What it does
Best for voice and conversation translation. Download the offline Chinese pack before you fly.
How to set it up
- Download Google Translate from the official site.
- Create an account with your foreign phone number or email.
- Link a payment method (Visa/Mastercard usually works).
- You're ready to use it in China.
Pros
- Verified working as of our last test
- Accepts international payment methods
- English-language interface
Cons
- May require a VPN for initial setup outside China
- Some features are China-only
Google Translate in China is partially blocked (the app works, but updates don’t). Install it before flying, download the offline Chinese pack, and you’re set. The conversation mode (back-and-forth voice) is the killer feature.
Pros
- Free
- Conversation mode is genuinely useful
- 100+ languages
- Camera translation (similar to Pleco)
Cons
- In China, needs offline mode (don’t expect live updates)
- Some nuanced translations are wrong
- Camera mode worse than Pleco for Chinese
FAQ
-
Is Google Translate free?
Yes, the core features are free. -
Do I need a Chinese phone number?
No — but it helps for verification.