If you plan to travel to China soon, one of the first things you’ll notice is that many apps you use daily might not work the same way here. WhatsApp, Instagram, Google Maps and many other apps can not be used there. China has its own set of apps that locals use every day. So, remember to prepare China communication apps before your trip.
Top Communication Apps to Use in China
Category | Apps | What They’re For |
Communication | WeChat, QQ | Messaging, calls, payments, sharing locations |
Business | WeCom, DingTalk, Feishu (Lark) | Work, meetings, file sharing |
Social Media | Weibo, Douyin (TikTok China), Xiaohongshu | Sharing and local recommendations |
Others | FaceTime, Skype, Outlook | Video calls, meetings, email |
China Communication App: WeChat (微信)
What Is WeChat?
WeChat is the most important app to have in China. You can also use it for voice and video calls, sending photos, sharing your location, and even making payments for everything. If you only download one app for your China trip, make it WeChat.
Key Features of WeChat
✅ Messaging & Calls: Send texts, voice, photos, videos, and documents.
✅ Moments (朋友圈): Share photos and updates with friends, and see what friends are posting.
✅ WeChat Pay: Pay for food, taxis, metro rides, and shopping. You can also send and receive red packets from friends.
✅ Mini Programs: Use built-in mini programs for ordering food, booking taxis, checking maps, translation, or shopping.
✅ Group Chats: Create group chats for coordinating with family and friends.
✅ Official Accounts: Follow city guides, restaurants, and transport services for information, updates and deals.
✅ Location Sharing: Share your real-time location with friends.
✅ File Transfer & Notes: Save travel notes, itineraries, or screenshots in your “File Transfer” chat.
How to Download and Set Up WeChat?
1. Download the App
Search “WeChat” on the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). You can also download it from wechat.com.
2. Sign Up with Your Phone Number
Use your international number to register. You’ll receive a code via SMS to verify.
3. Choose Language and Region
When opening the app for the first time, select English as your language for easier use. Choose your country/region.
4. Create Your Profile
Add your name and a profile photo so friends can find you easily.
5. Set Up WeChat Pay
Link WeChat Pay by adding your card (some international cards work).
Note: Don't forget to allow WeChat to access your contacts, camera, and location to use all features.
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China Communication App: QQ
What Is QQ?
QQ is one of China’s oldest messaging apps created by Tencent before WeChat. It offers text, voice, and video chats, group chats, file sharing, and fun stickers. It's now popular with students and younger users. Unlike WeChat, QQ has a more playful design, with built-in music, games, and communities.
Key Features of QQ
✅ Text, Voice, and Video Chats: Chat with friends or groups.
✅ Group Chats: Join or create groups for interests, study, or travel planning.
✅ File Sharing: Send documents, photos, and videos.
✅ QQ Email Integration: Connect with QQ Mail to manage emails in one place.
✅ Music and Games: Listen to music or play games within the app.
How to Download and Set Up QQ?
1. Download the App
Search “QQ” in the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). You can also download it from im.qq.com.
2. Sign Up with Your Phone Number
Open the app and tap “Sign Up”. Use your phone number to register. Enter the SMS code to verify your number.
3. Create Your Profile
Add a nickname, profile photo, and password. You’ll receive a QQ number (like a user ID) to share with friends.
4. Adjust Language Settings
QQ’s interface is mainly in Chinese, but you can use the app’s icons and layout easily. Use a translation app if needed during setup.
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NO.1
China Communication App for Business
If you’re travelling to China for work or need to stay in touch with your team, some business communication apps are also useful.
DingTalk (钉钉)
DingTalk is created by Alibaba. It's for team communication and remote work. It offers group chats, video meetings, file sharing, and workflow management. Many Chinese companies use DingTalk for daily check-ins, leave applications, and sharing updates. If you’re working with Chinese partners or joining a local team temporarily, you might be asked to join a DingTalk group.
Feishu (Lark)
Feishu is also known as Lark outside China. It's a business app by ByteDance. It combines team chats, video calls, shared calendars, cloud documents, and project management tools. It's great for remote teams and digital nomads. If you need to join meetings, share files, or manage projects while in China, Feishu is a reliable option.
WeCom
WeCom is the business version of WeChat designed for work communication. It lets companies manage team chats, schedule meetings, share files, and handle tasks. Many Chinese businesses use WeCom to keep work and personal chats separate. If you’re dealing with Chinese partners or working remotely, WeCom is a must-have app.
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Social Media App for Communication in China
Social media plays a big part in how people share their lives. You can follow local trends, chat with new friends, or get travel tips.
Weibo is often called “China’s Twitter.” It’s a popular social media platform where users share short posts, photos, videos, and news updates. You can follow celebrities, brands, and local trends or chat with friends through private messages. For travellers, Weibo is a good way to keep up with what’s happening in China and get travel tips from locals.
Douyin
Douyin is the Chinese version of TikTok. It's more than just a short video app. It’s a huge social platform where people share everything. For travellers, Douyin is perfect if you want to get a feel of local culture in real time. You can search videos by city or topic, find recommendations, and even catch live streams from places you plan to visit. It’s super easy to use with lots of fun filters and effects.
Xiaohongshu
Xiaohongshu is a popular app where users share reviews, tips, and photos about shopping, food, travel, and lifestyle. It’s a bit like Instagram mixed with Pinterest. For travellers, Xiaohongshu is great for finding hidden gems. You can also connect with people who share your interests.
Other Ways to Keep in Touch in China
There are a few other simple ways to stay connected while travelling in China.
FaceTime
If you’re travelling in China and have an Apple device, FaceTime is the easiest way to make video calls. FaceTime needs a stable network in China, and it might not always work smoothly without a VPN. But it's still a simple choice for quick face-to-face chats during your trip.
Skype
Skype generally works well in China without needing a VPN. It’s a solid choice for travellers. However, call quality can depend on your internet connection. So, using stable WiFi is important. Unlike WhatsApp or Google Meet, Skype isn’t blocked, so you can use it freely during your stay.
Outlook
If you rely on work emails during your trip, Outlook helps you stay organised. Outlook is not blocked in China, so you can use it without needing a VPN.
Do I Need a VPN?
An eSIM simply connects you to a local mobile network in China, such as China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom. It solves the problem of getting online, but it doesn’t bypass internet restrictions.
- eSIM without VPN: You can access local services like WeChat, Alipay, and Baidu, but Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and many international news sites will remain blocked.
- eSIM + VPN: You’ll enjoy full internet access, including blocked websites and apps, while still benefiting from local network speeds.
- International roaming (using your home eSIM): May sometimes allow access to blocked sites, but it’s often slower, costly, and not guaranteed.
Tips for Using Communication Apps in China
Use a Local SIM or Reliable eSIM: Having a China SIM card or a China eSIM ensures smooth internet access for your apps.
Set Up Apps Before You Arrive: Download for key apps before landing in China to avoid issues.
Use VPN: Some apps and services may require a VPN to work fully. Choose a reliable VPN.
Link Payment Methods Early: For apps with payment features (WeChat Pay, Alipay), linking your payment method early can save hassle.
Allow Necessary Permissions: Grant apps access to contacts, location, camera, and notifications to enjoy full features.
Other Useful Apps for Travellers
Due to the 30-day visa free policy between China and Singapore, it will be easier for Singapore travellers to plan a trip to China. Staying connected in China doesn’t have to be tricky once you have the right apps. Before you travel, take some time to download and set up the apps you’ll need. Go enjoy your adventure and keep those chats coming!