for each purchase, so there is no need to top up your balance separately.

Top-up (if card linking doesn't work)

• Tinkoff and Sberbank offer a feature for transferring money to China "to yourself by phone number" — you transfer money to your own account. It's worth trying a small transfer before your trip to make sure the method works for you.

DiDi

• I use it directly inside Alipay — China's Uber is built right into it, so you don't need a separate app.

Trip.com

My main service for booking flights. This is often where I find the most convenient flight options within China and to China.

• Bonus: Trip.com has given me access to a business lounge twice just for buying tickets. Keep an eye out for these promotions when booking, they pop up from time to time.
• You can also conveniently book train tickets (including high-speed trains) and accommodation here, all in one app.
• You need to register on the website/app. Link your Russian bank card, and all purchases — flights, hotels, trains — will be charged automatically. No need to make a separate bank payment every time.

eSIM & VPN

• I also buy eSIMs on Trip.com. You can get one that works across several Asian countries (Korea, the Philippines, Bali).
• For some reason, Telegram, WhatsApp and Instagram work for me without a local VPN, even though they are blocked.

WeChat

Messenger + social network. Sign up with your phone number.

• If you don't receive the verification code, ask any local Chinese person to scan your QR code. This usually gets the verification through.
• Useful for messaging guides and booking tours with local Chinese providers.

MetroMan

• Offline metro maps for all major cities in China, with travel time estimates. A backup to Amap when you don't have internet access.

Amap

• Map of China. The most convenient and accurate maps across China, more detailed and reliable than Google Maps, which doesn't really work properly in China.

Currency converter

• Use it to double-check the amount in yuan before paying through Alipay/WeChat, especially when the total is unusually large.