Surprisingly, visiting Tibet is a high-tech journey. You can explore the region nearly cashless due to the widespread use of online payment. Although Google Maps and Google Translate are unavailable in China, there are excellent local apps that can make your journey smooth and convenient. With the 8 essential apps in your smartphone, traveling to Tibet is much easier than you expected.

1. WeChat: Major Messaging and Payment App in China

WeChat is the most popular messaging app in China with usage similar to Line and WhatsApp. You can chat with your travel consultant and your tour guide through WeChat. Once you book a Tibet small group tour with us, you can also join the WeChat group to meet your group members online before departure.

It is also very handy for reserving attraction tickets in Tibet on WeChat. For example, you can reserve the Potala Palace ticket or the Jokhang Temple ticket through the official mini-programs on WeChat.

During your Tibet tours, it is also convenient to use WeChat Pay for mobile payments in local restaurants, shops, and other places. Even at the Everest Base Camp, you can easily scan a QR code to buy food and drinks in seconds.

The WeChat App is the most popular messaging app in China.

2. Alipay: Widely Used for Mobile Payments, Food Booking, and More

Alipay is another popular mobile payment app in China, which can be linked to your international credit card or debit card. Scanning the QR code to pay with Alipay is faster and more convenient.

Moreover, there are useful mini-programs on Alipay that can make your Tibet tour more enjoyable. For example, you can use the HelloBike mini-program to rent a bike in Lhasa. You can also order food and drinks through Ele.me, a food delivery service available within Alipay’s mini-apps.

Notice: Alipay will automatically convert foreign currencies into RMB when making payments. So you don’t need to manually convert currencies, making your payment more convenient and faster.

It is convenient to use Alipay in Tibet, not only for online payments but also for other services.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

You can book our popular Everest Base Camp tour and make the payment through Alipay.

3. Baidu Maps / AMap: Essential Navigation and Mapping Apps for Visiting Tibet

Unfortunately, Google Maps doesn’t work in China. You can download Baidu Maps or AMap (AutoNavi) in advance, which are the two most commonly used navigation apps in China. You can easily get accurate route directions, real-time traffic updates, and even hail a taxi directly in these apps. Even in Tibet, these apps work effectively and can guide you to your destination.

Notice: The built-in map app on iPhone can be used directly in Tibet.

You can use Apple Maps in Tibet.

4. Didi Chuxing: Popular Ride-Hailing Service in China

Didi Chuxing, or simply ‘DiDi’, is the leading ride-hailing app in China, which is similar to Uber. It is convenient for you to book a taxi in Tibetan cities like Lhasa, Shigatse, and Nyingchi. You can choose from ride options, such as economy, premium, or carpooling services at different prices. The payment can be down through Alipay or WeChat Pay. If you don’t want to download a new app to your cellphone, you can simply use the Didi mini-program through Alipay or WeChat.

It is easy to book a transfer in Lhasa using DiDi.

5. Pleco: Useful Translation and Text Recognition Apps for Visiting Tibet

Pleco is a Chinese-English translation app and it offers free functions including audio pronunciations, handwriting recognition, and search information. If you don't understand the words you encounter during your Tibet tour, you can always use this app to translate them. You can also learn local words through the dictionary, which will make your trip to Tibet better.

Don’t worry too much about the language barrier when you visit Tibet. All of our Tibetan local tour guides can speak both English and Tibetan. Please feel free to ask them for help if you need translation. Our Tibetan tour guide will be happy to answer your questions and act as a bridge for communication between you and the local Tibetans.

Pleco is a Chinese-English translation App.

6. PeakFinder AR: Must-Have App for Mountain Lovers Traveling to Tibet

If you are going to visit Everest Base Camp in Tibet, don’t forget to download a mountain identification app in advance. Peakfinder AR is a popular app among outdoor enthusiasts, that helps you identify mountain peaks.

It is quite useful for an overland journey in Tibet. Once you meet unknown mountains on the way to Everest Base Camp or along the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway from Lhasa to Kathmandu, you can use this app to satisfy your curiosity and help you identify the mountains you encounter.

The PeakFinder AR App can help you identify the peaks and mountains.

7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Traverse from the North Side to the South Side of Mt.Everest for the Best of the Himalayas

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD989 p.p

Discover Mt. Everest and the Himalayas on our epic Lhasa to Kathmandu overland journey!

7. Altitude Apps: Record Your Real-time altitude during your Tibet Tour

Altitude Alert, or some other altitude recording apps, is also necessary for your Tibet tours. You can check the advanced altitude along the way, and see how high you reach up.

If you plan to travel in high altitude localities, such as visit Everest Base Camp in Tibet or take a Mount Kailash trek, Altitude Alert can help to monitor your altitude and alert you when over a specified height. It provides an accurate gauge for you to understand the elevation of Tibet. It not only can monitor your current altitude but also give some very useful suggestions for avoiding and treating altitude sickness in Tibet.

The Altitude Alert App can monitor your current altitude.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: A pilgrim’s final fantasy and the greatest overland trip in Tibet.

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2069 p.p

Join us for the unforgettable Kailash kora trek, conquering heights over 4,500 meters!

8. VPN Apps: Access Facebook, Instagram, Google, and More

If you want to share your Tibet travel experience on social media, such as Facebook and Instagram when traveling in Tibet, or if you want to continue to use websites like Google and YouTube, you need to install a VPN app in advance.

There are many VPNs to choose from in major mobile App markets. You can choose the right one according to your budget and preferences. The only thing to be concerned about is that please make sure the VPN app you install can be used in China.

Want to share your Tibet travel experience on the spot? You'll need a VPN.

Further Tips for Effective App Use in Tibet

Google and its related Google Translate, Google Maps, etc. are not available in China. Therefore, you need to install the corresponding translation and navigation apps in advance for use during your China Tibet tour.

At present, the Tibet Autonomous Region of China has a large-scale 5G signal coverage. Hotels in Tibet, especially in big cities like Lhasa, Shigatse, and Nyingchi, all provide free wifi, making your connection more convenient. Even at the Everest Base Camp at an altitude of more than 5,000 meters, you can access the wifi and 5G signal.

You can use the weather app that comes with your phone to check the local weather. There is no need to download weather apps for your Tibet tour.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

It's time to explore the best of Tibet with us!

Conclusion

Make sure you equip yourself with the best apps to guide your travel in Tibet. With the 8 essential apps mentioned above, you will get a better travel experience in Tibet. In addition to the convenience of these technologies, our professional tour guides will make your Tibet travel more reliable. Even in areas where the internet may be out of work, our experienced local guides will be with you every step of the way.

Let’s travel to Tibet with us for the best local services and a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Tibet.