Essential Apps Every International Student Should Use in China
Moving to China as an international student is an exciting experience, but daily life can be very different from what many students are used to. One of the biggest surprises is how almost everything in China is managed through mobile applications. From paying for food and transportation to ordering groceries and booking train tickets, smartphones play a central role in everyday life.
Here are some essential apps that every international student should have while living in China.
WeChat – The Most Important App in China
WeChat is the most widely used mobile application in China and is essential for daily life. While it started as a messaging platform, it has evolved into an all-in-one digital ecosystem.
With WeChat, students can:
- Send messages and make video calls
- Join university group chats and class discussions
- Pay for purchases using WeChat Pay
- Send and receive money
- Access mini-programs for services such as booking tickets or ordering food
Alipay – Mobile Payments and Digital Services
China is largely a cashless society, and Alipay is one of the main platforms used for digital payments.
International students commonly use Alipay to:
- Pay at restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores
- Use public transportation in many cities
- Pay bills and services
- Transfer money between friends
DiDi – Ride-Hailing in China
Transportation in China is efficient and affordable, and DiDi is the country’s main ride-hailing platform.
Through DiDi, users can:
- Order taxis or private rides
- Choose different vehicle options depending on budget
- Track the driver’s route in real time
- Pay directly through the app
Baidu Maps or Amap – Navigation and Directions
Accurate navigation is essential when living in a new country. In China, local map services work more reliably than many international ones.
Baidu Maps and Amap provide:
- Detailed metro and bus routes
- Walking directions
- Real-time traffic updates
- Location searches for restaurants, shops, and services
Meituan – Food Delivery and Local Deals
Food delivery is extremely popular in China, and Meituan is one of the largest platforms offering these services.
Students use Meituan to:
- Order meals from nearby restaurants
- Buy groceries and snacks
- Book hotels or entertainment tickets
- Access discounts and promotions
Ele.me – Another Popular Food Delivery Platform
Ele.me is another major food delivery application widely used across China.
Similar to Meituan, it allows users to:
- Order food from a wide range of restaurants
- Track deliveries in real time
- Find special promotions and student discounts
Taobao – One of China’s Largest Online Shopping Platforms
Online shopping is extremely convenient in China, and Taobao is one of the country’s most popular e-commerce platforms.
Students commonly use Taobao to purchase:
- Clothing and accessories
- Electronics and gadgets
- Dormitory supplies
- Study materials
JD.com – Reliable for Electronics and Fast Delivery
JD.com is another major e-commerce platform known for its reliable logistics and authentic products.
Many students prefer JD.com when buying:
- Laptops and phones
- Electronic accessories
- Home appliances
Pleco – A Helpful Chinese Dictionary
Even if your academic program is taught in English, you will still encounter Mandarin in daily life.
Pleco is one of the most useful Chinese-English dictionary apps available. It provides:
- Word translations
- Pronunciation guides
- Character recognition
- Example sentences