Arriving in China without speaking a word of Mandarin can be a daunting experience.

Especially when many had warned me that most locals do not speak English – the so-called universal language.

Yet, with a little patience and the help of modern technology, even the most unfamiliar situations can become manageable.

Thanks to China’s sweeping digital transformation, navigating daily life as a non-Mandarin speaker is no longer as difficult as it once was.

Early struggles in Beijing, lost in translation

During my first week in Beijing, the language barrier proved to be an immediate and constant challenge, often leaving me feeling homesick and anxious.

Simple tasks that are typically taken for granted – ordering food, using public transport or shopping for daily necessities – suddenly became exercises in patience and determination.

I vividly recall a visit to Wu Mart on Jinbao Street to buy cleaning supplies. With every product label and price tag written entirely in Mandarin, it took me over 10 minutes just to locate the detergent I needed.

A kind staff member noticed my confusion and tried to assist, but she didn’t speak English either. I had to rely on hand gestures and improvised sign language to convey what I was looking for.

At that point, even ordering food felt daunting – and for the first few days, I survived mostly on bread and buns.

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Digital tools make life easier

However, by the second week, digital tools began to ease the transition significantly.

Google Translate quickly became indispensable – especially its instant camera translation feature, which allowed me to understand menus, signs and packaging labels within seconds. While the translations weren’t always perfect, they provided just enough context to make informed decisions in everyday situations.

Even more helpful was WeChat, China’s all-in-one super app that proved essential for communication, payments and navigating life in a digitally connected society.

Beyond messaging and calls, WeChat integrates a wide range of essential services - from e-payments and food delivery to ride-hailing, ticket bookings and even built-in translation tools.

Its mini-programmes were particularly helpful in bridging communication gaps with locals and shopkeepers. Many people preferred to send voice notes, which I could translate to better understand and respond – a feature that proved invaluable when I visited a pharmacy while recovering from a cold.

While some apps weren’t particularly foreigner-friendly and lacked English-language settings, a quick screenshot followed by translation through WeChat often solved the problem. Admittedly, it required a fair amount of patience – but it worked.

Other useful applications include Baidu Maps and AMAP (also known as Gaode Map), both of which now offer English interfaces and voice-guided navigation.

I personally use AMAP and, despite not knowing a word of Mandarin, I never once got lost – a testament to its accurate and efficient navigation system.

For food delivery, Meituan is the go-to app in China. While it remains largely in Mandarin, a bit of translation assistance goes a long way in accessing its full range of services. Ride-hailing is made easier through DiDi, which offers an English-language option that greatly simplifies travel between destinations.

Alipay, another dominant app alongside WeChat Pay, also supports English and is indispensable for daily transactions – from buying groceries and renting bicycles to booking train tickets.

Senior citizens apt at using digital platforms

What’s even more impressive is how senior citizens in China have embraced these digital platforms, using them seamlessly for commuting, shopping and paying bills – a true testament to the country’s deeply integrated, tech-driven lifestyle.

By the end of my first week, daily life began to feel far more manageable. Small victories – like successfully ordering coffee or navigating the subway – gradually built up my confidence.

The initial fear of miscommunication soon gave way to a sense of adventure, with every interaction becoming an opportunity to learn and grow.

In today’s digitally connected world, a blend of patience, technology and the kindness of strangers can transform even the most daunting situations into meaningful experiences.

In China, not knowing Mandarin no longer means being lost – it simply opens the door to discovering new ways to connect.

-- BERNAMA

Kisho Kumari Sucedaram is a journalist with BERNAMA.