Travel apps are an important asset to any backpacker; they can help you with everything from communicating to booking transport. Before you jet-off or for those already in China, we recommend to download these 5 travel apps.

HEALTH APP: MEDICAL INFORMATION

First things first, we recommend to update your medical information on your phone. As long as you have the latest operating system, the app should be readily available on your device.

• Top Features: Log medical conditions, vaccine records, blood type, and emergency contacts. Allows you to share your medical data on the spot with emergency services.
• We Recommend: Have peace of mind that, if you need medical assistance, others can access your medical information directly from your phone.
• Further Reading: How to set up your medical info on Android and iOS.
• Cost: Free
• Download:
  – Already on your phone.
  – Android: Settings > Users > Emergency Information
  – iOS: Health > Medical ID > Edit

MESSAGING APP: WECHAT

WeChat is the Chinese equivalent of WhatsApp.  It’s one of the more reliable messaging and calling apps to have in China. As a bonus, it allows you to easily communicate with your new Chinese friends and tour guides.

• Top Features: Instant messaging, voice and video calls, voice recorder, and QR scanner.
• We Recommend: Encourage friends and family to download WeChat to ensure reliable communication with the home front. (Although WhatsApp works in China, it can still be shaky at times.)
• Further Reading: For our travel geeks, WeChat has many interesting and quirky features – for those who are curious read: 5 WeChat Features That Whatsapp Should Really Use.
• Cost: Free
• Download:
  – Download WeChat for Android
  – Download WeChat for iOS

VPN APP: EXPRESSVPN/FREE ALTERNATIVES

Internet access to many popular Western websites in China is restricted, indeed you may well have heard of the ‘Great Firewall of China’. Using a VPN app enables you to circumvent China’s restrictions when browsing the web.

• Top Features: ExpressVPN can be used across multiple devices and not just your phone. We’re also fans of the app’s impressive 24/7 support team.
• We Recommend: You’ll have a choice of countries to select as your IP address, it’s often worth experimenting to find the most effective.
• Further Reading: If you run out of a free trial with ExpressVPN, here are a few free alternatives.
• Cost: Free trial for 30 Days
• Download:
  – Download ExpressVPN for Android
  – Download ExpressVPN for iOS

TRANSLATION APP: PLECO

Is your Chinese not up to scratch and keen to communicate with the locals? Don’t worry Pleco translation app is here to help.

• Top Features: Live audio translation, write and translate, document translator, and Mandarin – English – Pinyin Dictionary.
• We Recommend:
   – Talk with the locals as if you were a native with the live audio translation feature of Pleco.
   – Translate Chinese text by using the Handwriting and OCR translation feature on Pleco. Either draw or take a picture of the Chinese characters to get your Chinese to English translation. Do note, this method can be a little unreliable at times, but always fun and a great way to bond with locals.
• Further Reading: More info about Pleco
• Cost: Free
• Download:
  – Download Pleco for Android
  – Download Pleco for iOS

LEARNING APP: CHINESESKILL

Learn mandarin on the go with ChineseSkill. Spend your long journeys learning the language in an entertaining way.

• Top Features: Simple lessons using pictures, sound and minimal text. A challenge feature allows you to compete with friends on Chinese knowledge.
• We Recommend:
  – After you complete the ‘basics’ lessons you are able to pick lessons focusing on topics ranging from dining out to banking.
  – Headphones are always a good idea if you’re planning to use the app in public places.
• Further Reading: More information about ChineseSkill and other learning Chinese apps.
• Cost: Free
• Download:
  – Download ChineseSkill for Android
  – Download ChineseSkill for iOS

TRANSPORT APP: CTRIP

Allowing you to book accommodation and transport nationwide using just your phone, Ctrip is a travel app in the most literal sense.

• Top Features: Great for booking and saving money on domestic flights and train travel. Departure times and prices are listed in a simple, comprehensive way.
• We Recommend: When using the app with your card from home there’s normally a charge of around 3% but, depending on the cost of your purchase, the money you save and the ease of travel often makes it worth it. The app can also be used just to look up train times and costs.
• Cost: Free
• Further Reading: More info about Ctrip
• Download:
  – Download Ctrip for Android
  – Download Ctrip for iOS

If you’re already in China and can’t access Google Play to download your travel apps head to the Baidu App Store instead.

Not booked your trip yet? Have a look at our China trip itineraries or talk to us in the chat window.

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