Visa or Visa-Free Entry
China now offers 15-day visa-free entry for 38+ countries (EU, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.) and 144-hour transit visa-free for 54 countries. Check if you qualify — this saves weeks of paperwork.
Install & Test a VPN Before Departure
Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Google Maps — all blocked without VPN. Install and test it BEFORE you leave. Many VPN websites are blocked in China, making installation impossible after arrival. See our VPN guide →
Set Up Mobile Payment (Alipay + WeChat)
China is 92% cashless. Street food stalls to luxury malls — all QR code. Set up Alipay with your passport and international card before departure. Full setup guide →
Download Essential Chinese Apps
In addition to payment apps, install: DiDi (ride-hailing, English available), Baidu Maps or Amap (Google Maps GPS is off in China), 12306 (train tickets), Meituan (food delivery + attraction tickets), and WeChat (everyone uses it for communication).
Get a Chinese SIM or eSIM
Buy an eSIM before you fly (Airalo, Holafly — runs $6-30) or get a physical SIM at the airport. China Mobile/China Unicom/China Telecom all need passport registration. Avoid international roaming — it's expensive and many apps detect foreign IPs and behave differently.
Book Hotels & High-Speed Trains Early
Book hotels on Trip.com (best for foreigners, English support) or Ctrip. High-speed train tickets sell out fast during Chinese holidays (especially Spring Festival, Golden Week). Book 1-2 weeks ahead.
Carry Cash as Emergency Backup
Exchange ¥500-1000 RMB before departure or withdraw from airport ATMs (ICBC/Bank of China). Keep it for small vendors without QR, taxi drivers, or when your phone dies.
Learn Basic Chinese Phrases
Most Chinese don't speak English. Essential phrases: nǐ hǎo (hello), xiè xiè (thank you), duō shǎo qián? (how much?), zhè ge (this one), cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ? (where's the bathroom?). Download a translation app with offline mode (Baidu Translate, Pleco).
Prepare for the Great Firewall
Beyond VPN: download offline maps (Maps.me or Baidu Maps offline mode), save important addresses in Chinese characters, email yourself hotel addresses, and screenshot reservation confirmations. WiFi in hotels usually has VPN built in — mobile data is a different story.
Understand Cultural Differences
Squat toilets are common in public places (carry tissues!). Tipping is NOT expected (can even be refused). Public displays of affection are minimal. Bargaining is normal in markets but not in malls. And the staring — foreigners are still a novelty in many cities; it's curiosity, not hostility.
Packing Essentials
- 🔌 Universal power adapter — China uses Type A/C/I, 220V
- 🧻 Pocket tissues + hand sanitizer — public bathrooms rarely provide toilet paper
- 💊 Basic medication — your familiar brands may not be available locally
- 📱 Power bank — you'll use your phone for EVERYTHING (payment, maps, translation, tickets)
- 🔖 Print hotel name + address in Chinese — to show taxi drivers
- 🧣 Layers — Check the weather. Beijing winter hits -15°C, Shanghai summer hits 38°C
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