1. WeChat (Absolutely Essential -- WeChat Official Website
If you install only one app before travelling to China, install WeChat. WeChat is not just a messaging app. It is:
Business communication
Voice and video calls.
Business cards
File sharing
Supplier communication
Hotel communication
Taxi booking
Mobile payments Translation
Networking
*Many Chinese suppliers rarely use email. They expect buyers to communicate through WeChat. Tip: Ask every supplier for their WeChat QR code.
2. Alipay Alipay -- Official Website
China has become largely cashless. Alipay allows foreign visitors to:
Pay restaurants
Pay taxis
Pay supermarkets
Pay hotels
Pay wholesalers
Buy train tickets
*Many places no longer expect cash.
3. Baidu Maps Baidu Maps
Google Maps can be unreliable in China. Baidu Maps offers:
Accurate locations
Real-time navigation
Metro routes Factory locations
Wholesale markets
*A lifesaver when visiting industrial areas.
4. Amap (Gaode Maps) --map Official Website
Many business travellers prefer Amap because of its detailed navigation and transport information. Excellent for:
Finding factories
Hotels Restaurants
Train stations
Wholesale markets
5. Trip.com -- Probably the most useful travel app for foreigners in China. Use it for:
Hotels Flights
High-speed rail tickets
Airport transfers
Attraction tickets
*The English interface is excellent.
6. DiDi -- Website: www.didiglobal.com
China's version of Uber. Use DiDi for:
Airport pickups
Factory visits
Hotel transfers
Business meetings
*Much easier than trying to explain destinations to taxi drivers.
7. Microsoft Translator -- Very useful for:
Product labels
Packaging
Factory signs
Supplier conversations
Offline translation packs are available.
8. Pleco Chinese Dictionary -- Pleco One of the best Chinese-English translation tools. Particularly useful when:
Reading product specifications
Visiting factories
Negotiating prices
9. VPN (Install Before Arrival) -- China restricts access to many international services. Commonly affected services include:
Google Gmail
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram
WhatsApp
X (Twitter)
Many business travellers install a reputable VPN before arriving. Check the latest regulations and service availability before travel because access conditions can change.
10. Currency Converter -- Useful apps include:
XE
Wise
Revolut
They help compare: RMB (Chinese Yuan) USD EUR GBP NGN Never rely solely on a supplier's exchange calculation.
11. Alibaba Alibaba Even while physically in China, Alibaba remains useful for: Checking suppliers
Comparing prices
Reading reviews
Finding alternatives
12. Made-in-China -- Made-in-China Excellent for:
Industrial equipment
Agricultural machinery
Building materials
Manufacturing suppliers
13. Global Sources -- Widely used by serious importers. Useful for:
Verified suppliers
Trade show contacts
Electronics sourcing
OEM manufacturers
14. Google Translate (Download Offline Packs Before Arrival) Google Translate If installed before arrival and paired with a VPN when necessary, it remains very useful for:
Menus
Product packaging
Signs
Instant camera translation
15. Nigeria Metro Travel Checklist Before boarding your flight:
✅ Passport copies saved in phone
✅ WeChat installed
✅ Alipay activated
✅ Trip.com installed
✅ DiDi installed
✅ Offline translator downloaded
✅ Currency converter installed
✅ Supplier contacts saved
✅ Factory addresses saved in Chinese characters
✅ Hotel address saved in Chinese characters
✅ International bank notified of travel
✅ Emergency backup credit/debit card
✅ Business cards printed
The Most Important Advice: Many traders spend weeks researching products but only minutes preparing their phone. In China, your phone is your wallet, map, translator, travel agent, business card, payment system, booking office and communication centre all in one device. Arrive with the right apps installed, and China becomes one of the easiest countries in the world to do business in. Arrive unprepared, and even ordering lunch can become an unexpected challenge.
Last updated on 02/02/2026
