Apps to Download Before Going to Shenzhen (2026)
6 min read
TL;DR: Install Alipay, Amap, Didi, and a VPN app before you land. You won't be able to download many of these reliably once you're in China. Takes 20 minutes at home, saves you hours of frustration.
✅ Last Verified: February 2026 — All apps below available in international App Store / Google Play.
The Golden Rule
Download everything at home, on your home internet connection, before you cross into mainland China.
Once inside China:
- Google Play is blocked (Android users)
- App Store sometimes restricts apps for Chinese IP addresses
- App Store search results are different for Chinese accounts
- Many app websites are blocked
Must-Have Before You Arrive
🔴 Alipay — Payment
Why: Shenzhen is nearly cashless. You need this to pay for food, taxis, anything.
Setup at home:
- Download → Sign up with your foreign phone number → Add your foreign card → Complete identity verification
Takes 10 minutes at home. Very difficult to set up properly once in China if you run into issues.
🔴 VPN App — Internet Freedom
Why: Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube all blocked the moment you cross.
Setup at home: Download and log into your chosen VPN. Test it works (Google should load). Recommended: Astrill or ExpressVPN.
⚠️ Critical: Turn VPN OFF when using Alipay or WeChat Pay. It will cause payment failures.
🔴 Amap (高德地图) — Navigation
Why: Google Maps doesn't work in China. Amap is the best alternative — accurate, real-time traffic, public transit routing.
- Available on App Store and Google Play
- Set language to English in settings (not perfect but usable)
- Download offline maps for Shenzhen before you arrive
Alternatives: Baidu Maps (Chinese-only), Apple Maps (works but less detailed)
🔴 WeChat — Communication
Why: WhatsApp and other messaging apps are blocked. Your Chinese contacts almost certainly use WeChat. Hotels, restaurants, and anyone you meet in Shenzhen will communicate via WeChat.
Setup: Sign up with your foreign phone number. Add people you know in Shenzhen before arriving.
Note: You can use WeChat for messaging without setting up WeChat Pay.
Highly Recommended
🟡 Didi — Ride Hailing
Why: The Chinese Uber. Most reliable way to get a taxi in Shenzhen. Works in English. Drivers see your destination in Chinese so language isn't a barrier.
Setup: Sign up, add your card or Alipay for payment.
⚠️ Didi requires a phone number for registration. Use your home number. First few rides sometimes need SMS verification.
Backup: Grab (works in limited areas), or ask your hotel to call a taxi.
🟡 Pleco — Chinese Dictionary
Why: The best offline Chinese dictionary. Works without internet. Point your camera at Chinese text (menu, sign, label) and it translates instantly.
Download the free version. The Basic add-on ($10) adds flashcard and advanced features but the free version covers most needs.
🟡 Translate App with Offline Download
Both Google Translate and Apple Translate have camera-based translation that works on menus and signs.
- Google Translate: Download the Chinese language pack for offline use (before crossing — Google is blocked)
- Apple Translate: Works offline, download Chinese language pack in Settings → Translate
🟡 Wise / Revolut — Better Exchange Rates
If you're withdrawing cash from ATMs in Shenzhen, use a Wise or Revolut card to avoid foreign transaction fees. Set it up at home, load some money, bring it as your ATM card.
Nice to Have
🟢 Meituan (美团) — Food Delivery
The dominant food delivery app in China. Nearly every restaurant is on it. Ordering requires a Chinese phone number for the account, which is a barrier for tourists — but if you can get set up (ask a local contact to help), it's incredibly useful.
Backup alternative: Ask your hotel concierge to help you order.
🟢 DiDi International vs DiDi Mainland
There are two versions of Didi: the International version (for tourists, English interface, foreign card payment) and the Mainland version (Chinese interface, for locals).
Download Didi International — it's specifically designed for foreign visitors.
🟢 Trip.com or Ctrip — Train Tickets
If you're traveling beyond Shenzhen to Guangzhou or other cities, you'll need train tickets. Trip.com (international version of Ctrip) lets you book Chinese high-speed rail in English. Much easier than the official 12306 app which is Chinese-only.
Quick Reference Table
| App | Category | Essential? | Download Before? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alipay | Payment | ✅ Yes | ✅ Must |
| VPN (Astrill/ExpressVPN) | Internet | ✅ Yes | ✅ Must |
| Amap (高德) | Navigation | ✅ Yes | ✅ Must |
| Messaging | ✅ Yes | ✅ Recommended | |
| Didi International | Transport | 🟡 High | 🟡 Recommended |
| Pleco | Translation | 🟡 High | 🟡 Recommended |
| Google Translate (offline) | Translation | 🟡 High | 🟡 Recommended |
| Wise / Revolut | Banking | 🟡 High | 🟡 If possible |
| Meituan | Food delivery | 🟢 Nice | 🟢 If possible |
| Trip.com | Transport | 🟢 Nice | 🟢 If needed |
What You Don't Need (That Locals Use)
| App | Why You Don't Need It |
|---|---|
| Baidu Maps | Chinese-only, Amap is better |
| WeChat replaced it for most | |
| 12306 (rail tickets) | Chinese-only, use Trip.com instead |
| Taobao | Shopping — you're visiting, not shipping |
| Xiaohongshu | Chinese social media |
Android-Specific Notes
Android users face more friction in China:
- Google Play is blocked — you cannot download new apps once in China
- Download all Google apps (Maps, Translate, etc.) before leaving — they won't update in China but work fine
- Some Android phones (Huawei) sold in China don't have Google services at all — irrelevant if you're bringing your own phone
- If you forget to download something: ask your hotel for their WiFi password and use a VPN to access the Play Store
iPhone-Specific Notes
- The App Store works in China for apps that are available in the mainland Chinese App Store
- However, some apps (many VPNs, some Google apps) are not in the Chinese App Store
- If your Apple ID is linked to a Chinese App Store account, some international apps won't appear
- Use your home country Apple ID — don't switch to a Chinese Apple ID just because an app suggests it