A trip to China is one of the most rewarding travel experiences you can have, but it also requires more preparation than most destinations. The internet works differently, payments are cashless, and language barriers are real. This checklist covers the 15 things you need to sort out before your flight.
1. Check Your Visa Requirements
Most travelers need a visa to enter mainland China. The tourist visa (L visa) is the most common and allows stays of up to 30 days. Processing usually takes 4-7 business days at a Chinese embassy or consulate.
Citizens of Singapore, Brunei, and Japan get visa-free entry for up to 15 days. As of recent policy changes, citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Thailand, and several other countries can enter visa-free for up to 15-30 days. Check the latest rules for your nationality.
2. Ensure Your Passport Has 6 Months Validity
China requires your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. It also needs at least one blank visa page. If your passport expires within six months, renew it before applying for a visa.
3. Book Accommodation With Foreigner-Friendly Hotels
Not all Chinese hotels are licensed to host foreign guests. When booking through Booking.com, Agoda, or Trip.com, look for properties that explicitly state they accept international guests. Budget guesthouses sometimes cannot register foreigners.
4. Get a VPN Before You Arrive
If you want access to Google, Gmail, Instagram, WhatsApp, or YouTube in China, install a VPN before you fly. VPN provider websites are blocked from within China, so you cannot download one after arrival. I've personally had good results with Astrill, ExpressVPN, and Let's VPN.
5. Set Up WeChat and Alipay
China is a cashless society. Even street food vendors prefer QR code payments. Both WeChat and Alipay now support linking international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx). Set these up before your trip so you can pay with your phone immediately.
WeChat is also the primary messaging app. If you meet people or need to communicate with hotel staff, they'll almost certainly ask for your WeChat.
6. Carry Some Cash as Backup
While mobile payments dominate, it's smart to carry 500-1000 RMB in cash. Small vendors in rural areas or markets may not accept cards. Foreign bank cards work at Bank of China ATMs and most international ATMs.
7. Download Offline Maps
Google Maps is blocked in China without a VPN. Download offline maps through Apple Maps (which works in China), Maps.me, or the Amap app before you arrive. Apple Maps uses Chinese mapping data and is surprisingly accurate.
8. Buy a SIM Card or eSIM
You can buy a Chinese SIM card at the airport (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom), but an eSIM is often more convenient. Services like Airalo and Holafly offer China eSIMs that you activate before landing. Your phone must be carrier-unlocked.
Alternatively, check if your carrier offers international roaming in China — T-Mobile and some Google Fi plans include free data in China.
9. Get Travel Insurance
China doesn't require travel insurance for tourists, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs for foreigners at international hospitals in Beijing or Shanghai can be expensive. Make sure your policy covers medical evacuation.
10. Install a Reliable Translation Tool
You don't need to learn Mandarin to travel in China, but you do need a good translator. ChinaPal AI is a free browser-based tool that works without a VPN or app download. It supports 10 languages and offers text, voice, and photo translation.
The photo translation feature is especially useful for menus, signs, and product labels. You get 10 free photo translations and 10 free voice translations per day, plus unlimited text translation. No registration required — just open the website and start translating.
I recommend bookmarking it on your phone's home screen so it's one tap away. Visit aihubai.cn before your trip.
11. Learn 5-10 Basic Phrases
Even a few words of Mandarin go a long way. "Nǐ hǎo" (hello), "xièxiè" (thank you), and "duōshao qián" (how much) will cover many situations. The ChinaPal phrasebook has 50 essential travel phrases with audio pronunciation.
12. Check Vaccination and Health Requirements
No specific vaccinations are required for China, but the CDC recommends being up to date on routine vaccines. Check if you're traveling to rural areas where Japanese encephalitis or rabies might be a concern. Bring any prescription medications in their original packaging with a doctor's note.
13. Research Power Adapters
China uses Type A, C, and I sockets at 220V. Most modern phone and laptop chargers handle 220V automatically, but you'll need a plug adapter. Type I (Australian-style) is the most common in major hotels.
14. Plan Your Itinerary Around High-Speed Rail
China's high-speed train network is one of the best in the world. Book tickets through Trip.com or the Ctrip app. Trains between major cities (Beijing-Shanghai takes 4.5 hours) are faster and more comfortable than flying once you factor in airport security.
Book early for popular routes during Chinese holidays — tickets sell out fast.
15. Make Digital and Physical Copies of Documents
Take photos of your passport, visa, travel insurance policy, and hotel confirmations. Save them to your phone and email them to yourself. Also carry a printed photocopy of your passport in case your phone dies.
Final Tip: Don't Overplan
This checklist covers the essentials, but leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best China travel experiences — a random street food discovery, a conversation with a local, a hidden temple — happen when you wander off the plan.
Just make sure you have translation covered before you go. Bookmark aihubai.cn before your trip — it's the one tool you'll open every single day in China.
