Payments in China
The easiest way to use money from international bank accounts in China is to open an Alipay or WeChat account and bind your bank card. Detailed instructions can be found here:
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/r6VX-V7GnDrtgT2afO1tsQ
It is possible to use cash but in many places it may be hard to get a change because the common way of payment is Alipay or WeChatPay. For this reason, we recommend opening an Alipay or WeChat account before traveling to China.
A QR code generated in Alipay application can be also used as a pass for metro and bus.
Maps and navigation
Baidu maps and Amap applications are the most up-to-date navigation services in China but unfortunately there are no versions in English language. However, there are maps with English translation which are working well in China: Apple maps for iPhone and Open Street Maps which can be conveniently downloaded and used offline through the application Maps.me on Android phone.
Mobile data connection
We list here the possible solutions for mobile data in China.
1. Buy a data roaming package from the current provider. Usually, there are options available for short-stay in China.
2. Purchase a eSIM card before coming to China:
3. Purchase a portable wi-fi device.
4. Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) & Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) have counters that sell sim card that comes with a Chinese mobile number. All SIM Card is registered with a valid ID number (passport number).
Translation apps
Many different translation applications are working well with Chinese and English, including translation of the photos and screenshots. The examples are Baidu Translate and DeepL translate. We recommend having one of them because most of the people in the city are not familiar with English.
