Landing in China is easier when you’ve solved five things before you arrive. Do them in this order.
The five things (in order)
1. Can you get in?
Check whether your nationality gets visa-free entry or transit, or whether you need a visa. → Getting into China
2. Can you pay?
Set up Alipay or WeChat with a foreign card. This removes most daily friction. → Paying in China
3. Can you get online?
Buy an eSIM or SIM, and install the essential apps before you fly. → Staying online
4. Can you get to your hotel?
Know your airport-to-city options and have your hotel address in Chinese. → Airport to city
5. Do you know the basics?
Emergency numbers, etiquette, tipping, tap water. → Safety & etiquette
The rest of the kit
| Guide | What it solves |
|---|---|
| Apps to install | What to download and set up |
| Cash & ATMs | When cash still matters |
| Chinese for day one | Twelve phrases that work |
| Only 3 days? | A realistic short trip |
Your pre-flight checklist
- Entry category confirmed (visa / visa-free / transit)
- Passport valid 6+ months, blank pages
- Alipay or WeChat set up + card added
- eSIM bought / SIM plan sorted
- Essential apps installed
- Hotel address saved in Chinese
- Bank told you’re travelling
- Offline maps + translation pack downloaded
- Power bank packed
- Emergency numbers + embassy contact saved
When you land
- Data on → test it.
- Payments → buy a drink as a test.
- Get to the hotel (metro, bus, or taxi rank).
- Check in; ask for a hotel card with the address.
- Walk the neighbourhood; keep day one light.