Travel guide

The practical China arrival guide

A short preparation guide for the areas that most often cause friction for first-time visitors. App interfaces and availability change, so confirm important details before departure.

Payments

International cards work in more places than before, but mobile payments remain central to daily life.

Before you travel

  • Bring a physical bank card and some backup cash.
  • Tell your bank you will travel to China.
  • Consider downloading Alipay and WeChat before departure.

We can help

  • Guide you through payment-app preparation.
  • Review backup payment options.
  • Help troubleshoot arrival-day payment issues.

Connectivity and useful apps

Prepare connectivity and essential apps before landing.

Before you travel

  • Confirm roaming or eSIM compatibility with your phone.
  • Consider Apple Maps or Amap, DiDi, 12306, Trip.com, and a translation app.
  • Confirm access to work-critical services before travel.

We can help

  • Recommend a setup based on your phone and trip.
  • Review essential apps and account readiness.
  • Help with first-day connectivity problems.

Arrival and hotel check-in

Airports, stations, pickup points, and passport registration can feel unfamiliar after a long flight.

Before you travel

  • Keep the hotel name and address in Chinese.
  • Save arrival instructions offline.
  • Confirm how you will reach the hotel.

We can help

  • Coordinate eligible airport or station transfers.
  • Prepare a clear meeting-point plan.
  • Assist with hotel check-in questions.

Getting around and reservations

Popular attractions, high-speed rail, and restaurants may require advance planning.

Before you travel

  • Check attraction closure days and passport rules.
  • Allow extra time at large railway stations.
  • Keep translated destination names available.

We can help

  • Assist with attraction and restaurant reservations.
  • Explain high-speed rail and station flow.
  • Help communicate with drivers and local suppliers.

Visa-free transit: verify before you book

China offers transit-without-visa arrangements for eligible travelers and routes, including stays of up to 240 hours in eligible areas. Eligibility depends on nationality, entry point, onward travel to a third country or region, and current rules.

Service boundary

Our eligibility tools and reviews are for planning support only. Final decisions are made by immigration authorities and carriers. Confirm your route with official sources and your airline before travel.