Member-only story
A Fat Girl’s Guide to Apps in China
From 2013 -2015, I didn’t have a smart phone. I had a regular cell phone, and an iPod Touch. The iPod did most of the things an iPhone did. I couldn’t use my iPod unless there was wifi, but there’s always wifi in Beijing. Then, in 2015, my iPod was stolen, and I had to buy an iPhone. I still have that same iPhone today.
In 2019, I can’t imagine living in China without my phone. It’s so convenient, I’ve turned into the person I hoped I’d never be. The one that can’t walk without looking at their phone. When I start holding up lines at the airport, I’ll know I’ve failed at life.
I’m not saying I love being hooked to my phone. In Beijing, and every city in China, you need to have a smart phone to survive. There are different apps you need to make living here easier. All of these apps are in English, so you won’t have to worry about a language barrier.
If you’re living in China without WeChat, you’re either a mythical creature or very new to China. If your boss needs to tell you something, but you already left work, WeChat. If your kid’s teacher needs to talk to you, WeChat. If you’re taking your kid to a training center, but you know you won’t be in class today, WeChat.
It’s more than just a messaging app. You go shopping on there, buy movie tickets, follow different…
