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China Travel Checklist for First-Time Visitors
A smooth first trip to China depends on preparation before you land. Use this checklist to prepare documents, payment, mobile data, apps, hotel details, transport plans and emergency backups before your flight.
Step-by-step
What to do first
Check documents
Confirm passport validity, visa or visa-free transit eligibility, hotel booking and any entry documents required for your trip.
Prepare payment
Install Alipay and WeChat, link an international card, enable overseas payments and pack a backup card.
Prepare internet
Set up eSIM, roaming or another mobile data option so maps, translation and payment work after landing.
Prepare core apps
Install payment, messaging, taxi, hotel/train booking, maps and translation apps before departure.
Save offline backups
Screenshot hotel address in English and Chinese, bookings, passport copy, flight details and emergency contacts.
Plan your first 24 hours
Decide how you will get from airport to hotel, how you will test payment and where you will eat your first meal.
Real travel scenario
Real scenario: final checklist before leaving for the airport
- Scenario step 1Open your China Travel folder and confirm all key apps are installed.
- Scenario step 2Check that Alipay or WeChat Pay has at least one linked card.
- Scenario step 3Save hotel address and booking screenshots offline.
- Scenario step 4Confirm eSIM or roaming instructions are available without internet.
- Scenario step 5Pack passport, cards, small cash and a power bank.
Troubleshooting
Common problems and quick fixes
Payment is not ready
Prioritize Alipay setup, add a card, enable bank overseas payments and carry backup cash.
No internet plan
Buy eSIM or enable roaming before departure. Airport Wi-Fi should not be your only plan.
Hotel address only in English
Save the hotel name, address and phone number in Chinese so taxi drivers and local staff can help.
Too much to prepare
Focus on the essentials first: passport, hotel address, payment, internet, maps, translation and transport from airport.
Checklist
Before you rely on this in China
FAQ
Questions foreign visitors usually ask
What should I prepare before my first trip to China?
Prepare documents, hotel address, payment apps, mobile data, maps, translation, transport plan and backup payment.
Should I set up Alipay before arriving in China?
Yes. Installing and verifying payment apps is usually easier before your flight.
Do I need mobile data immediately after landing?
Yes, mobile data helps with payment, maps, translation, taxis and hotel information.
What should I screenshot before flying to China?
Screenshot hotel address, booking confirmations, flight details, passport copy, payment setup notes and emergency contacts.