Mistakes to avoid in china! Save $$

When traveling or living in China, one of the biggest challenges is managing digital tools efficiently, given how many apps consume excessive storage and how important VPNs are for accessing information. From my experience, choosing the right VPN is crucial—while paid options like LetsVPN offer stable and reliable connections, free alternatives like CatVPN can be handy for budget travelers but may have limitations. Also, make sure to keep your VPN updated to avoid connectivity issues. Besides VPNs, it's beneficial to leverage local discount vouchers available on apps like Dianping and Meituan. Many restaurants and stores offer special deals and set meals that greatly reduce costs if you check before ordering. Downloading only essential apps such as WeChat and Dianping/Meituan helps preserve device performance and storage. Another great tip: use an itinerary management app like Holicay that allows exporting plans as PDFs or syncing your bookings with Gmail. This app helps you stay organized and reduces dependence on multiple apps, which can bog down your device. For public transport, especially high-speed rail, double-check station names and departure times as some cities have multiple train stations. Having live flight updates and booking confirmations handy in one app also simplifies travel days. Lastly, always back up important documents, like attraction tickets or booking confirmations, within apps or cloud storage so you don't lose them amidst network or VPN issues. This approach has saved me from last-minute hassles multiple times. With careful app management, smart use of VPNs and discount vouchers, and organized itinerary planning, your time in China can be smoother and more cost-effective.