:quality(90)/f/86150/750x426/b884e02a60/the-apps-you-need-for-china-v-1.jpg)
:quality(90)/f/86150/150x150/5677f040a3/jaye-plant-bio.jpg)
In a society where people spend ninety percent of their day on their phone (probably), there are undoubtedly some brilliant apps that have changed the way many people live. Convenience is king, you have everything you need in the palm of your hand (and you do know you can also use it to call people, right?).
I’ve selected the apps that have made my life in China easier, from travel and communication to entertainment and payment, many of which I use every single day while living and working here.
Apps for communicating
Your first and sometimes only point of contact with friends. In China, people use WeChat to message and call one another. They also update their Moments (similar to a Facebook wall), read news articles, book train tickets, check film times, and pay for almost anything using WeChat Wallet.
Pleco
A handy translation app. Pleco downloads its word database to your phone, so you can access it even without a mobile network connection. It also includes some impressive in-app features, such as a camera recognition tool for translating characters, which is especially useful when trying to figure out a menu. It even offers flashcards, which are great for studying Chinese.
Transport and travel
C-trip
Ctrip is a great app for booking trains, flights and hotels both domestically and internationally. It often offers good deals on travel, and the app is very easy to navigate.
OFO/Mobike
Bike sharing has become hugely popular in China, with OFO and Mobike at the heart of it all, although many competitors have since emerged. Bike sharing makes getting around in China healthy and eco-friendly. Gone are the days when you had to commit to buying your own bike. These bikes are an excellent way to explore the city you live in without having to worry about where to park them.
Metro Map
If bike sharing is not your style, it is useful to have a metro map of the city you live in or are travelling to on your phone. Plan ahead and avoid getting lost.
Baidu Maps
Baidu Maps is like the Chinese version of Google Maps. It can show you where you are and direct you to your destination, whether you are walking, driving or using public transport. Simply input your destination in characters, or copy and paste it, and follow the map.
Entertainment
QQ Music
QQ Music is my favourite way to listen to music in China. Most songs and artists are available to listen to and download for free, although for some you need to pay to download.
Bili Bili
Bili Bili is a Japanese app that is likened to Netflix. It has a database of films and TV to watch for free on your device. You'll have to create an account; after which you'll have access to a whole database of entertainment which you can watch on your smartphone or tablet.
Food
E Le Ma
This is a Chinese app that delivers food from most restaurants in the city where you live, right to your door. It is all in Chinese, which takes some getting used to, but once you have found the restaurants and dishes you like, it is quite straightforward. Convenience at its best.
Sherpa's
Sherpa’s is a delivery service that operates in Shanghai, Beijing and Suzhou. It offers a variety of restaurants across the city, featuring many ethnicities and styles, perfect for those rainy days when going outside is simply not an option.
Mobile payment apps
WeChat and Alipay
Virtual payment has almost replaced cash in China. You can pay for groceries, clothes, bills, order food, book a taxi, send money to your friends- the list goes on. Who needs cash? Just remember to keep your phone charged!