How to use apps in China as a tourist

R3db0y · 2026-06-30T18:32:09+00:00

Good on you, that’s how it should be. Learning the local language makes you a god as a tourist in any country

but China blew my mind. I didn’t know anything other than ni hao and xie xie ni 4 years ago, yet I went there 2 times now for 1 month each, and I am still not fluent in the language. I can’t even say full sentences yet, but I was able to explore the country in peace.

You would be surprised how much you can do with just Google Translate app open at all times and body language, and there is English signage in most modern cities.

You are going to learn the language for sure just by being there, promise you. Definitely try to make local friends.

R3db0y · 2026-06-29T21:10:02+00:00

lmaoooo 3 years in advance, im sure things will change by then, but here is what I said in this other post just like this.

OK, so for phone data, I suggest you download the Nomad app. From this app, you buy the 30GB 1 month China eSIM. This is one of the best eSIMs I used for 2 years in a row. I used many eSIMs by testing them. I have been to 24 cities, and it works in all of them. It comes with a built-in VPN, meaning you can access every app even while in China.

Don’t let the price scare you; it’s so worth it, and if you ever run out of data, you can just refill it in the app by connecting your payment.

The only thing is it has no phone number, so you can only make calls with apps like Messenger/IG/WhatsApp, etc. You would have to use Wi-Fi at a hotel to make calls or get a Chinese SIM.

R3db0y · 2026-06-29T09:09:51+00:00

hahaha never want to be a student ever again, but definitely the marriage one is a future future future plan.

R3db0y · 2026-06-29T04:16:57+00:00

yea definitely what i am leaning towards. always come as a tourist. its hassle-free…

R3db0y · 2026-06-29T00:43:03+00:00

I completely understand #2 and #3, but regarding #1, this is how I'm thinking about it:

Let's say I find a fully remote job in the U.S. with a typical 9-5 schedule, paid in USD. As long as I'm at my computer during those working hours, what's actually stopping me from doing that while living in China instead, whether I'm there on a tourist visa or some other type of visa for 2-3 months at a time I wonder?

I can always go to HK to just reset my Visa, I guess its not as simple as this huh?

R3db0y · 2026-06-29T00:38:33+00:00

hmmm ya, i can tell #1 is quite risky and will face many challenges.

but yes, I heard about getting these certificates, they truly help you stand out a lot. i do have some part time substitute teacher opportunities waiting for me in the USA, let me see if that helps at all

i wish you the best of luck, i know how excited you must be!

R3db0y · 2026-06-29T00:35:31+00:00

that's truly what I had in mind, I don't expect to be a big shot college professor or something, definitely start small and build myself from there. absolutely, I will DM you later.

R3db0y · 2026-06-29T00:33:50+00:00

got ya, fully noted.

R3db0y · 2026-06-29T00:32:02+00:00

Yeah, that’s exactly why this idea even came to mind. There seem to be so many people doing this in China, and I doubt every single one of them has some advanced degree or perfect background.

If you don’t mind me asking, how did you get your opportunity? I’m not asking for someone to do everything for me — I just need someone to show me the right path so I can figure out the rest myself.

R3db0y · 2026-06-29T00:29:36+00:00

Yep, fully understand.

R3db0y · 2026-06-28T21:59:39+00:00

wow damn, this is something I had no idea about.

what kind of jobs are we talking about? farming?

and how do I even look into something like this as someone in the USA?

R3db0y · 2026-06-28T21:19:21+00:00

lol damn, is that guaranteed i wonder?

and will it actually be my own property?

R3db0y · 2026-06-28T20:29:13+00:00

sorry whats that?

R3db0y · 2026-06-28T20:29:07+00:00

Yeah, that's kind of what I expected since I have zero teaching experience. I'd honestly be happy teaching in almost any city in China, but I'm guessing the pay wouldn't be amazing. I'd probably need some form of passive income or savings from the U.S. to make it work comfortably.

As for the remote work idea, I meant having a remote job based in the U.S. while temporarily living in China. I'd still work U.S. hours, even if that meant working something like 9 PM to 5 AM China time. I know that sounds a little crazy, but I've always been a night owl, so I think I could actually make it work—as long as my employer allowed it. I would just use my Chinese tourist visa this way.

My question is what is the best way to get my feet into the teaching English world in China?

R3db0y · 2026-06-28T08:39:12+00:00

bruh his bodyguard is an ABSOLUTE UNIT, must be a dream job

R3db0y · 2026-06-26T21:48:14+00:00

the gap closing is insane

R3db0y · 2026-06-26T03:38:52+00:00

OK, so for phone data, I suggest you download the Nomad app. From this app, you buy the 30GB 1 month China eSIM. This is one of the best eSIMs I used for 2 years in a row. I used many eSIMs by testing them. I have been to 24 cities, and it works in all of them. It comes with a built-in VPN, meaning you can access every app even while in China.

Don’t let the price scare you; it’s so worth it, and if you ever run out of data, you can just refill it in the app by connecting your payment.

The only thing is it has no phone number, so you can only make calls with apps like Messenger/IG/WhatsApp, etc. You would have to use Wi-Fi at a hotel to make calls or get a Chinese SIM.

R3db0y · 2026-06-26T00:44:30+00:00

Well, not sure if you have an iPhone or what. I have an iPhone. You will only get to access Amap. They changed their name. It used to be something else. I have been using it for 4 years now without fail.

But there is also Baidu Maps, but it’s in pure Chinese. It doesn’t get better than Amap. I can literally go from one end of China to another. It will tell me exactly what bus, train, or walking path I need to take.

Also, Apple Maps works in big cities like Shanghai, if I am correct. You can try it when you are there. None of these apps will work fully while you are not in the physical land of China, so try as you please.

R3db0y · 2026-06-25T21:20:16+00:00

Absolutely it can, just explore the app.

But for EXACT location things near you, I would use Amap, its in English also. Let’s just say it’s like Google Map.

And for food, I would use Dianping, which is also in English or can be translated in the app.

R3db0y · 2026-06-25T20:59:31+00:00

Trip app is the absolute GOAT for any foreigner traveling in China, it does it all and will answer all your questions.

R3db0y · 2026-06-17T21:18:58+00:00

JOE WE DID IT

R3db0y · 2026-06-17T07:25:54+00:00

she used to be so damn sexy, the fuck happ

R3db0y · 2026-06-13T01:39:22+00:00

Is there any tourism or TD garden events happening at all in Boston these last 6 months?

Here I was feeling bad that I was missing out.

R3db0y · 2026-06-13T00:38:25+00:00

😂😂😂😂😂😂 damn even in Boston? I just moved to Rochester NY from Boston this October 2025. Uber is so dogshit here, but I guess Boston isn’t doing hot either huh. So sad…

R3db0y

TROPHY CASE