What's on your mind before you go?

Google Maps doesn't work in China without a VPN, and its maps are often offset from the real location. Use instead:

• Amap (Gaode Maps / 高德地图): the most accurate, with an English interface, walking, metro and bus directions, and taxi booking in the app.
• Baidu Maps (百度地图): very detailed but mostly in Chinese.
• Apple Maps (iPhone): works normally in China because it uses Amap data; available in English.

Tips:

• Download and sign in before you leave home (you'll need a phone number for verification codes).
• Save your hotel's name in Chinese characters to show drivers or paste into the app.
• Book rides with DiDi or directly in Amap; pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay.
• Get an eSIM or roaming SIM with built-in access if you need Google services.