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How do I travel in China if I'm not confident with apps?

Q: How do I travel in China if I'm not confident with apps?

You can manage China without being a power user. Land already online with roaming or a simple eSIM, carry your hotel address printed in Chinese, use the official taxi queue instead of an app, keep some cash as backup, and lean on hotel front desks — they will call taxis, write addresses, and help with apps.

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

Set up the easy way

Roaming or a pre-installed eSIM means you arrive connected without setting anything up at the airport.
Ask a family member or your phone shop to help install Alipay and add a card before you fly.
Print your hotel's name, address, and phone in Chinese, and keep a paper copy as well as a photo.

Getting around without apps

Use the official taxi rank and hand the driver your printed Chinese address — no app needed.
Keep a small amount of cash for taxis and small shops in case a payment app is fiddly.
Metro stations have ticket machines with an English option and staff who can help.

Lean on people

Hotel front desks are one of your best tools: they will call a taxi, write down addresses, recommend nearby food, and help if an app misbehaves. Don't be shy about asking — it's normal, and it turns the trip from stressful to manageable.

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Next steps

Planning the whole trip?

Build your China Arrival Plan.

Start with your first city, then save payment, internet, arrival, and final-check recommendations into one return link.

Build my Arrival Plan

Payment-app support, visa rules, and connectivity change. Verify time-sensitive items with official sources before departure.