Prep
Likely visa-free?
Many passports now qualify for short visa-free stays — but assuming it without checking is a common day-one failure.
Confirm with the visa checker
If you are visa-free, you can skip this step and move on to Network.
China trip prep checklist
One checklist to prepare your China trip
Seven calm steps — visa, network, payments, maps, bookings, insurance, and practical basics — so arrival day is ready, not chaotic.
- Google, Instagram & WhatsApp often fail on mainland connections
- Most everyday payments expect Alipay or WeChat Pay — not cash
- Uber and Google Maps are unreliable for real on-the-ground travel
Step 1 · Visa
Check whether you need a China visa
Confirm your entry path first. If you qualify for visa-free travel, you can skip the rest of this step. If not, check the rules before you book non-refundable tickets.
Prep
Need a tourist visa?
Wrong assumptions about visas waste weeks. Check the tool and guides before you apply or book flights.
See application rules
Use the checker for your passport, then read the practical visa guide.
Step 2 · Network
Get online before you land
Without working data and a backup for blocked apps, maps, messages, and payments stall on day one. Set this up at home — not on airport Wi-Fi.
Prep
China travel eSIM
Roaming is expensive and often unreliable. Without local data, you cannot open maps, translate signs, or finish Alipay setup when you need them most.
Airalo
eSIM specialist — quick app install if you only need data.
Trip.com eSIM
Same account as hotels and flights — handy if you already book on Trip.
Choose the option that fits your trip. Some product links are affiliate. Full internet setup guide →
Prep
Travel VPN
Hotel and cafe Wi-Fi often block Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and banking apps. Install and test a VPN before departure — after you land is usually too late.
NordVPN
Our usual pick for travel — solid for phones and laptops.
ExpressVPN
Strong alternative if you prefer another brand’s app and pricing.
Choose the option that fits your trip. Some product links are affiliate. Best VPN for China comparison →
Step 3 · Payments
Set up payments before you arrive
Many shops, metros, and small vendors expect a QR code wallet. Finish linking and verification at home — not while holding a bottle of water at the airport.
Prep
Mobile wallets
Foreign cards alone often fail at everyday checkout. Without Alipay or WeChat Pay ready, simple purchases turn into awkward refusals.
Alipay
RecommendedUsually the easiest first wallet for foreign visitors.
WeChat Pay
BackupUseful second wallet when a merchant only accepts WeChat.
Choose the option that fits your trip. Some product links are affiliate. Payments guide →
Step 4 · Maps
Install maps that work in China
Google Maps is unreliable for mainland streets. Install a local map app before you need an address in Chinese.
Prep
Amap (Gaode Maps)
Wrong pins and missing local listings leave you stranded at exits and hotel doors. Download Amap and learn the basics before you land.
Amap setup
Best everyday navigation for metros, walking, and taxis in China.
Step 5 · Booking
Book flights, hotels, and tickets
Trip.com handles English booking and foreign cards for the pieces that hurt most when left late — flights in, night-one hotels, trains between cities, and popular sights.
Prep
Book on Trip.com
Last-minute hotel and ticket stress is common — especially when a listing rejects foreign passports or sells out.
Flights
Search international routes in English and pay with a foreign card.
Hotels
Book places that handle passport check-in without day-one drama.
High-speed rail
Book intercity trains with your passport — English UI, no Chinese phone required.
Attraction tickets
Reserve popular sights early with the passport you will travel on.
Choose the option that fits your trip. Some product links are affiliate. Open Trip.com home →
Step 6 · Insurance
Cover medical and trip surprises
Hospitals often expect payment first. Travel insurance is not required at the border, but it reduces the cost of a bad day.
Prep
Travel insurance
Without cover, an emergency can mean large upfront bills and messy claims from abroad.
What to buy before you fly
Look for inpatient medical cover that includes evacuation. We don't sell policies — use a provider you already trust at home.
Reference · Everyday China
Useful practical information
Quick facts first-time visitors ask about — emergency numbers, embassies, cash, tipping, and a few cultural don’ts. Save this section offline if you can.
Emergency numbers (mainland China)
China does not use a single nationwide 911. Dial the service you need. These lines are free; English may be limited — hotel staff can help if you are stuck.
| Service | Number | Chinese | When to call |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police | 110 | 报警 / 警察 | Crime, theft, lost passport report, personal safety |
| Fire & rescue | 119 | 火警 | Fire, smoke, gas leak, rescue situations |
| Ambulance | 120 | 急救 | Medical emergency, injury, sudden illness |
| Traffic accident | 122 | 交通事故 | Road accidents; also call 120 if anyone is hurt |
Everyday questions
- Embassy / consulate
Before you fly, save your country’s embassy or consulate emergency number in China (usually Beijing plus regional consulates). Hotel front desks can often help you call. If your passport is lost, file a police report (110) first, then contact your embassy.
- Is China cashless?
In cities it often feels cashless — Alipay and WeChat Pay are the default. Foreign cards alone still fail in many places. Keep a small cash backup (about ¥50–100) for tiny vendors, temples, or rural spots.
- Tipping culture
Everyday restaurants, taxis, and delivery do not expect tips. Service is usually included. Exceptions are rare: some high-end hotels, private guides, or international venues may accept a tip — never required in casual dining.
- Cultural don’ts (quick)
Don’t stick chopsticks upright in a rice bowl. Avoid loud political arguments in public. Ask before photographing people, temples’ restricted areas, or security/military sites. Queue politely; pointing soles at people or gods in temples is rude.
Prep checked? Sketch your route
Turn cities and days into a simple itinerary once the essentials are ready.
Plan my China tripBefore you fly
Arrival checklist
Tick these off before departure. Progress saves on this device.
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Social proof
What first-time visitors say
“I set up Alipay and an eSIM the week before — first metro ride in Shanghai felt normal instead of stressful.”
Emma R.
First trip · 10 days
“The VPN tip for hotel Wi-Fi alone was worth it. I would have been stuck refreshing Google Maps otherwise.”
Jonas K.
Business + weekend travel
“Checklist format is what I needed. Not another long article — just what to finish before the flight.”
Priya S.
Independent traveler