Does Google Translate work in China?
No. Google Translate was discontinued in mainland China in 2022, and Apple's built-in translation isn't available there either. Tolk is a real-time voice translator that keeps working when you travel to China — you speak, and your words play out loud in Mandarin within seconds, and back again.
Real conversations, not text boxes
Have a natural, two-way conversation with taxi drivers, hotel staff, shop owners and new friends. Tolk understands 70+ languages including Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese, uses natural human-sounding voices, and works either through your AirPods or out loud on the speaker with the phone between you.
You'll need a working connection
Tolk translates live using AI, so it needs an internet connection that can reach our service. Many travellers in mainland China already carry a VPN or an international eSIM/roaming plan — Tolk works over that same connection. There's no subscription: start with 10 free minutes, then buy minutes that never expire.
FAQ
Translating in China — FAQ
Does Google Translate work in China?
No — Google Translate was discontinued in mainland China in 2022. Tolk is a real-time voice translator that works in China instead, translating spoken conversations in Mandarin and 70+ other languages.
What translation app works in China?
Tolk works in China as a live, two-way voice translator. You speak naturally and it plays your words out loud in the other language within seconds — no typing, and no reliance on Google Translate, which is unavailable in mainland China.
Does Tolk translate Mandarin and Cantonese?
Yes. Tolk handles Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese among its 70+ languages, in both directions, with natural-sounding voices — so you can actually converse instead of trading typed phrases.
Do I need a VPN to use Tolk in China?
Tolk needs an internet connection that can reach our AI service. In mainland China many travellers use a VPN or an international eSIM/roaming plan, and Tolk works over that connection. It does not translate fully offline.
Is there a subscription?
No. Tolk has no subscription. You start with 10 free minutes, then buy minute packs only when you need them, and your minutes never expire — ideal for a single trip to China.
Ready to travel without barriers?
Download Tolk.
Free minutes to try — no card needed.
