THE CHINA TRAVEL BASICS MASTER CHECKLIST

Things to know before
travelling to China.

Eight practical preparations for an independent trip. Browse freely—no account or personal checklist required.

8 ESSENTIAL TASKSStart with the one you need now.

Check entry requirements

Work out which entry route may apply to your passport, dates and itinerary.

YOU’RE READY WHEN

You know whether you may need a visa
You know which official source to check before booking

PRIMARY GUIDEDo You Need a Visa for China?↗RELATEDChina Visa-Free Countries↗

Prepare arrival documents

Keep the essential passport, accommodation and onward-travel information ready.

YOU’RE READY WHEN

Your route-specific documents are ready
Accommodation and onward-travel details are available offline

PRIMARY GUIDEDocuments to Prepare Before Travelling to China↗RELATEDDo You Need a Visa for China?↗

Set up a primary payment method

Prepare one payment method you expect to use for everyday purchases.

YOU’RE READY WHEN

Your primary payment method is set up
You understand how you will use it at a merchant

PRIMARY GUIDEHow to Pay in China as a Tourist↗

Prepare a backup payment method

Have another way to pay if your main method or connection fails.

YOU’RE READY WHEN

You have a backup card or appropriate cash
You know what to try if your primary method fails

PRIMARY GUIDEHow to Pay in China as a Tourist↗

Choose how you’ll get online

Select roaming, a travel eSIM, a local SIM or another suitable connection.

YOU’RE READY WHEN

You have chosen an internet option
Any required setup is ready before departure

PRIMARY GUIDEInternet Access in China↗RELATEDDoes WhatsApp Work in China? A Practical Guide for Travellers↗

Confirm access to the services you rely on

Check the communication, search, map and social services important to your trip.

YOU’RE READY WHEN

You have listed the services you need
You have alternatives for anything that may be unavailable

PRIMARY GUIDEInternet Access in China↗RELATEDDoes WhatsApp Work in China? A Practical Guide for Travellers↗RELATEDDoes Google Maps Work in China? Best Map Apps for Travellers↗

Install and test essential apps

Prepare payment, navigation, transport and translation tools before you fly.

YOU’RE READY WHEN

The apps you need are installed
You have opened and tested the important ones

PRIMARY GUIDEEssential Apps for Travelling in China↗RELATEDDoes Google Maps Work in China? Best Map Apps for Travellers↗RELATEDHow to Use Amap in China: English Setup & Routes↗RELATEDHow to Book Train Tickets in China: 12306 Guide for Tourists↗RELATEDBest Translation Apps for China: Offline, Camera and Conversation Guide↗RELATEDHow to Use Alipay and WeChat Mini Programs in China↗

Plan your arrival and local transport

Know how you will reach your accommodation and move around day to day.

YOU’RE READY WHEN

Your accommodation address is saved in Chinese
You know your airport transfer and local transport options

PRIMARY GUIDEGetting Around China↗RELATEDDoes Google Maps Work in China? Best Map Apps for Travellers↗RELATEDHow to Use Amap in China: English Setup & Routes↗RELATEDHow to Use DiDi in China: A First-Ride Guide for Tourists↗RELATEDHow to Book Train Tickets in China: 12306 Guide for Tourists↗RELATEDBest Translation Apps for China: Offline, Camera and Conversation Guide↗

START ANYWHERE

You don’t have to complete this in order.

Open the guide that matches your current question. Recommended and trip-specific preparation will be added after the essential path has been validated.

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