You sign up and pay a ¥100 deposit, then scan the QR code on the back of the bike when you need a ride.
You can send messages directly to your driver that are translated into Chinese for them, and their replies are automatically translated back into English.īONUS TIP: Bike sharing apps are also very popular in China, with Ofo and Mobikes (currently being rebranded into Meituan Bike). To avoid the language barrier, there are set message replies built into the app. Even though you have presumably dropped a pin at exactly where you are standing, you will always get a call from your Didi driver asking you where to pick up. They have also built in a messaging feature that is helpful for those who do not speak Chinese. The app functions exactly like Uber (I’m pretty sure they use the same software) and is easy to set up and connect your local bank card. In the battle for supremacy in China, Uber lost out to Didi, and now it is the only major game in town. If you have ever used Uber, then Didi will be very familiar. WeChat also functions as a sort of Facebook-like social media outlet, with people and companies posting photos and updates under their WeChat “Moments” feature.
Almost everyone accepts WeChat, from taxi drivers to dumpling stands on the corner. Certain larger restaurant chains will even have QR codes you can scan that displays their whole menu, and you can order and pay all while sitting at your table. Easy.įor payments, you can click “Scan” which will use your phone’s camera to scan a QR code, or press “Money” to have your personal QR code appear so you can be scanned. The transaction is instant and there are no fees associated with it, so if your friends pay for a round of drinks, just shoot them a transfer quickly with your share of the bill. Within the messaging function, you can also transfer money directly to people. You can message your contacts under “Chats” and many organizations have group chats, updating you on everything from weather forecasts to upcoming activities in the city. WeChat is a combination of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Venmo, and has over 1 billion active monthly users.
Want a fluffy, steamed bao from a street stall? Just scan their QR code and transfer the ¥5. You link your local bank card to each app, and you can scan (or be scanned) to your heart’s content. There is literally no reason to use cash money while in China.
These two apps are where you message friends, pay for lunch, top up the data on your mobile phone, pay your utilities or even buy movie tickets. Let’s start with the basics: WeChat and AliPay.īoth of these are essential for daily life in China.
I mean, who doesn’t need that in their lives? The Best Apps for Shanghai Expats Trust me – you want to know NOW that you can have pre-chilled craft beer and wine delivered to your apartment in under thirty minutes with the tap of a finger. So are you thinking of coming to Shanghai, or did you just sign that work contract and have started the arduous visa process? This list is designed to help you got off on the right foot.
“Do you use the Ayi Bang app to schedule an ayi to clean your apartment?” or “Let me tell you about this app where you can get a professional foot massage in your apartment.” Ah, China.Īnd while scheduling a house cleaner or a mid-afternoon foot massage in your living room might not apply to everyone’s daily routines, there are a load of apps that we consider essential for Shanghai expat life. China is way ahead of the curve on this front and with every new person we meet, we’re bound to learn about a few new services that we didn’t know existed. What is great about expat life in Shanghai is how quickly people are eager to share advice for improving day-to-day life with cutting-edge services and apps. Hey, no one said this was going to be easy. We love our adorable lane house apartment, but issues with consistent hot water abound and our stairs are insanely steep. We love sharing our experiences as Shanghai expats, including our advice for adjusting to expat life in a crazy city of over 20 million. Yes, there are a lot of people, the metro is brutal at rush hour, and sometimes all of the aggressive mopeds and constant sound of people spitting can get on your nerves.