Phone setup
Build a small, reliable app stack instead of downloading everything. The goal is simple: pay, navigate, translate, book, move, and recover access when the plan changes.
Minimum app stack
Payments
Prepare at least one mobile payment path and keep a separate card backup. Complete account verification while your normal phone number, email, and bank access still work reliably.
Maps and navigation
Many travel problems happen in the last 500 metres: wrong gate, wrong station exit, wrong hotel branch, or unclear pickup point. Save Chinese addresses and map pins before arrival.
Translation
Live translation is useful, but allergies, medication, hotel addresses, and ticket problems need short written notes that staff can read without a long conversation.
Transport
Train booking, ride-hailing, metro routes, airport transfer, and walking directions solve different problems. Do not rely on one app to cover every travel day.
Bookings
Hotels, attractions, trains, and domestic flights may ask for passport-linked details. Save confirmations, QR codes, reservation numbers, and cancellation terms offline.
Connectivity and recovery
A travel app stack fails when verification codes, email access, bank alerts, or backup numbers are unreachable. Confirm recovery paths before leaving home.
Setup rule
The hard part is rarely installing an app. It is card verification, account recovery, phone compatibility, Chinese address matching, and knowing which screen to open when you are tired. Finish those before departure.