Start with the official iOS or Android app stores, a working phone number, your passport and one Visa or Mastercard that can receive a 3-D Secure prompt. Keep a physical backup card and a little cash while the apps are being verified. App screens, card rules and fees can change, so follow the prompts shown on your own account.
WECHAT (微信) WeChat is messaging, group chat, official accounts, mini-programs, bookings and (where enabled) WeChat Pay. Register with your mobile number, then open Me → Services/Pay → Wallet or Bank Cards to add a card. The app may ask for passport verification and a payment PIN. Foreign cards are commonly useful for merchant payments, but transfers, red packets and wallet top-ups can have different rules.
ALIPAY (支付宝) Alipay is the easiest all-round starting point for QR payments, transport QR codes, Didi, mini-programs, bills and many everyday purchases. Register with your number, open Account/Bank Cards, add your international card and complete any identity check requested. Alipay can also provide a virtual metro or bus card where supported. Check your card issuer’s exchange rate and whether a particular merchant accepts an overseas card.
DIDI (滴滴) DiDi is the practical ride-hailing app for airport pickups, late-night journeys and places where the bus route is unclear. Install DiDi China or open the DiDi mini-program inside Alipay or WeChat. Set the interface to English if needed, save your hotel or home address in Chinese, check the vehicle plate before getting in and use trip sharing when travelling alone.
TAOBAO (淘宝) Taobao is domestic online shopping: household basics, replacement cables, clothes, stationery and almost anything else. Set it up after your phone number, delivery address and Alipay payment are stable. The catalogue remains largely Chinese, so use screenshot translation, search in Chinese when possible, read seller ratings and choose official or verified shops. Add clear delivery instructions for your building or compound.
MEITUAN (美团) Meituan brings together food delivery, restaurant search and reviews, table bookings, local deals, cinema tickets, hotels and everyday services. Register with your mobile number, save your home or hotel address in Chinese and add precise building, gate and room details for delivery. The app is mainly Chinese, so screenshot translation is useful. Before confirming an order, check the delivery address, phone number and selected payment method; do not activate 美团月付 (Meituan Monthly Pay) unless you deliberately want a credit product.
Maps and translation tools are worth installing too, but you do not need every local app on day one.
FIRST 48 HOURS 1. Install WeChat and Alipay from the official store. 2. Add a foreign card to each and complete only the verification requested. 3. Test one small merchant payment. 4. Install or open DiDi and save two Chinese pickup addresses. 5. Keep a backup card, cash and your hotel address written in Chinese. 6. Add Taobao and Meituan once your payment method and delivery address are working reliably.