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China · Public Transport & MapsAmap (Gaode)
Amap (Gaode) is the Chinese map app with an English mode, used by visitors for detailed navigation, metro directions with station exits and booking taxis from several companies at once.
What it helps with
- Navigation in China where Google Maps falls shortAmap has detailed Chinese map data, walking routes and metro directions down to the station exit to use.
- Comparing taxis from several companies at onceThe taxi feature calls cars from DiDi, T3, CaoCao and other companies in one request and shows a price range.
- Metro and bus routes in real timeMetro lines show crowding by colour, and buses appear on a live map with stops remaining.
About Amap (Gaode)
Amap is Alibaba’s navigation app and one of the two main map services in China. It can be switched to English in the settings, although many local business names remain in Chinese. Metro directions include the exit to use, buses appear on a live map, and offline city maps can be downloaded. The taxi function sends one request to DiDi, T3, CaoCao and other providers and is paid through a linked Alipay account.
Key Features
- English mode: Menus and directions can be shown in English.
- Metro guidance: Routes name the station exit to use.
- Taxi aggregator: One request reaches several ride-hailing companies.
- Offline maps: City maps can be stored on the phone.
How to Get Started
- Install Amap and set the language to English in General Settings.
- Allow location access and download the offline map of your city.
- Bind Alipay in Wallet settings if you want to book taxis.
- Search a place, choose walking, metro or taxi, and follow the route.
Before you use it
- Good to know: Switch to English in Profile → Settings → General → Language; many business names stay in Chinese.
- Payment: Amap does not take cards directly: link Alipay (with your foreign card) to pay for taxis automatically.
- Good to know: Offline city maps can be downloaded under Me → Offline Maps for areas with weak signal.
English available
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Amap (Gaode) work with a foreign bank card in China?
- Not reliably - a foreign card may be declined. Check the notice above, or plan to use a local payment method.
- Is Amap (Gaode) available in English?
- Yes, Amap (Gaode) has an English-language interface.
- Do I need a local phone number to use Amap (Gaode)?
- No, an international phone number generally works for Amap (Gaode).
- Do I need local ID or residency for Amap (Gaode)?
- No, Amap (Gaode) doesn't require local ID or residency for visitors.
- Where can I use Amap (Gaode)?
- iOS · Android · Web
- How much does Amap (Gaode) cost?
- Free app; taxi rides booked in Amap are paid at the partner company’s fare
