Can you use ​Baidu Maps app in English? Is it ​safe for foreigners? We compare Baidu vs ​Apple Maps vs Amap (Gaode) – the ​ best map apps for China travel ! What is Baidu Map App Baidu Map App is basically China’s answer to Google Maps, but it’s got some serious upgrades. It’s got real-time traffic , AR navigation, and offline maps for when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Plus, it’s super accurate, even in places where your GPS usually craps out. It’s mainly in Chinese , but there’s an English version(tho very limited). It’s available on iOS, Android, and web, so you can use it pretty much anywhere. Which Map App to Use in China? For English speakers who don't want to know any Chinese : Use ​ Apple Maps or ​ Amap first. ​ For deep China travel : Tolerate Baidu’s Chinese UI + use translation tools. ​ No Chinese number? Baidu’s ride-hailing/payments won’t work—stick to Amap/Alipay. See all the China map apps compared in the following blog 👇 How to Set Up Baidu Map App Source from Baidu Yes, Baidu Maps is very Chinese-first—but with these hacks, you can navigate like a pro even if you don’t speak Mandarin. Step 1: Download & Install ​ iOS/Android : Search “Baidu Maps” in the ​ App Store or ​ Google Play → Install. Avoid third-party APKs —they’re often malware-infected. Step 2: Set Up Your Account ​ Register : Tap ​ 注册 (Register) → Use your international phone number or email. Skip the face scan (tap ​ 取消 / Cancel) unless you’re staying long-term. ​ Login : Use ​ Google/Facebook login for faster access (tap ​ 其他账号登录 → “Google” or “Facebook”). Change Baidu Map App to English (Sort of) Many guides claim you can switch to English like: Tap ​ 我的 (Profile) → ​ 设置 (Settings ⚙️) → ​ 语言 (Language). BUT ​Truth is : As of 2024, this option ​ no longer exists in most versions. Baidu removed it to streamline the app for domestic users. Baidu Maps has ​no full English version. Only basic menus (like buttons) translate—search bars and maps stay in Chinese QWQ. Once u used it for a while, all the icon and Chinese will get pretty easy to know. So How to Use Baidu Map App in English? ​ Use Google Translate’s Camera Mode : Open Google Translate → Camera → Point at Baidu Maps’ interface. Translates buttons like ​ 搜索 (Search) or ​ 路线 (Route) in real-time. ​ Memorize Key Terms : ​ 到这去 = Start Navigation ​ 收藏夹 = Favorites ​ 周边 = Nearby (for ATMs, hotels, etc.) ​ Search in Pinyin : Example: Type “Tiananmen” instead of 天安门. Works for most landmarks. Why Baidu Doesn’t Offer English Support ​ Domestic Focus : 99% of users are Chinese speakers. ​ Regulatory Hurdles : Mapping data is restricted under Chinese law. ​ Cost vs. Benefit : Translating the app for <1% of foreign users isn’t profitable. ✅Need internet to use map apps in China? I've found the best data plans at cheap prices - no hidden fees, just fast & reliable data! How to Use Baidu Maps for Foreigners How to Find a Place Type the name in ​ Pinyin (e.g., “Wangfujing” for 王府井) in the search bar (搜索). Always turn off VPN —it messes with GPS! How to Use Public Transport ​Subway exits: Look for ​出口 (Exit) + numbers (e.g., 出口 C). ​Bus schedules: Tap ​公交 → Check ​首班车 (First bus) and ​末班车 (Last bus). Source from Baidu How to Save & Rename Spots Tap the star ★ to save a place to ​ 收藏夹 (Favorites). Rename it in English: Go to ​ 收藏 → 地点 , long-press the Chinese name, tap ​ 重命名 (Rename). How to Navigate Tap ​ 路线 (Route), pick your mode (walking, subway, etc.). For AR mode, switch to ​ 步行 (Walking) and tap the camera icon. Does Baidu Maps Work Without a Chinese Phone Number? Yes, but with major limitations: 1️⃣ ​ Basic Navigation Works You can download the app and use maps/offline navigation ​ without a Chinese number . Search requires ​ Chinese characters or Pinyin (e.g., "Beijing Zhan" for 北京站). 2️⃣ ​ Account Restrictions To save locations or use features like ride-hailing, ​ a Chinese number is required for SMS verification. Workaround : Use ​ email registration (limited success) or a friend’s number. 3️⃣ ​ Better Alternatives ​Amap (Gaode) : Partial English + works with international numbers. ​ Apple Maps : Full English support (best for tourists). Core Functions of Baidu Map App Source from Baidu Baidu Maps isn’t just for locals—here’s what matters for travelers: ​ No-WiFi? No problem : Download offline maps ( Offline Maps → 下载 ). Works in rural areas! ​ AR Navigation : Point your camera at the street for arrows guiding you. Game-changer in crowded cities. ​ Public Transport Schedules : Train/bus times are spot-on (even tells you which subway exit to use). ​ Parking Finder : Shows real-time parking spots and prices. Lifesaver in cities like Shanghai. ​ Secret Hack : Search places using ​ Pinyin (e.g., “Tiananmen” instead of 天安门). Is Baidu Map App Safe for Foreign Users? It’s safe for basic navigation, but privacy is questionable. Privacy Concerns ​ Data Collected : Location history, search queries, device ID. ​ Shared with : Chinese regulators (mandatory under local laws). ​ Ads : Aggressive, Chinese-language ads based on your activity. ​ Use a Burner Email/Phone : Don’t link personal accounts (e.g., Google). ​ Deny Permissions : Disable access to contacts, photos, etc. ​ VPN Off While Navigating : Baidu Maps often glitches with VPNs. Baidu Maps vs Amap (Gaode) vs Apple Maps - Best 3 Map App in China ​ For Tourists : Use ​ Apple Maps (simple, English) + ​ Amap (backup for real-time updates). ​ For Expats/Drivers : ​ Amap (English menus + traffic alerts).

​ For Offline/Deep Exploration : ​ Baidu Maps (download maps, AR navigation). See all the China map apps compared in the following blog 👇 China Hotels Recommendation Mercure Guangzhou Beijing Road Pedestrian Street Hotel No. 182 Beijing Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China Xidan Joy City, No. 131 Yi, Xidan North Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100032, China Shanghai Elong Hotel No. 595 Jiujiang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China 🔥Exclusive China Train Coupon: Get 3% OFF Now! Book your China train tickets as a new user on Trip.com and enjoy a special 3% Off 🎁! Use our exclusive coupon to save big on your first train journey!!!👀 FAQs about Baidu Map App Can you get Baidu Maps in English? No, Baidu Maps does ​not offer a full English version. The interface remains mostly in Chinese, even if you find the language setting (which is now removed in most versions). ​Workaround: Use ​Google Translate's camera mode to scan and translate buttons/menus in real-time. Can you get Baidu Maps in English? Can foreigners use Baidu Maps? Yes, but with limitations: ​Without Chinese: Difficult due to the all-Chinese interface. ​With Workarounds: Use ​Pinyin for place names. Save locations with English names (via ★ Favorites → Rename/重命名). Pair with ​Google Translate for real-time translations. ​Better Alternatives: ​Apple Maps: Fully English, works well in cities. ​Amap (Gaode): Partial English, better for drivers. Can foreigners use Baidu Maps? How do I change the language on Baidu Maps app? Old Method (No Longer Reliable): Previously: Profile (我的) → Settings (设置) → Language (语言) → English. ​Now: This option is ​gone in most app versions. ​Alternatives: Memorize key terms (e.g., 搜索 = Search, 路线 = Route). Use ​Pinyin (e.g., type "Tiananmen" for 天安门). Download ​Amap (Gaode) instead—it has partial English support. How do I change the language on Baidu Maps app? Related products Baidu Map App Guide 1. What is Baidu Map App 2. Which Map App to Use in China? 3. How to Set Up Baidu Map App 4. Change Baidu Map App to English (Sort of) 5. How to Use Baidu Maps for Foreigners 6. Does Baidu Maps Work Without a Chinese Phone Number? 7. Core Functions of Baidu Map App 8. Is Baidu Map App Safe for Foreign Users? 9. Baidu Maps vs Amap (Gaode) vs Apple Maps - Best 3 Map App in China 10. China Hotels Recommendation 11. 🔥Exclusive China Train Coupon: Get 3% OFF Now! Trip.com Travel Expert Hey there! I’m Bethy (Huang Lan, 黄澜) – a travel enthusiast and content creator for Trip.com. I live as a digital nomad, mostly based in China, and I’ve also lived in awesome places across Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. I love traveling all over the world, sharing useful travel tips and guides for fellow wanderlusters. When I’m not on the road, I’m a huge cat lover and play guitar for fun~ Air Travel Guide Latest Flight Deals Popular Flight & Hotel Packages China Arrival Card Zhangjiajie Map China Power Bank Limit How to Enter a Passenger Name Does eSIM Work in China China Translate App Air Flexibility Student Flights How to Use Trip.com Promo Codes Trip.com Air Miles Flexible Flight Frequent Flyer Number Flight Delay Compensation What Happens If You Miss Your Flight Economy vs Premium Economy How to Get Upgraded to First Class Medellin Vacation Packages Hong Kong Vacation Packages Tokyo Flight and Hotel Koh Samui Flight and Hotel Hong Kong Flight and Hotel Casablanca Vacation Packages New Orleans Vacation Packages Toulouse Vacation Packages Beijing Vacation Packages Da Nang Flight and Hotel Bali Vacation Packages Cox'S Bazar Flight and Hotel Zurich Vacation Packages Almaty Vacation Packages Oslo Vacation Packages Japan car rental Kansai Airport to Nara Singapore Airport to City Hotels near LAX with Shuttle Beijing Metro Map Chongqing Metro Map Nanjing Airport Macau to Zhuhai Kobe Transportation Shanghai Pudong Airport Hong Kong Airport Macau to Hong Kong Narita Airport to Shinjuku china payments app Guangzhou SIM Card