First Trip to China Checklist
Everything to sort out before you fly and in your first hours after landing, in the order you will need it. Tick things off as you go.
Before you fly
Many passports can enter visa-free for a limited stay, and some routes qualify for visa-free transit. Check the rules for your passport and your exact route. Read the guide
Turn on online and international payments for the card you will use, so its fraud filter does not block Alipay. Read the guide
Verify your passport in the app a few days ahead, since checks can take time. Read the guide
If one app declines your card, the other often works. Read the guide
It keeps Google, WhatsApp and Instagram working without a VPN. Install it at home and leave it off until you land. Read the guide
Passport checks on 12306 can take a few working days, so start early if you want to book there. Read the guide
Google Maps is out of date in China. A local map app and a translator with offline Chinese save a lot of stress. Read the guide
Taxi drivers rarely read English addresses. Keep a screenshot of the Chinese address and phone number. Read the guide
A backup for when your phone dies or a card is declined. Read the guide
When you land
Turn off Wi-Fi if you need WhatsApp or Google; local Wi-Fi is filtered. Read the guide
A drink at the airport tells you Alipay works before you need it for a taxi. Read the guide
You need it for trains, hotel check-in and many attractions.
Staff can verify your passport in person at any station window. Read the guide
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