9 Apps You Need to Survive in Shanghai [魔都生存必备之APP篇]

1. WeChat

We know this is a given, but seriously, you need it. While you may still cling to iMessage, Facebook and WhatsApp to keep in touch with family and friends back at home, WeChat will be your primary source of contact with your new friends and colleagues here. From paying your phone bills and electricity to ordering cookies for next-day delivery, this app is will simply make your life easier. 

• http://www.wechat.com/en/

2. Uber

You may have used it back home, and guess what – it’s here in Shanghai too. While you may have thought it was just a bit easier back at home than ordering cabs, this will make a huge difference in getting around Shanghai. The only catch is you need to have some basic knowledge of pinyin and Chinese characters. Worse comes to worse, memorize your home address in Chinese characters or have a friend input frequently used addresses into the app for you and save them for future use. 

• https://www.uber.com.cn/zh-CN/

3. Pleco

Speaking of language barriers, newbies may find learning the Chinese language to be a daunting task. For those times when you really need to tell the Avocado Lady you need limai (quinoa) but can’t for the life of you remember the word, open this handy app, type in the English word, and the Chinese word pops up in pinyin. It can’t translate full sentences, but it’s easier than using Google Translate since a VPN is not required. 

• http://www.pleco.com/

4. That's

Our sister publication That’s Shanghai has just recently launched its brand new app (shameless plug). But in all seriousness, it’s a one-stop shop for all things Shanghai, including articles, events and, most importantly, listings. Need to get to M on the Bund but have absolutely no idea how to get there? Type in the venue name into this app and metro map with your quickest route will pop up, or better yet, you can show the address in Chinese characters to your Uber or taxi driver. Smooth sailing! 

• http://www.thatsmags.com/app/

5. Air Quality

Unfortunately one of the downfalls of living in China is that you’ve got to be aware of the outdoor air quality. This handy app will tell you the Air Quality Index (AQI) and whether or not it is suitable for outdoor activities. It even tells you when to stick that facemask on. Get used to it though, because along with the weather you’ll be checking the AQI every morning when you wake up. 

• https://air.fresh-ideas.cc/en/

6. Bon App!

If you are a foodie then you’ll surely love this app. It’s great for any new city that you find yourself in, especially Shanghai – a city where eating and drinking never stops. Find restaurants close to you or search by the cuisine you are craving. You can also check out user reviews to see what others think of the place before you spend your hard-earned cash there. There are also some good deals on the app too!

• http://www.bonapp.cn/
  

7. Meetup

This app will help you make friends – and fast. Also a website, Meetup is an online community with an endless amount of groups to join. Whether you are pregnant, a new mom, or a ‘hot mom’ (as one group puts it) you can find a group for you to join. Subscribe to your favorites and make a calendar with lunches and weekend socials to hit up. You and your family will be making friends sooner rather than later.

• https://www.meetup.com/apps/
  

8. QQMusic

Now that you are in China you can say goodbye to Pandora, YouTube and 8tracks. As an alternative to these popular apps, check out QQMusic. The only downfall is that the menus are in Chinese, but never fear, it is easy to catch on since all the English song titles are still in the same language. Have a Chinese friend help you out with getting acquainted with the app and you’ll be listening to Adele and Beyonce in no time.

• http://y.qq.com/download/
  

9. BottlesXO

We’ve all had those nights when the kids were groggy and homework was an excruciating task to get through. After the kids go to bed, all we can think about is having a glass of wine. For those of you who may not keep the house stocked at all times, BottlesXO will be your savior for those last minute drinking needs. They will deliver bottles of wine to your door within an hour of ordering. Can we get an Amen?

• http://bottlesxo.com/download-app/
  

> Find out more Shanghai lifestyle tips, click 'read more' at the bottom.

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1. 微信

你肯定知道这个软件了，但事实上，你真的需要它。可能你还在用iMessage，facebook和WhatsApp和国内的家人朋友联系，但在中国，微信绝对是社交联络必需品。除了通讯功能，你还可以通过这个软件支付生活费用和点外卖，功能非常齐全。

2. 优步

上海也非常流行使用优步哦！但你会发觉可能在自己国家叫车挺方便的，在上海的情况则大有不同，首先你要掌握一些基本的拼音和汉字。如果实在困难，你至少要记住自己家的地址，或者让你的朋友帮你输入经常要去的地址以便保存，方便日后使用。

3. Pleco

说到语言障碍，不少初到上海的朋友可能都发现要攻克中文这道难关难度太大。比如你去商店购物却一直想不起“藜麦”这个词儿，这时pleco就派上用场了。输入英文单词，它可即可显示对饮的中文拼音。不足之处是这个软件没法准确翻译完整的句子。但比起用VPN找谷歌翻译，这个还是便捷得多。

4. That's

我们的姐妹刊杂志《That's Shanghai》最近推出的app（是的，此处是自家广告）。客观来说，这的确是在全面了解上海的最佳软件，无论是文章，活动还是最重要的资讯。如果你有了目的地却该怎么过去，可以在That's的软件输入目的地名称，即可你便可看到最佳推荐乘车路线及最便捷的路径。你还可以直接把这个地址直接给出租车或优步司机看，一目了然。

5. 空气质量指数

中国糟糕的空气质量的确不是它的魅力之一。所以有了这个AQI软件，就可以随时了解是否适宜进行室外活动。它还会提示你何时需要戴口罩。考虑到你可能会习惯每天早晨都了解一下空气质量，所以现在赶紧下载吧。

6. Bon App!

如果你也爱好美食，那么这是个必备的app。像上海这样藏着丰富美食与佳酿的城市，你非常需要Bon App这样的专业软件做向导，搜罗你所爱的口味。软件上的顾客点评也可以帮你节省“冤枉钱”。除此之外，他们时不时还会推出一些美食优惠哦！

7. Meetup

这个交友软件能帮你迅速结识到新朋友。在他们的线上平台，你也可以找到各种不同的群，例如：准妈妈群，新手妈妈群，或是辣妈群。选择一个适合你的群，和大家一起约个午餐，相信你和你的家人很快能在这座城市找到知音。

8. QQ音乐

来到中国可能就没法用Pandora，YouTube和8tracks这些软件了，不妨试试QQ音乐软件。它的歌曲更新非常快，唯一不足之处就是这个软件界面只支持中文。你可以请中国朋友教你熟悉一些基本操作，然后就可以尽情享受最新的歌曲啦。

9. BottlesXO

我们都有过孩子胡闹、家务活缠身的痛苦经历。等小家伙们入睡之后，来杯定神酒平复一下一天的疲惫是非常必要的。如果你不习惯在家里备着酒，那么BottlesXO将是你不可或缺的应用。他们承诺下单后一小时内送货上门。是不是感觉世界都光明了？

> 在线查看更多上海时尚生活指南，请点击下方“阅读原文”

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