First-Time China Travel Checklist

30 Days

Before Your Trip

Check passport validity (must be valid 6+ months beyond travel dates) Most countries require this for China visa eligibility
Research visa requirements for your nationality Check official sources — requirements vary by passport. See Chinese MFA visa info or your local Chinese embassy.
Apply for China visa if required Processing typically takes 4-7 business days; allow extra time
Research payment options (Alipay / WeChat Pay) Create accounts early so you have time to troubleshoot. See our Apps Guide →
Compare eSIM / roaming options for your trip See our eSIM Guide → for provider comparisons
Check travel insurance options Verify it covers mainland China and medical evacuation
Book flights and accommodation

7 Days

Before Your Trip

Download essential apps WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, translation app, maps
Test Alipay / WeChat Pay with your international card Try binding your card now — if it fails, you have time to try another card or contact your bank
Prepare Chinese addresses / key phrases as screenshots Hotel name + address in Chinese, emergency contacts, embassy address
Notify your bank about international travel Prevents your card from being blocked for suspicious China transactions
Purchase eSIM plan (if using eSIM) Install but don't activate until arrival
Verify phone is eSIM-compatible (if applicable) Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM should be available
Make digital + physical copies of important documents Passport, visa, insurance, hotel confirmations — store in cloud and print one set

1 Day

Before Departure

Confirm eSIM is installed and ready (or roaming is activated with carrier)
Download offline maps for your destination areas Apple Maps: search area → scroll down → "Download Offline Map". Or use Maps.me / organic maps.
Screenshot important information Hotel address in Chinese, confirmation numbers, emergency contacts, embassy info
Prepare charging equipment China uses 220V, Type A/C/I plugs. Bring adapter if needed. Power bank for transit day.
Charge all devices fully Phone, power bank, earbuds — you may not have access to charging during transit
Set up a small cash backup (RMB if possible, or USD/EUR to exchange at airport)

Arrival

After Landing

Activate eSIM / enable data roaming Settings → Cellular → your eSIM plan → turn on Data Roaming
Test your internet connection Open a browser or app to confirm data is working
Test payment app (Alipay or WeChat Pay) Try a small purchase — a convenience store or vending machine is a low-risk test
Connect to hotel WiFi and save the password
Plan your first transport from airport Airport taxi, metro, or DiDi. Have your hotel address in Chinese ready to show the driver.
Send a test message on WeChat to confirm it's working

Visa & Entry Notes

Visa requirements vary by nationality. Some passport holders are visa-exempt for short stays; others require a visa applied for in advance.
Official source: Check the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Chinese embassy/consulate for current requirements.
Transit visas: China offers 24/72/144-hour transit visa-free policies for certain nationalities at designated ports. Eligibility depends on your passport and route.
Registration: Foreign visitors must register with local police within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels typically handle this for guests; if staying in private accommodation, you may need to register yourself.

We are not immigration lawyers and cannot provide legal advice. Visa policies change frequently. Always verify requirements with official government sources before travel.

Quick Summary Checklist (Print-Friendly)

Copy, screenshot, or print this compact list for travel day.

Before the Trip

Passport valid 6+ months
Visa secured (if required)
Alipay / WeChat Pay account created
International card bound to payment app
eSIM purchased and installed
Essential apps downloaded (WeChat, DiDi, maps, translator)
Hotel address saved in Chinese
Bank notified of international travel
Documents copied (digital + paper)

Travel Day

All devices charged
Power bank packed
Power adapter for China (Type A/C/I, 220V)
Offline maps downloaded
Cash backup available
Screenshots of key info accessible

On Arrival

Activate eSIM / data roaming
Test internet and payment app
Connect to hotel WiFi
Confirm transport to next destination

Want the Full Preparation Package?

Our free China Starter Kit includes detailed payment setup walkthroughs, eSIM recommendations, essential phrases, and this checklist in a downloadable PDF.

Download the Free China Starter Kit Explore Shenzhen Travel Services

First-Time China Travel Checklist

Before Your Trip

Before Your Trip

Before Departure

After Landing

Visa & Entry Notes

Quick Summary Checklist (Print-Friendly)

Before the Trip

Travel Day

On Arrival

Want the Full Preparation Package?

Related Guides