★★★★★
"I read the WeChat guide before my trip. Arrived in Shanghai, scanned the QR code for my eSIM, opened WeChat and paid for my metro ride within 10 minutes of landing. Flawless."
Land in China.
Master It.
Don't Struggle.
WeChat, Alipay, Didi, Maps — most tourists fumble through all of it. We give you step-by-step tutorials so you're paying, navigating and chatting like a local before you even board.
48K+
Travelers Prepared
4.9★
Avg. Rating
100%
Free to Start
WeChat
Setup guide
Alipay
Payment setup
Didi
Ride-hailing
Maps
Offline maps
eSIM
Data plan
Free App Tutorials
The Apps You Need to Survive China
Step-by-step guides for the apps foreigners can't figure out — from installing them without a Chinese App Store to making your first payment. Free plans include text-only guides. Pro & Group plans include video tutorials.
Must-Read
WeChat Setup Guide
Create account, link foreign card, enable payments, join groups — the complete guide to making WeChat actually work as a foreigner.
Read Guide →
Free
Alipay for Foreigners
Alipay's foreigner mode, Tourist Pass app, linking international cards — how to pay at 7-Eleven, markets and anywhere card readers exist.
Read Guide →
Didi — Get a Ride
No more standing on street corners. Use Didi in English, pay with foreign card, find your driver, and navigate in Mandarin with our phrase guide.
Read Guide →
Maps & Navigation
Apple Maps, MAPS.ME, Amap (高德) — which works best, how to use them offline, and why you need a backup when crossing town.
Read Guide →
eSIM Setup Tutorial
How to check if your phone supports eSIM, install the QR code, configure your settings, and activate your China data plan before you land.
Read Guide →
Simple Process
How It Works
No sign-up wall. No complicated setup. Just clear guides and a straightforward path to getting connected in China.
1
Pick Your Plan
Start with free guides or grab an all-in-one package with eSIM data and priority support. Cancel anytime.
2
Get Instant Access
Your tutorial links and eSIM QR code arrive in your inbox the second you complete checkout. No waiting.
3
Arrive Connected
Scan your QR code at the airport. Follow the step-by-step guides. You'll be ordering coffee and paying by phone before your bags arrive.
Plans
Choose Your China Prep Level
From free tutorials to full support — pick what fits your trip
Free
App Guide Access
Step-by-step tutorials for WeChat, Alipay, Didi, Maps and eSIM. Read all guides on our website — no account needed.
$0 / forever
All 5 app setup guides (text)
Screenshot walkthroughs
Read on website
No video tutorials
No PDF download
eSIM data plan
Priority support
Pro
Survival Kit — Pro
30GB eSIM data + all app guides with step-by-step video tutorials + 24/7 WhatsApp support.
$39/ trip
30GB China eSIM data
All 6 app setup guides (text + video)
Video tutorials — watch on website
Printable quick-reference guide
24/7 WhatsApp support
Data reminder when low
Group
Travel Group Bundle
Perfect for families or teams. Covers up to 5 people — each with video tutorials, shared eSIM management, and group support.
$89/ group
Up to 5 people covered
All 6 app guides × 5 (text + video)
5× 30GB eSIM data plans
Video tutorials — watch on website
Shared group support chat
Printable guide per person
Real Stories
Travelers Who Got It Right
★★★★★
"I was terrified of Alipay. The guide walked me through Tourist Pass step by step — I was buying street food with my phone by day 2. Now I can't imagine traveling China without it."
★★★★★
"Got stuck at 11pm on a train with no data. Messaged WhatsApp support, got a response in 4 minutes, topped up my data right there. That's the kind of support that actually matters."
FAQ
Common Questions
Do I need a Chinese phone number to use WeChat Pay or Alipay?
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No — but you do need a passport and an international phone number for registration. Once registered, you can link a foreign Visa, Mastercard or Amex card through the "Tourist Pass" feature (Alipay) or the international card option (WeChat Pay). Our guides walk you through the exact steps.
Does my phone support eSIM?
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Most iPhones from iPhone XS onward (check Settings → General → About → scroll to "Available SIM"), and many modern Android phones (Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+) support eSIM. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, we also offer a physical SIM option — contact us to arrange.
Is Google Maps blocked in China? Which maps should I use?
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Yes — Google Maps, Google Search, YouTube and most Western apps are blocked in mainland China. We recommend Apple Maps (which works in China with limited data) or MAPS.ME (works offline with downloaded regions). Our guide covers the pros and cons of each and includes a download checklist.
Do I need to register my passport with the Chinese government for data?
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Yes — China requires telecom registration under real-name rules. Our eSIM plans are pre-registered through compliant carriers, so you don't need to visit a physical store or queue with your passport. Just scan and go. Physical SIM purchases at local carriers do require in-person registration.
What happens if I run out of data mid-trip?
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You'll receive a reminder when you hit 20% remaining. You can top up your data plan instantly from our website at any time. Top-ups apply immediately — no new SIM or QR code needed.
Can I get a refund if it doesn't work?
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Yes — if your phone doesn't support eSIM or you haven't activated it, we offer a full refund within 7 days of purchase. Once the QR code has been scanned and activated, it's considered used and non-refundable. Contact us and we'll always try to find a solution first.
What's the difference between the free plan and paid plans?
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Free plan: all 5 app setup guides in text format — read directly on our website. No video tutorials, no PDF downloads. Pro ($39) and Group (up to 5 people, $89) plans add step-by-step video tutorials for each app guide (watched on our website), a printable quick-reference guide, and a China eSIM data plan (30GB per person) with 24/7 WhatsApp support.
Is WhatsApp or Telegram available in China?
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No — WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram and most Western messaging apps are blocked in mainland China. WeChat is the dominant messaging app and is what locals use. Our WeChat setup guide covers everything you need to get connected with your Chinese contacts.
Secure Checkout
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7-Day Refund