5 Apps You Need on Your Family's Vacation to China
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
More and more families are thinking about visiting China: home to the Great Wall, Beijing's Forbidden City, Emperor Qin's Terra Cotta Army in Xian and The Bund in Shanghai (which also offers an outpost of Disneyland). The country offers plenty of fascinating cities and activities that your family will remember for a lifetime such as hugging a panda bear while visiting an animal research center in Chengdu.
Despite China's thousands of years of history and truly unique vacation pastimes, you might be initially put off by the language barrier. Chinese (the Mandarin dialect) is the most widely spoken language in the country, but most who live in the US probably don't speak Chinese. While learning some phrases is always a good idea when you travel, you don’t actually need to know how to speak or write Chinese to make your China trip happen. You've probably got a smartphone and with the help of specific apps, you can ensure your family’s travel to China will be fun and hassle-free. So, go apply for a travel visa for your brood, read these five tips for China travel and then download these apps to your phone before your family’s adventure.
A Chinese-to-English Translation Helper
An app that provides accurate translations, such as Waygo is important to have on hand when you’re traveling anywhere in China. This is especially true outside the main cities where fewer people speak English. The app can translate menu items, street signs and more through its optical character recognition feature or scanning function. Simply wave your phone over the characters and instantly receive translation from Chinese to English.
Waygo can also translate other languages, but it’s mostly used for languages in Asia, including Japanese and Korean. The best part: The translation app doesn’t require internet service, so you can use it anytime, anywhere. You need this app -- especially in case of emergencies.
A Convenient Way to Get Around
DiDi Chuxing is an organized car-hailing service, called DiDi for short, that lessens the stress of hailing your own taxi cabs and negotiating prices or hiring a pre-booked car service.If you're used to Uber or Lyft, this app will feel familiar to you. Here are the levels of service you can arrange:
- Express: Finds the closest car, which may include newer drivers with less experience.
- ExpressPro: A pool service that shares your ride with others headed in the same direction.
- Express Select: This slightly increased fare pairs you with a more experienced driver with a higher rating.
- Premier: High-end vehicles that are a step up from the typical, compact Express service.
- Taxi: A traditional taxi, but with the promise of a safer ride due to the taxi being linked through the app. (No negotiating or extra fees required.)
- Hitch: An option for people who don’t mind sharing trips with others.
- Bus: Options include public transit, buses for business purposes and buses at transportation terminals.
- Luxe: Comes with drivers typically referred to as “chauffeurs” and five-star hotel service standards that include in-car Wi-Fi, food and beverages, aromatherapy and customized music
Part of DiDi's service is an upgraded emergency contact system. When passengers activate the help service feature from a hailed ride, the app will record audio and prompt a customer service representative to monitor the trip. Furthermore, passengers can send real-time trip information to their personal emergency contacts.
When You Want to Take Public Transportation
It’s easy to get lost in China’s multitude of cities hosting millions of locals and travelers alike. Avoid this problem — and traffic — with the free Metro China Subway app for Apple or Android. Completely in English, this metro app and route planner is simple to use. Once you input your starting and ending destinations, the app will show you real-time traveling instructions. It will offer the best routes, along with alternatives that include fewer transfers. The “Floor Map” provides a realistic view of the actual subway map with destinations and specified stations, and locates the closest markets, accommodations and dining options.
Using WeChat in China
This app is a one-stop shop for everything you need to get done in China and nearly everyone — locals and visitors alike — use it daily. You can make video and voice calls, book flights and domestic train rides, send voice note and text messages, and formulate group chats. But, WeChat’s real power is its ability to let you go cashless and pay for everything from street food to mall purchases. People living and working in China use WeChat to pay for a majority of their everyday purchases, from groceries to rent to subway fares. There is one big stumbling block for visitors wanting to use the cashless pay feature though … while WeChat is moving in the right direction and allowing foreign credit cards issued in the US to be linked to the app, you seem to still need a local bank account to unlock your WeChat account's payment feature. That limits the app's usefulness to travelers unless they visit often enough to warrant opening an account. If you’d prefer to just use a credit card to make purchases during your trip to China, use one like Chase Sapphire Reserve with no foreign transaction fees.
VPNs to Help You Access Western Content
You won’t be able to access many of your favorite social media platforms and websites when in China. Instagram, Facebook, Google and many other foreign websites are blocked by the government. However, you can get around this inconvenience by using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN allows you to access the internet and use mobile apps safely and efficiently through a private network. For China, a VPN allows you to access region-restricted sites and apps by making it appear as though you are in a location where they are allowed. It’s important to note that not all VPNs are created equal; sometimes, a VPN might not work at all. Here are three well-regarded VPN services:
We don't recommend trying to use a free VPN. Paying for a services usually ensures higher quality and the option of being able to contact customer service in the event it is not working properly. Most paid VPN services work on up to three devices at a time. It's also important to note that you should download the VPN prior to travel, as it may not function properly if trying to do it after you get to China.
Bottom Line
As someone who's had to navigate multiple cities in China, with a toddler and very little knowledge of Mandarin, these apps made the trip easier. What apps do you use when you visit China?
To help you plan your family's trip to China:
- 5 Reasons to Visit Beijing This Winter
- How to Fly Mainland China's Top Airlines With Miles and Points
- Stay at World's First Underground Hotel in China
- Review of the Shanghai Edition
- Tips for Visiting China on Miles and Points
Note: The previous version of this story did not include the WeChat requirement to have a China-based bank account.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.