How far in advance should I prepare for a trip to China?

Start at least 2–3 weeks before departure. VPN setup, Alipay/WeChat Pay linking, and eSIM purchase all need to be done before you board — they can't be completed once you're inside China.

Do I need a VPN for China?

Yes, unless you use an international eSIM. Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Gmail and most Western apps are blocked by the Great Firewall. Install your VPN before departure — it cannot be downloaded from inside China.

Can I use cash in China?

Cash is rarely useful in modern China. Most vendors, restaurants, and transport only accept WeChat Pay or Alipay. Set up mobile payments before arrival.

The Complete China Travel Checklist: Everything to Do Before You Land

Why You Need to Prepare Before You Board

China is one of the most rewarding travel destinations in the world — and one of the most demanding to prepare for. Unlike most countries, several essential tools you rely on daily (Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, Gmail) simply stop working the moment you land. Payment is almost entirely cashless, but foreign cards are rarely accepted. Mobile data requires a China-compatible SIM or eSIM.

The good news: all of this is completely manageable if you sort it out before your flight.

This checklist covers everything you need to do, roughly in the order you should do it.

1. Documents and Visa

Passport validity China requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Check this first — passport renewals can take weeks.

Visa or visa-free entry As of 2026, China has granted visa-free entry to citizens of over 50 countries including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and many more. Citizens of these countries can stay for up to 15 days (transit/single-entry) without a visa.

Check the official visa-free list to confirm your eligibility. If you need a visa, apply at your nearest Chinese embassy at least 4–6 weeks in advance.

Travel insurance China's public hospitals are excellent but require upfront payment. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation and emergency hospitalisation.

2. Internet and VPN

This is the most critical item on this list. Do it before you board.

The following apps and services are blocked in China under the Great Firewall:

Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, Drive, YouTube)
WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal
Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter)
Most Western news sites

You must install a VPN before you arrive. VPN apps cannot be downloaded from Chinese app stores, and the VPN providers' websites are often blocked inside China.

Recommended VPNs that reliably work in China: Astrill, LetsVPN, NordVPN (with obfuscation enabled). See the full VPN setup guide.

Download offline maps Google Maps does not work in China. Download Amap (高德地图) before your trip — it has offline mode, so download the city maps for your destinations while you still have unblocked internet.

3. Mobile Data and SIM

Option A — International roaming Most carriers support roaming in China. This is the simplest option but can be expensive. Check your carrier's China roaming plan.

Option B — eSIM eSIM services like Airalo, Nomad, or Holafly offer China data plans you can activate before departure. This is the most convenient option for most travellers — no physical SIM swap needed.

Option C — Local SIM on arrival China Unicom and China Mobile sell tourist SIM cards at most major airports. These offer the best value but require queuing on arrival.

Important: Chinese SIM cards require real-name registration with your passport.

4. Payments

Cash is rarely useful in China. Street food stalls, taxis, convenience stores, and restaurants almost universally accept WeChat Pay or Alipay — many no longer accept cash at all.

Both apps now support linking foreign Visa/Mastercard/Amex cards, which is the easiest path for tourists. Set this up before departure.

See the full Alipay and WeChat Pay setup guide for step-by-step instructions.

Personal QR codes in smaller towns Some smaller vendors and rural businesses use a personal collection QR code (个人收款码) instead of a business terminal. These work exactly the same from your side — scan with Alipay or WeChat Pay and confirm the amount. No cash needed.

5. Navigation and Transport

Ride-hailing: Didi Didi is China's dominant ride-hailing app, similar to Uber. Download it and register before your trip — it supports international cards and has an English interface.

High-speed train: Trip.com or 12306 China's high-speed rail network is world-class. Book tickets on Trip.com (English, international cards) rather than 12306 (Chinese UI, complex). Popular routes sell out — book early.

Metro apps Most major cities have excellent metro systems. Download Explore Shanghai, Metro Man, or check if your city has a local transit app. Many now support Alipay or WeChat Pay for ticket purchases.

6. Communication

WeChat (微信) WeChat is China's primary messaging, payments, and social platform. Download it and create an account before you travel — new accounts created in China face verification restrictions. Locals, restaurants, and hotels will often share their WeChat QR code rather than a phone number.

Translation: Pleco or Google Translate offline Download Pleco for Chinese-English translation — it works offline and is significantly better than Google Translate for Chinese. Also download Google Translate's Chinese offline pack before departure (while you still have unblocked access).

7. Health and Safety

Medications Some common Western medications (certain antihistamines, codeine-based drugs, ADHD medication) are controlled or banned in China. Check the Chinese customs regulations for your specific medications and carry a doctor's letter if needed.

Emergency numbers

Police: 110
Fire: 119
Ambulance: 120
Tourist complaints hotline: 12301

Register with your embassy Many embassies offer a travel registration service that alerts you to safety advisories and helps locate you in an emergency. Takes 5 minutes and is worth doing.

Quick Reference Checklist

Task	When to do it
Check passport validity (6+ months)	ASAP
Confirm visa or visa-free eligibility	4–6 weeks before
Install and test VPN	1–2 weeks before
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay	1 week before
Download offline maps (Amap / 高德地图)	Before departure
Get eSIM or arrange roaming	Before departure
Download Didi and register	Before departure
Download WeChat and register	Before departure
Download Pleco offline dictionary	Before departure
Learn to scan personal QR codes (个人收款码)	Before departure

The ChinaReady app tracks all of these tasks with step-by-step guides and a readiness score so nothing slips through. Download the app to get notified when it launches.