The Complete China Travel Checklist (2026)
Everything to sort out before your trip to China, organised by timeline, with the why behind each step. Free to use, no sign-up needed.
1–2 months before · Documents & bookings
- Check China visa requirements (or visa-free transit eligibility)
Rules vary by nationality and change often — confirm early so you have time to apply.
- Passport valid for 6+ months with blank pages
China and airlines can deny entry on a passport expiring within 6 months.
- Book flights and high-speed rail tickets
Popular routes and holiday-period trains sell out weeks ahead.
- Book hotels that accept foreign guests
Not every property is licensed for foreigners — check before you pay.
- Get travel insurance
Covers medical care and trip disruptions; some visas and tours require it.
2–3 weeks before · Payment & connectivity
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay and link an international card
China is nearly cashless — mobile pay is how you buy almost everything.
- Arrange an eSIM or international roaming
You need data the moment you land — for maps, payments and translation.
- Install and test a VPN before you arrive
Google, WhatsApp and Instagram are blocked in China, and a VPN is hard to install once inside.
- Get some RMB cash as backup
A few hundred yuan helps with small vendors or if an app glitches.
- Tell your bank you're traveling
Avoid your card being frozen for "suspicious" foreign activity.
1 week before · Apps & offline essentials
- Install a translation app with offline Chinese
English is limited outside big hotels; offline mode works without a VPN.
- Download offline maps (or use Amap / Baidu Maps)
Google Maps is unreliable in China — have a local or offline backup.
- Get DiDi, metro and train (12306 / Trip.com) apps
DiDi is China's Uber; metro QR codes and train tickets all live in apps.
- Save key addresses in Chinese
Show your hotel's Chinese name and address to drivers who don't read English.
Packing
- Power adapter (Type A/C/I) + power bank
China uses several plug types, and a power bank keeps your phone — your wallet — alive.
- Comfortable walking shoes
Sightseeing and huge transit hubs mean a lot of walking.
- Personal medications + copies of prescriptions
Some Western medicines are hard to find — bring enough plus documentation.
- Season- and region-appropriate clothing
China spans many climates — Harbin and Sanya in the same week feel like different planets.
- Copies of your passport and visa
Useful for hotel check-in and as a backup if the original is lost.
After you land · Day 1
- Activate your eSIM / connect to data
Do this at the airport so maps and payments work right away.
- Set up a metro/transport QR or buy a transit card
Most metros let you ride with an Alipay/WeChat QR — set it up once.
- Make one small mobile payment to confirm it works
Better to find a payment problem at the airport than at dinner.
- Save your embassy's contact details
Quick access matters if you lose your passport or have an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a visa to visit China?
- Most nationalities need a tourist visa, but many travelers can use visa-free transit (up to 240 hours) or short visa-free entry depending on their passport. Always check the latest rules for your country before booking.
- Can I use Google, WhatsApp or Instagram in China?
- No — they are blocked. Install and test a VPN before you arrive, because you can't easily download one once you're inside China.
- How do tourists pay in China without a Chinese bank account?
- Add an international Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip; both now accept foreign cards for most everyday payments.
- Is cash still accepted in China?
- Yes, by law, but it is increasingly rare in daily life. Carry some RMB as a backup, but expect to pay by phone almost everywhere.
- Do I really need a VPN in China?
- If you want Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram or many Western websites, yes. Set it up and test it before arrival.