China Travel Checklist 2026: Everything to Do Before Your Trip
China is an incredible travel destination, but it requires more preparation than most countries. The internet is different, payments are different, and many things that work everywhere else simply don’t work in China.
This checklist covers everything you need to do before boarding your flight. Save this page — you’ll want to come back to it.
1-2 Weeks Before: The Essentials
Internet & Connectivity
- Buy a China eSIM and install the profile on your phone (see our eSIM guide)
- Don’t activate the eSIM yet — wait until you land
- Test that your phone supports eSIM (Settings → Cellular → check for “Add eSIM” option)
Payment Setup
- Download Alipay and link your Visa/Mastercard (see our payment guide)
- Download WeChat and set up WeChat Pay as backup
- Call your bank — tell them you’re traveling to China so they don’t block transactions
- Exchange some cash — get ¥500-1,000 RMB (~$70-140) from your bank or airport
Apps to Download (Do This on Home WiFi!)
Must-have apps — download ALL of these before departure:
| App | What For | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Alipay | Payments (primary) | App Store / Google Play |
| Payments (backup) + messaging | App Store / Google Play | |
| Amap (高德地图) | Navigation — much better than Google Maps in China | App Store / Google Play |
| Didi | Ride-hailing (China’s Uber) | App Store / Google Play |
| Trip.com | Train tickets, hotels, flights | App Store / Google Play |
| Pleco | Chinese dictionary + camera translate | App Store / Google Play |
| Google Translate | Download Chinese offline pack (works without internet) | App Store / Google Play |
Visa & Documents
- Confirm you qualify for visa-free entry (check the country list)
- Passport valid for 6+ months from your entry date
- Book return/onward flight — immigration will check
- Book first hotel on Trip.com or Booking.com — make sure it accepts foreigners
- Print hotel confirmation — some immigration officers want paper
- Fill out Arrival Card online via NIA 12367 app or Alipay mini program
1-3 Days Before: Final Prep
- Save offline maps — Download your destination city in Amap or Google Maps
- Screenshot your hotel address in Chinese — show this to taxi/Didi drivers
- Save emergency numbers:
- Police: 110
- Ambulance: 120
- Your country’s embassy phone number
- Pack a portable charger — you’ll use your phone constantly for payments and navigation
- Bring your passport everywhere — hotels, train stations, and some attractions require it
Day of Travel
- Passport + printed hotel booking in your carry-on (not checked luggage)
- Phone fully charged
- eSIM profile installed (but not activated)
- Arrival card completed online
When You Land in China:
- Turn on your China eSIM as your data line
- Connect and test — open Google or WhatsApp to confirm it works
- Go through immigration — foreigners queue, show passport + arrival card
- Get to your hotel — use Didi or airport express train
- Hotel will photocopy your passport for police registration (this is normal and required)
City-Specific Tips
Beijing
- Metro accepts Alipay QR code at turnstiles
- Forbidden City tickets must be booked online in advance (up to 7 days ahead)
- Great Wall: Badaling is easiest, Mutianyu is better, Jinshanling is best for photos
Shanghai
- Metro accepts Alipay QR code
- The Bund is best at night
- Use the Maglev train from Pudong Airport (¥50, 8 minutes, 431 km/h!)
General Tips for All Cities
- Taxis: Always use Didi. Street taxis may refuse foreigners or overcharge
- Restaurants: Point at other tables’ dishes if there’s no English menu. Or use your phone camera + translation app on the Chinese menu
- Toilets: Carry tissues — many public bathrooms don’t provide toilet paper
- Water: Don’t drink tap water. Buy bottled water (¥2-3 at any convenience store)
What NOT to Worry About
- Safety: China is extremely safe. Violent crime against tourists is nearly nonexistent.
- Scams: Much rarer than in Southeast Asia. The main one is tea house scams in tourist areas — if a friendly stranger invites you to “try tea,” decline.
- Food: Street food is generally safe. China has strict food safety enforcement in cities.
- Language: You don’t need to speak Chinese. Translation apps + pointing + gestures work fine. Young Chinese people often know some English.
Quick Reference Card
Save this on your phone:
Emergency: 110 (police) / 120 (ambulance)
Your hotel: [name + address in Chinese]
Your embassy: [phone number]
Alipay: Set up ✓
eSIM: Installed ✓
Return flight: [date]
Visa-free deadline: [date — DO NOT overstay]Detailed Guides
Need more details on specific topics? Read these:
- Best eSIM for China — Full comparison of Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad with pricing
- How to pay in China — Step-by-step Alipay & WeChat Pay setup
- Visa-free entry guide — Full country list, 240-hour transit rules, and common mistakes
Last updated: February 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to prepare before visiting China?
Essential preparations include: downloading Alipay/WeChat Pay, getting an eSIM with VPN, printing your hotel confirmation, registering for the visa-free program if eligible, and downloading offline maps.
Do I need travel insurance for China?
While not required for visa-free entry, travel insurance is highly recommended. Medical care is affordable in China, but insurance covers emergencies, trip cancellation, and evacuation if needed.