Smart phones have drastically changed the way we obtain information, almost rendering paperback dictionaries and travel books obsolete. This is great news for the non-Chinese speaking China traveler who no longer has to lug around heavy dictionaries and guide books, rely on charades to get by, or risk ordering dog meat or lamb intestine stew by mistake. From incredibly smart translating tools to up-to-date transport maps, here’s our list of the best apps for travelling in China.

Food

1) Waygo Visual Translator

This clever iPhone app allows you to scan menus and street signs and swiftly provides an English translation (provided you have a steady hand). While it doesn’t know every single dish, it does a good job translating the most well-known ones. It’s free to download and allows you to scan 100 phrases for free, after which users will be limited to 10 translations per day. Unlimited options are available for a fee.

Price: free

Link: iOS

2) China Menu

This simple, easy-to-navigate app is a comprehensive guide to eating out in almost any restaurant. It gives you vivid photos, descriptions and one-click order translations for over 260 Chinese dishes. It also allows you to learn about table etiquette and local eating customs by browsing over 70 translated situations you're likely to encounter while dining out in China. It’s a little pricey but incredibly useful if you’re travelling in China for the first time and don’t speak a word of Chinese.

Price: 30 RMB

Link: iOS