Maps: Is it possible to use Google Maps there, or is it still not updated (e.g. the subway lines are not updated)? I would use Baidu Maps if it had an English version.
“if you want to use google maps then you need to have a VPN installed. I would recommend Gaode Map or Amap if you are mainly using it to navigate public transport routes and bike rides etc. but Baidu maps is fine too. Starbucks, McD’s, KFC etc all have free wifi in the airport you can leech off them if you are really in trouble upon entering Shanghai.”
Translation: Specifically, translation apps that work offline, in case I cannot get internet. Preferably an app where I can translate images in real-time and have a conversation feature like Google Translate for 2-way communication. I am also bringing some physical Chinese survival phrasebooks, so this may be overkill, but I believe you can never be too prepared.
“In Shanghai you don’t really need it, if in doubt look for younger looking people and station staff/police most of them can speak some English anyways or in case they can’t they will find someone who can to translate for you. In case of emergency I think baidu has their own translation app or you can just use Microsoft’s Bing. Suzhou should be fine as well.”
Apps for making payments: I have WeChat and Alipay set up with my Ally Bank Mastercard and have a travel note so I hope there is not a problem here, but any app recommendations are recommended.
“WeChat and alipay that’s it. Those two are accepted everywhere, you can use credit cards in major department stores and restaurants with no problem but do beware that a lot of restaurants are shifting to digital menu so you need to have WeChat or alipay scan the QR code on your table to order your food. It’s the new norm to use QR codes to pay for everything in China nowadays. You might find some stores don’t accept cash as they don’t actually have any changes in hand not because they don’t want to sell the stuff to you. one way to solve this is to pay a local by cash then have them to pay the things you want for you.”
Taxi/Uber App?
“Didi or Meituan for uber/taxi. Do beware that there are some taxi drivers who would take a detour on your route to scam a little extra off you. You can counter this by turning on your map app and turn up the volume to let the driver know you are paying attention to the route he is taking. Also, if he really did the unthinkable you can report him through the app to appeal for you ride. It’s very weird that 99% taxi drivers in present day Shanghai are not from Shanghai they all rely on map apps to navigate.”
VPN recommendation?
“Any VPN would work I suppose I personally use a shadowsocks app so I can’t help you there.”
Any other apps you would suggest?
"get Metro app when you are in Shanghai bind it with your alipay or wechat then scan QR codes for subway rides. Alipay has most of your subway covered just search 苏州地铁 and get the mini apps.
https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/metro%E5%A4%A7%E9%83%BD%E4%BC%9A/id1202750238
Dianping if you want to find place to go to and have fun etc. but I think it’s only in Chinese so you might need help navigating through that app.
Meituan or Ele.me takeout apps for when you are lazy you can order anything from these two apps and robots at the hotel lobby would deliver them to your door."