Essential Apps to Download Before You Go
Install and sign in to essential apps before departure, when account recovery and app-store access are easier.
Check the current screen, the conditions that may change and the fallback before making a critical decision.
Install a minimum working stack
The goal is a resilient trip, not the largest possible app collection. Install one primary and one fallback for payments, maps, transport and translation. Complete sign-in and recovery while your home number, bank authentication and normal app-store access are available.
Add eligible cards and keep cash.
Save Chinese destinations.
Choose by train and ride needs.
Download Chinese before departure.
Run a preflight test
- Open every app from the installed icon rather than a store preview.
- Confirm the correct account and recovery number.
- Download offline language, map, booking and support information where the app supports it.
- Check that bank SMS and 3-D Secure still work with the home number.
- Save verified web fallbacks and essential booking details outside the apps.
Treat optional services honestly
rednote is useful for local discovery, Pleco for individual Chinese words, MetroMan for offline metro planning and local Chinese apps for deeper inventory. VPN and travel-eSIM products depend on current plans, routing, device support and applicable rules. No commercial provider is labeled universally best.
Compare the full essential apps in one place
The Apps directory contains the verified App Store, Google Play and official website buttons. This guide stays focused on the minimum setup and preflight test.