Google Maps in China Isn’t Enough: How to Use Amap Global

You land in Beijing. You open Google Maps. The place data looks incomplete, a saved pin may not line up correctly, and the metro information is not what you expected. Refreshing the app or changing networks does not solve the underlying mapping problem. For most foreign visitors, the practical fix is simple: use Amap in China. This guide explains which version to use, how to set it up in English, what works offline, and the mistakes that cause the most trouble.

Quick Answer: Which Map App Should Foreign Tourists Use in China?

As of September 2026, Amap Global is the best starting point for most foreign visitors, especially Android users. It provides English navigation, walking and transit routing, local place data, and an international-facing ride-hailing service.

It is important to distinguish Amap Global, the international-facing version designed for overseas users, from the standard Chinese Gaode Maps (高德地图) experience commonly used by local users.

iPhone users should also keep Apple Maps as a backup. Apple officially supports navigation and transit features in mainland China, and its China map service uses local mapping data.

Google Maps should not be your primary navigation app in mainland China. Even when you can access it through roaming or another working connection, local POI data, transit information, entrances and route details may be incomplete or outdated.

If you are building your complete phone setup before departure, install your navigation app alongside the other essential travel apps for foreigners visiting China rather than waiting until you land.

Why Is Google Maps Unreliable in China?

China's civilian digital mapping ecosystem uses the GCJ-02 coordinate system rather than raw GPS/WGS-84 coordinates. Amap's official mapping documentation confirms that its mainland services use GCJ-02.

This matters because mixing coordinates, map layers or saved pins from different systems can create visible location mismatches. Google Maps also lacks the depth and freshness of local road, POI, entrance and public-transport information available in Chinese mapping services.

In practice, you may encounter:

• saved locations that do not line up as expected;
• incomplete or outdated businesses;
• weak metro and bus information;
• missing pedestrian paths;
• inaccurate attraction entrances;
• poor coverage of newly developed areas.

The problem is not something you should expect to solve simply by refreshing Google Maps or switching networks.

Practical rule: use Google Maps for broad pre-trip research if you like it, but once you are traveling inside China, search for the destination again in Amap rather than transferring a coordinate pin directly.

Baidu Maps adds another complication: its mapping coordinates use a secondary encrypted correction based on China's GCJ-02 system, so coordinates copied between Baidu, Google and raw GPS sources may not align exactly.

Why Is Amap Global the Best Map App for Most Foreign Visitors?

Gaode Maps (高德地图), branded internationally as Amap, is one of China's major civilian navigation platforms and is deeply integrated with local roads, transit systems, POIs and traffic data.

The biggest change for foreign travelers is that Amap's international-facing experience has improved substantially.

As of September 2026, the official App Store and Google Play listings use the name AMap Global. Amap has also rolled out ride-hailing for international visitors, with support for one-tap sign-in using mobile numbers from 65 countries and regions.

Do not get too hung up on whether travel guides call it “Gaode Maps,” “Amap,” “AMap Global,” or the “English version.” Store naming, interface layout and available features can vary by platform, account region and app version.

What Makes Amap Useful for Tourists?

1. English-friendly navigation

Amap Global provides an international-facing interface for route planning, transit, walking and driving. English support is much better than it was in older versions, although some local POI names, reviews or secondary screens may still appear in Chinese.

2. Detailed metro and walking routes

This is where Amap becomes genuinely useful in China.

At a huge interchange station, choosing the wrong exit can add several hundred meters of unnecessary walking. Amap can show station exits, walking connections and local street layouts in much greater detail than foreign map services.

3. International ride-hailing

In 2026, Amap expanded ride-hailing access for international visitors. The service supports mobile-number sign-in from 65 countries and regions, and pickup points, routes and estimated fares can be displayed in English and other supported languages.

Payment can be completed through Alipay or WeChat Pay accounts bound to eligible international cards, subject to bank and platform restrictions.

If you want a dedicated ride-hailing backup rather than relying only on Amap, see the DiDi guide for foreign visitors to China.

4. Local POI and entrance data

Amap is particularly useful when the difference between “the attraction” and “the entrance tourists can actually use” matters.

Large railway stations, shopping complexes, hospitals and attractions may have multiple entrances spread hundreds of meters apart. Always search for the actual entrance, gate or building when possible.

5. Real-time local traffic

Amap incorporates live traffic conditions, road restrictions and route adjustments. This matters much more in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and other large cities than a static map suggests.

Do You Need a Chinese Phone Number to Use Amap?

Not for basic map use.

You can generally use core navigation functions such as searching for destinations and planning routes without binding a Chinese phone number.

However, ride-hailing is different. To use Amap Global's international ride-hailing service, you need to sign in with a supported phone number.

The good news is that Amap Global's ride-hailing service supports phone numbers from 65 countries and regions, so many travelers can register for ride-hailing using their normal home-country number. For basic navigation, no registration is required at all.

This distinction is important:

Navigation: generally usable without registration or a Chinese phone number.

Ride-hailing and account-dependent services: login may be required, but supported international phone numbers can be used.

How Do You Download Amap Global Before Traveling to China?

iPhone

Open the App Store and search for “AMap Global.”

Check that the developer is AutoNavi Information Technology Co. Ltd. You can also verify the app through the official Amap Global website.

Store naming and availability can vary by region, so install the app before departure rather than assuming you can sort it out after landing.

Android

Search Google Play for “AMap Global.” The current official Google Play listing is published by Amap/AutoNavi and was updated in September 2026.

If Google Play does not show the app in your region, use Amap's official international website, which provides Android download options.

Avoid random APK download sites unless you have no alternative. Sideloading navigation apps from unverified mirrors creates an unnecessary security risk.

If your main concern is arriving without working data, read what to do if you arrive in China with no internet before departure.

How Do You Switch Gaode Maps to English?

If your installed version opens in Chinese rather than the international-facing English interface, the menu path commonly follows:

1. Open Amap / Gaode Maps.
2. Tap Me (我的).
3. Open Settings (设置).
4. Tap General (通用设置).
5. Tap Language (语言).
6. Select English.

The exact position of Settings and the language menu can change between app versions. Do not rely on an old screenshot telling you that a gear icon must appear in a particular corner.

If the menu looks different, search Settings for 语言 (Language).

If the English option does not appear in the standard Gaode Maps app, two practical workarounds are commonly reported: (1) change your phone's system language to English before reinstalling or reopening the app, or (2) use Amap Global instead, which provides a native international-facing English interface.

The first method is a community-reported workaround rather than an officially guaranteed fix, so results may vary by phone, region and app version.

Amap Global is therefore the more reliable choice for English-only users because it does not depend on an in-app language switch being available in the standard Chinese interface.

Do not panic if a few place names or secondary screens remain in Chinese. English localization is improving, but local user-generated content and some POI information can still appear in Chinese.

Can You Download Offline Maps in Amap?

Amap's mapping platform supports downloadable city-level offline map data, but the exact offline controls exposed to travelers can vary between app versions, language modes and platforms.

That distinction matters.

Do not rely on an old tutorial that says every traveler will see the same Me → Offline Maps menu. Some users report that offline-map controls are easier to find in the standard Chinese interface than in certain international-facing builds.

If your version provides offline map downloads:

1. Open the offline-map or download section.
2. Select the city you need.
3. Check the package size displayed by the app.
4. Download it over reliable Wi-Fi.
5. Test what remains available with mobile data temporarily disabled.

Package size varies by city, map detail and app version, so there is no reliable universal “200 MB per city” figure.

Also remember that offline map data is not the same thing as having every online service offline. Live traffic, live transit information, ride-hailing, updated POIs and other network-dependent features still require a connection.

For that reason, I recommend treating offline maps as a backup, not your main connectivity plan.

For your primary internet setup, compare the options in this China travel eSIM and SIM card guide before your trip.

How Do You Search for Places Without Speaking Chinese?

For major landmarks, English usually works well.

Try:

• Forbidden City
• The Bund
• Terracotta Warriors
• Beijing South Railway Station
• Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

Smaller restaurants, guesthouses and shops can be harder.

My most reliable method is simple: save the Chinese name and address before you leave your hotel.

Ask your hotel front desk or host to send you:

Place name in Chinese + full Chinese address

Then paste the Chinese characters directly into Amap.

This is more reliable than translating a Chinese street address word by word into English.

If the exact business still does not appear, search for a nearby hotel, shopping mall, metro station or major landmark and navigate the final section from there.

How Do You Use Amap for Metro Navigation?

Search for your destination and select public transit.

Amap will normally calculate:

• which metro station to enter;
• which line to take;
• transfer stations;
• walking connections;
• station exits;
• final walking route.

Pay special attention to the exit number or letter.

Chinese metro stations can be enormous. Two exits belonging to the same station may be on opposite sides of a six-lane road or several hundred meters apart.

If Amap recommends Exit C, do not automatically follow a sign for Exit A just because you see it first.

For first-time travelers, this small habit saves a surprising amount of walking.

How Do You Use Amap for Ride-Hailing?

As of September 2026, Amap Global offers an international-facing ride-hailing service in China.

The exact interface may change, but the basic process is:

1. Open Amap Global.
2. Search for your destination.
3. Choose the ride-hailing option.
4. Confirm your pickup point carefully.
5. Select an available vehicle option.
6. Review the estimated fare.
7. Request the ride.
8. Watch the driver's location and pickup information in the app.

The most important step is pickup-point selection.

Amap distinguishes different sides of roads, entrances and designated pickup areas. At railway stations, malls and airports, “where you are” and “where a driver can legally collect you” may be different places.

Before confirming the ride, zoom in and make sure the pin is on the correct side of the road.

For payment preparation, use this Alipay setup guide for foreign tourists and review the complete China payment guide for foreign travelers before arrival.

What Are the 7 Amap Mistakes Foreign Tourists Should Avoid?

1. Do Not Mix Google Maps Pins With Amap

A location saved in another mapping ecosystem may not align correctly when transferred by raw coordinates.

Instead of copying the pin, search for the business or attraction again by name in Amap. If possible, use its Chinese name.

2. Do Not Ignore the Recommended Metro Exit

The wrong exit can add hundreds of meters of walking or leave you across a major road with no convenient crossing.

Follow the exit shown in your current route.

3. Check the Correct Side of the Road Before Calling a Car

A driver may be physically close but unable to reach you without a long U-turn.

Zoom in before confirming the pickup point.

4. Search for the Actual Tourist Entrance

The nearest gate is not always the gate you can use.

Large attractions, railway stations and campuses may have staff entrances, delivery gates or exits that cannot admit visitors. Search for the official visitor entrance whenever possible.

5. Do Not Wait Until You Lose Data to Prepare an Offline Backup

Mobile data failures are inconvenient precisely because you cannot fix them after the connection disappears.

Before sightseeing, download any available offline map data, screenshot your hotel address in Chinese, and save your most important destinations.

6. Do Not Translate Chinese Addresses Word for Word

English translations of road and building names can produce the wrong POI.

Paste the original Chinese address whenever possible.

7. Wait for the Location Dot to Stabilize After Leaving a Tunnel

GPS signal may briefly drift at tunnel exits, underground stations and overpasses.

If your blue marker jumps, pause walking and wait until the position stabilizes before choosing your direction.

What Should You Use If Amap Does Not Work?

Is Apple Maps a Good Backup in China?

Yes — particularly on an iPhone.

Apple officially lists turn-by-turn navigation, transit, traffic and cycling among Maps features available in mainland China. This makes older advice that “Apple Maps has no China transit information” too broad.

Apple Maps is also easier for many first-time iPhone users because there is nothing new to learn or install.

However, Amap can still be more useful when you need detailed local POIs, a precise entrance, ride-hailing integration or China-specific local navigation.

Apple Maps offline map support for mainland China varies by iOS version, device and region; test offline functionality before relying on it for sightseeing.

Best setup for an iPhone traveler: Amap Global as your China-specific navigation tool, Apple Maps as your backup.

Should Foreign Tourists Use Baidu Maps?

Usually not unless you read Chinese.

Baidu has excellent local mapping data, but its interface and local information remain much more Chinese-oriented than Amap Global.

It can be useful for locating very specific buildings, shops or addresses, but for a short first trip the language friction usually outweighs the benefit.

Can You Still Use Google Maps in China?

Use it for broad planning, not precise navigation.

Depending on your connection, Google Maps may load through foreign roaming, a foreign-routed eSIM or another working internet setup. That does not make its mainland China POI, transit, entrance and local route information as dependable as a local map service.

For a restaurant entrance, metro exit, walking route or ride pickup point, use Amap instead.

If you are still deciding how your phone will access foreign services while traveling, read these internet access options for tourists in China.

Amap Global vs Apple Maps vs Google Maps: Which Should You Use?

This article is part of the China Basics Travel Guide Hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Amap Global on Android Without Google Play?

Yes. If Google Play does not offer the app in your region, check Amap's official international website for the current Android download option.

Avoid installing navigation apps from unknown APK mirrors.

Does Amap Global Use a Lot of Mobile Data?

Basic map browsing uses relatively little data; real-time traffic, transit updates, POI photos and ride-hailing requests consume additional mobile data.

Downloading available map data over Wi-Fi can reduce your reliance on mobile data while sightseeing.

Can I Share an Amap Location With Someone Using WeChat?

Yes, place pages can generally be shared through supported apps such as WeChat, although the exact share menu depends on your phone and Amap version.

For important meeting points, send the place name plus Chinese address as text as well. That gives the recipient something searchable even if the shared map link does not open as expected.

Does Amap Global Work Offline Like the Chinese Gaode Maps Version?

Not always in exactly the same way. Offline map availability in Amap Global is less predictable than in the standard Chinese Gaode Maps interface and can vary by platform and app version.

If offline navigation is critical, download and test it with mobile data switched off before relying on it. Keep your hotel name and Chinese address as a screenshot for backup.

Can Amap Show English Metro Station Names and Line Numbers?

Yes. Amap Global supports English transit route planning and displays major metro information in English.

Some local POI text may still remain in Chinese, so keeping the Chinese station name visible can be useful when comparing the app with station signs.

Is Amap Global Free for Foreign Tourists?

The core app and navigation functions can be downloaded and used without a tourist subscription fee.

Services purchased through the app — such as ride-hailing — have their own charges. Check the displayed fare before confirming any paid service.

Can I Use Amap Global on iPhone Before Arriving in China?

Yes. You can download and open Amap Global before entering mainland China, test destination searches and save important places while you still have reliable Wi-Fi.

Some location-dependent or live services may behave differently until you are physically in the supported service area, so test the app again after arrival.

Will Amap Global Automatically Open in English?

The current international app supports English, but the interface you initially see can still depend on app version, device language and store region.

If your installation opens in Chinese, check the language settings described above and confirm that you installed the official AMap Global release rather than relying on an older domestic Gaode setup.

Can I Use Amap Global Ride-Hailing for Airport Pickups?

Yes, Amap Global's ride-hailing service can be used for supported airport trips, but major Chinese airports use designated ride-hailing pickup areas.

Do not assume the driver can collect you directly outside any arrivals door. Follow the pickup location shown in the app and check airport signs before confirming the ride.

Which Map Setup Should You Use for Your China Trip?

For most foreign visitors in 2026, the simplest setup is:

Amap Global as your main map + Apple Maps as an iPhone backup + saved Chinese addresses for anything important.

Before your flight, install Amap, test an English destination search, save your hotel in Chinese, prepare mobile data, and learn how to recognize the correct metro exit and ride-hailing pickup point.

Those five minutes of preparation solve most of the navigation problems that surprise first-time visitors after landing.

This article is part of the China Travel Basics Hub, covering practical pre-trip and in-China setup for foreign visitors.

Written by professional China travel writer Chris Lee, specializing in practical independent travel guides for international visitors.

Sources & References

Amap International Official Site

Amap Global Google Play Listing

Amap Official International Ride-Hailing Announcement

Apple iOS Feature Availability Page

Research Note

Updated September 2026. Amap Global availability, international ride-hailing, 65-country/region phone-number support and current app positioning were checked against Amap's official releases and current app-store listings. Apple Maps capabilities were checked against Apple's current feature documentation. Standard Gaode language menus and offline controls can vary by platform, region, language and app version; community-reported workarounds are identified as such rather than treated as guaranteed features. All linked official documentation and app listings were accessed in September 2026 for fact-checking.

TripChina.me creates practical China travel guides shaped by real local experience, helping independent travelers navigate transport, payments, food, neighborhoods, and the cultural details that make traveling in China easier and more meaningful. Find the guide for your destination at tripchina.me.