As for any trip overseas, it is highly recommended that one must do his research about things to prepare. These could include attractions to visit, phrases to use for conversation, and weather updates during your intended stay.
Along with the rapid development of technology, travelling has also been becoming more convenient. During my recent one month trip to China, mobile applications have helped me a lot not just for navigation but also conversation.
1. WECHAT
If I were to describe WeChat, it is China's Facebook. Almost everyone in this country uses this app to connect with people they know. This free messaging and calling mobile application will not help you connect just with Chinese locals but also with people in your home country. This is because Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google are all not accessible in China, unless you install a VPN. This is why I advice that you tell your family and friends to also have their own WeChat accounts before your trip to China.
Along with the rapid development of technology, travelling has also been becoming more convenient. During my recent one month trip to China, mobile applications have helped me a lot not just for navigation but also conversation.
1. WECHAT
If I were to describe WeChat, it is China's Facebook. Almost everyone in this country uses this app to connect with people they know. This free messaging and calling mobile application will not help you connect just with Chinese locals but also with people in your home country. This is because Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google are all not accessible in China, unless you install a VPN. This is why I advice that you tell your family and friends to also have their own WeChat accounts before your trip to China.
2. PLECO
Pleco will be your personal dictionary when you visit China. For those who do not know any Chinese, I believe that you can still survive a trip to China because Shanghai, Beijing, and other big cities are equipped with English signs. However, this handy dictionary will definitely improve your travel experience. It can translate English words and phrases to Chinese and vice versa. Also, you can try to write Chinese characters on the screen and in turn it will give you its meaning. I suggest that you give it a try! It helped me a lot during my stay both in China and Taiwan.
Pleco will be your personal dictionary when you visit China. For those who do not know any Chinese, I believe that you can still survive a trip to China because Shanghai, Beijing, and other big cities are equipped with English signs. However, this handy dictionary will definitely improve your travel experience. It can translate English words and phrases to Chinese and vice versa. Also, you can try to write Chinese characters on the screen and in turn it will give you its meaning. I suggest that you give it a try! It helped me a lot during my stay both in China and Taiwan.
3. METROMAN CHINA
If you are going to big cities in China like Shanghai and Beijing, there is a big possibility that you will be using their subways. This app will help you determine the quickest route from point A to point B. This will also tell you which station to transfer, how much the trip cost, and the schedule of trains. I used this app during my stay in Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou.
4. CTRIP
If you are going stay for quite a while in China, chances are you are going to visit a lot of places. This mobile app will give you information regarding train and flight schedules, bullet trains being included. Also, it updates from time to time how many seats there are left for a specific journey. This application is very helpful given that tickets are usually sold out a day before the trip. Finally, it allows a person to book way in advance. This is because one can only buy train tickets at the station at most 3 days before the trip.
If you are going to big cities in China like Shanghai and Beijing, there is a big possibility that you will be using their subways. This app will help you determine the quickest route from point A to point B. This will also tell you which station to transfer, how much the trip cost, and the schedule of trains. I used this app during my stay in Shanghai, Beijing, and Hangzhou.
4. CTRIP
If you are going stay for quite a while in China, chances are you are going to visit a lot of places. This mobile app will give you information regarding train and flight schedules, bullet trains being included. Also, it updates from time to time how many seats there are left for a specific journey. This application is very helpful given that tickets are usually sold out a day before the trip. Finally, it allows a person to book way in advance. This is because one can only buy train tickets at the station at most 3 days before the trip.
5. MAPS.ME
This is your personal map in China. Using GPS, it will determine where exactly you are on the streets of China. This helped me a lot in locating the nearest subway station or even McDonald's.
6. BETTERNET (VPN)
There are a lot free trial VPNs that you can download from iOS and Android. Betternet is the one I used when I was in China. It has helped me constantly check my Facebook and Gmail on my phone during my trip. I highly recommend this if you are on a short trip to China. However, if you will be staying for a few months, you might want to consider purchasing one online.
All these six mobile applications have helped me during my trip to China. I hope that it will also do on your trip! Have fun!
This is your personal map in China. Using GPS, it will determine where exactly you are on the streets of China. This helped me a lot in locating the nearest subway station or even McDonald's.
6. BETTERNET (VPN)
There are a lot free trial VPNs that you can download from iOS and Android. Betternet is the one I used when I was in China. It has helped me constantly check my Facebook and Gmail on my phone during my trip. I highly recommend this if you are on a short trip to China. However, if you will be staying for a few months, you might want to consider purchasing one online.
All these six mobile applications have helped me during my trip to China. I hope that it will also do on your trip! Have fun!