Essential North American App Equivalents for Expat Families

Congratulations on your move to China! As you settle into your new home, you’ll quickly discover that the digital landscape is quite different from what you’re used to in North America. Many of the apps and websites that were part of your daily routine back home are either inaccessible without using a V** or have limitations.

But don’t worry! Here’s your essential guide to the Chinese equivalents of your favorite North American apps, designed to help your family stream, shop, connect and navigate with ease. Entertainment & Streaming: Your New Family Movie Night

Instead of Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+
Use: iQiyi (爱奇艺), Tencent Video (腾讯视频) or Youku (优酷)

Why: These are the “Big Three” of Chinese streaming. They offer a massive library of content, including Western movies and TV shows (often with English audio and Chinese subtitles), a huge selection of Chinese dramas, variety shows and a growing collection of kid-friendly cartoons and anime. iQiyi is often nicknamed the “Netflix of China.” The best part? You can do a lot of your searches in English and many movies are completely free – you just need to watch a few ads.

Instead of YouTube
Use: Bilibili (哔哩哔哩)

Why: Bilibili is far more than just a video site; it’s a cultural hub. While it has all the user-generated content you’d expect, it’s particularly famous for its anime, gaming, tech and educational content. It’s incredibly popular with students and young people. You can find everything from DIY science experiments for kids to in-depth documentaries.

Instead of Spotify or Apple Music
Use: QQ Music (QQ音乐)
Why: QQ Music has an extensive library of both international and Chinese music. QQ Music, backed by Tencent, often has exclusive rights to major international artist catalogs. You can search the songs in English, and most of them are free.

Instead of TikTok
Use: Douyin (抖音)

Why: This is the original version of TikTok. While the interface is similar, the content is entirely localized. It’s a fantastic way to see trends, humor and daily life in China. You’ll find everything from cooking tutorials and travel vlogs to short skits and dance challenges.

Shopping & E-Commerce: From Groceries to Gadgets

Instead of Amazon
Use: JD.com (京东) and Taobao (淘宝)

Why:
JD.com: Think of this as Amazon Prime. It’s known for its reliable, fast delivery (often next-day) and authentic electronics, appliances and groceries. This is your go-to for items where quality and speed are key.
Taobao: This is the massive, bustling marketplace, more akin to eBay or Amazon’s third-party sellers. You can find absolutely everything at highly competitive prices, from clothing and home decor to niche hobbyist items. The key is to check seller ratings and reviews.

Instead of eBay
Use: Xianyu (闲鱼)

Why: Literally meaning “Idle Fish,” this app is the king of secondhand trading in China. It’s perfect for buying and selling used furniture, baby gear, books, electronics and clothing. It’s integrated with Alipay and has a social, community-driven feel.

Instead of Instacart or Grocery Delivery
Use: Hema (盒马) / Meituan (美团) / Ele.me (饿了么)

Why:
Hema (also known as Freshippo) is a game-changer for families. It’s a supermarket chain with an app that offers 30-minute delivery of fresh groceries, prepared meals and household items.
Meituan and Ele.me are super-apps that deliver not just food from restaurants, but also groceries, medicine and almost anything else you can think of.

Communication & Social: Staying in Touch

Instead of Instagram or Pinterest
Use: Xiaohongshu (小红书)

Why: Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote or RED) is a hybrid of Instagram and Pinterest, focused heavily on lifestyle, travel, beauty and product reviews. It’s an excellent resource for expat moms and dads looking for recommendations on family-friendly restaurants, travel destinations and product discoveries.

Maps & Transportation: Getting Around Town

Instead of Google Maps
Use: Baidu Maps (百度地图) or Amap/Gaode Map (高德地图)

Why: These are essential for accurate navigation, public transport routes and real-time traffic updates in China. Their points of interest databases are far more comprehensive and accurate than any international app. The interfaces are available in English, making the transition easier.

Instead of Uber or Lyft
Use: Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行)Why: Didi is the dominant ride-hailing app. It offers multiple service levels, from budget rides to premium cars, and even has an English-language interface. You can pay directly through the app by linking your international credit card or, eventually, your WeChat Pay or Alipay.