CHINATRIP · BEFORE YOU GO
Before you go
01 / ARRIVALGetting from the airport into the cityThe four ways to leave a Chinese airport, what they cost, and how to avoid the classic arrival mistakes.Explore ↗02 / ARRIVALThe apps that make China easy — and how to set them upA short list of the apps that remove most daily friction in China, what each one is for, and the setup to do before you fly.Explore ↗03 / ARRIVALCash, ATMs and what to keep in your walletHow much cash to carry, which ATMs work with foreign cards, and when cash still beats a QR code.Explore ↗04 / ARRIVALStaying online in China — eSIM, SIM cards and the apps you needHow to get data the moment you land, which apps work in China, and how to prepare your phone before you fly.Explore ↗05 / ARRIVALGetting into China — entry, visas and the 3 checks before you flyNationality, visa-free and transit rules, the passport checks at the airport, and the three things to confirm before you fly.Explore ↗06 / ARRIVALIf you only have three days in ChinaA realistic plan for a first three-day trip, the mistakes that waste a short stay, and how to pick a base city.Explore ↗07 / ARRIVALChinese for the first 24 hours — a tiny phrase kitTwelve phrases, how to show them on your phone, and a few pronunciation tips that make drivers and hotel staff smile.Explore ↗08 / ARRIVALFirst 24 hours in China — start hereThe five things to sort before you land, the order to do them in, and links to each step.Explore ↗09 / ARRIVALPaying in China as a foreign visitorHow to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card, what still needs cash, the fees to expect, and the fixes when a payment fails.Explore ↗10 / ARRIVALStaying safe and getting the etiquette right in ChinaChina is generally very safe, but a few local rules and habits will save you trouble — from security checks to tipping and queueing.Explore ↗