Your First-Time China Action Plan
Start here and follow the five steps in order โ from entry rules to your first day on the ground.
Visa Check
Confirm entry rules for your nationality and route
Check Entry Rules โInternet on Arrival
Choose an eSIM, roaming plan or VPN setup
Plan Connectivity โPayments
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival
Set Up Payments โAirport to City
Know how to use DiDi, metro and airport transport
Plan Your Arrival โFirst Day Essentials
Hotels, tickets, apps and emergency basics
Open Survival Guide โWhat's Easy in China vs What's Still Tricky
China has modernized fast, but some things remain challenging for foreign travelers.
Easy โ
Alipay now accepts foreign cards โ tap and go like Apple Pay
DiDi works with English interface, similar to Uber
World-class network, bookable with passport
Amap and Apple Maps work well in major cities
Still Tricky โ ๏ธ
Not all hotels accept foreigners โ always verify before booking
Many require Chinese ID to book online โ use Trip.com instead
Most restaurants have Chinese-only QR code menus
Passport verification needed, best done in advance
Set up Alipay before you fly
Most payments require scanning QR codes. Your foreign card works, but setup requires passport verification.
Choose your internet setup before you fly
Many international services are restricted in mainland China. Compare roaming eSIMs and reputable VPN options before departure.
Large hotels โ foreigner-friendly
Many Chinese hotels are not licensed for foreign guests. Always check before booking.
Book attractions with Trip.com
Chinese ticketing apps require local ID. Trip.com lets you book with your passport.
Stay Connected: Your #1 Priority
Without these two, your phone becomes a brick in China. Set up both before you fly โ takes 5 minutes each.
eSIM โ Buy Before You Fly
No physical SIM needed
Activate on landing, works instantly
Best for short trips (under 2 weeks)
VPN โ Install Before Departure
Access Google, WhatsApp, Instagram
Reliability changes, so compare current options
Install and test before departure
Read our comparison first. Some provider links on the next page are affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
On the Ground
Everything you need once you're in China
Survival Guide
Tickets, hotels, and essential apps
Learn more โTransport
Subway, DiDi, and high-speed trains
Learn more โFood & Culture
How to order and what to eat
Learn more โSafety
Avoid scams and stay safe
Learn more โWeather
Check conditions across Chinese cities
Learn more โEmergency
Important numbers and contacts
Learn more โExplore China's Cities
In-depth guides for China's most popular destinations
Problems This Guide Helps You Avoid
Three common first-trip problems, with a clear place to solve each one
Arriving without a working payment method can turn a simple meal or taxi ride into a stressful problem.
Hotel policies and registration requirements can still surprise international guests at check-in.
Visa-free and transit rules depend on nationality, route and length of stay โ one detail can change the answer.
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