What it does
The dictionary app every China traveler needs. Camera-based OCR, offline mode, handwriting input. Free tier is enough for most.
How to set up
- Download Pleco 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
FAQ
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Is Pleco free?
Yes, the core features are free. -
Do I need a Chinese phone number?
No — but it helps for verification.