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PANDA CONCIERGEChina
PANDA CONCIERGEChina

Guides

Connectivity, internet and apps

A number, internet and the set of apps that replaces everything else.

photo: the Bund in the morning, looking across to Pudong
7 min

First arrival

Your first day in China

Connectivity, Alipay, the hotel address and your first journeys — step by step.

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photo: a laptop on a desk by a window overlooking a Chinese residential block
7 min⚠️ Important

Connectivity

The internet in China: what works and what does not

Which familiar services are unavailable and what to prepare before you fly.

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photo: a hand holding a phone showing a map of a Chinese city labelled in characters
7 min🔥 Popular

Connectivity

Which maps to use instead of Google Maps

Amap, Baidu and Apple Maps: searching, routing, the right metro exit.

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photo: a mobile shop window showing the plans
8 min🔥 Popular

Connectivity

Internet and connectivity: SIM, eSIM or roaming

Three operators, where to register against your passport and which plan to take.

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photo: a phone screen full of Chinese apps
5 min

Connectivity

Which apps to install

Five apps that replace almost everything else.

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photo: a messenger conversation on a phone
4 min

Connectivity

How to set up WeChat

Registration with a vouch, and why it is better done in advance.

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photo: someone working out an app on their phone
5 min

Connectivity

How to use Chinese apps

An interface with no English, paying, and the usual traps.

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photo: the registration screen of a payment app
9 min🔥 Popular

Money

Alipay for a foreigner, from scratch

Registration, passport, card, paying by QR, transport, Didi and declined cards.

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photo: a phone camera pointed at a sign in Chinese, the translation on the screen
6 min

Language

The best translation apps for China

Camera, voice, screen and dictionary: what to use and when.

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Didn’t find the guide you needed?

Describe it in your own words — a concierge will reply and take you through it step by step.