Payments
How to Use WeChat Like a Local
Set up WeChat, bind a foreign card, verify your identity, and pay, ride, and translate through everyday life.
China guides for the curious from abroad
Plan China like you've
Plan China like you've
already lived there
Practical, plain-English guides for foreigners planning a trip or a move to China. Set up WeChat and Alipay, get around, shop, and break the language barrier — with a local’s perspective. Continually recording, slowly sharing.
Featured Guides
Handwritten, verified, and updated seasonally.
Payments
Payments
How to Use Alipay Like a Local
Bind a foreign card or Tour Pass, scan to pay, ride public transit, and shop like a local.
Finance
How to Open a Bank Account in China
The exact documents you need, which banks to choose, and how to navigate the process smoothly.
Maps
How to Use AMap Like a Local
Install AMap Global, plan routes by transit or bike, call a taxi, and navigate China like a local.
Shopping
How to Use Taobao Like a Local
Search by image or Chinese keywords, check out with Alipay, and track your parcel.
Entertainment
How to Buy Movie Tickets Online in China
Use Maoyan or Taopiaopiao to pick showtimes, choose seats, and collect your ticket at the cinema.
Language
8 Translation Tools That Break Language Barriers
From Google Translate to Baidu, Youdao, WeChat, and Alipay, pick the right tool to bridge the language gap.
Transport
How to Use DiDi Like a Local
Hail a ride in English, set your destination, and pay automatically through WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Food
How to Use Food Delivery Apps in China
Use Meituan and Taobao Flash Shopping to order meals, groceries, and more, delivered to your door.