1. Getting online: four options
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM (international data pack) | Buy before departure, works on landing, keeps your number for SMS | No Chinese number — some app registrations limited | 1–2 week trips (easiest) |
| Local physical SIM | Cheap abundant data; a Chinese number unlocks app sign-ups and OTP codes | Needs real-name registration at an airport/carrier counter | 7+ days, heavy local usage |
| International roaming | Zero setup | Pricey, small data caps | Business / zero-effort |
| Hotel / public Wi-Fi | Free | Patchy, slow | Backup only |
The trade-off: if you'll grab 12306 tickets, unlock shared bikes and book hot attractions, a Chinese number helps a lot (physical SIM); for navigation + translation + payments, eSIM is enough. Or combine: eSIM as the floor, add a cheap local data SIM after landing.
ℹ On network accessAvailability of some international apps and services inside mainland China may differ from abroad, and rules change. Confirm with your carrier/provider that your daily apps (mail, office, social) actually work locally, and use compliant access methods in line with Chinese law. HK/Macao follow different regimes.
2. The app kit
🗺 Maps & navigation
- Amap (高德) / Baidu Maps: Chinese UI but English search works; the most complete POI data; offline packs available;
- Apple Maps: served by Amap inside the mainland — good English experience on iOS.
🗣 Translation
- Google Translate: offline Chinese pack + live camera translation (the menu saviour);
- Microsoft Translator: excellent offline pack, strong conversation mode;
- Pleco: the Chinese-character power tool — handwriting/camera lookup with pinyin; the endgame for menus and signs;
- Baidu / Youdao Translate: best Chinese speech recognition for two-way conversations;
- Tip: star your go-to phrases — they work offline.
🚕 Getting around
- DiDi (滴滴): overseas numbers and international cards supported, English UI;
- Railway 12306: official train tickets (passport registration + international cards);
- Umetrip / Flightradar24: flight status.
🍜 Life & booking
- Alipay / WeChat: payments + attraction mini-programs (see the payments guide);
- Meituan / Dianping: restaurant ratings and queues;
- Trip.com / Booking: hotels with friendly international card flows;
- Official attraction accounts: where Forbidden City–style real-name bookings live.
3. When language fails
- Show, don't speak: screenshot the Chinese address/dish and display it — the most reliable move;
- Conversation mode: you speak English, the app shows Chinese, they type back;
- Calculator diplomacy: prices negotiated by screen;
- Ask the young: English among students is strong — the teenager passing by is your interpreter;
- Hotel card: front desks outperform averages — have them write destinations in Chinese.
✓ Chinese number gestures, crash courseAt markets you'll see fingers, not words: 1–5 match yours; 6 = thumb + pinky ("call me"); 8 = thumb + index (a pistol); 9 = curled index; 10 = crossed index+middle or a fist. Learn "six" and "ten" and bargaining success doubles.
4. Survival Chinese, 12 phrases
你好
Nǐ hǎo
Hello
谢谢
Xièxie
Thank you
多少钱？
Duōshǎo qián?
How much?
太贵了
Tài guì le
Too expensive
我要这个
Wǒ yào zhège
I want this one
不要辣
Bú yào là
No spicy
洗手间在哪里？
Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?
Where is the toilet?
请带我去这里
Qǐng dài wǒ qù zhèlǐ
Please take me here (show address)
可以刷卡吗？
Kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?
Can I pay by card?
我不吃肉
Wǒ bù chī ròu
I don't eat meat
帮我叫警察
Bāng wǒ jiào jǐngchá
Please call the police
有没有英文菜单？
Yǒu méiyǒu Yīngwén càidān?
Do you have an English menu?
✓ Pro tipTap “Copy” on any phrase to place it on your clipboard and show it. Ordering: combine "no spicy / no meat / I'm allergic to…" for a near-bulletproof meal.