Pre-Trip Checklist

Check visa status · Passport valid 6+ months

50+ countries visa-free until Dec 2026 — US still needs a tourist visa. Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1–7) and Spring Festival — trains and hotels sell out weeks ahead.

Book hotels licensed to host foreigners

Filter "Can host foreigners" on Trip.com — not all hotels are legally permitted to accept foreign guests.

Install two VPNs and test both work

NordVPN or Surfshark are most reliable in 2026. VPN websites are blocked in China — impossible to download after landing. Turn VPN off when making payments.

Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay — link your bank card to both

Most vendors only accept mobile pay. WeChat registration needs an existing user to verify — do this with a friend before leaving home.

Google Translate offline · DiDi · Trip.com · Amap · AQI China

Download Chinese (Simplified) offline pack in Google Translate. Camera translate works without internet. Full details on the Essentials page.

Get an eSIM before flying or buy a physical SIM at the airport

eSIM (recommended): Airalo or Holafly before departing — activate on landing, no queuing. Some include built-in VPN. From ~$10 for 7 days. Physical SIM: China Unicom or China Mobile at arrivals, ¥50–100 for 30 days, bring passport. Note: do not use an eSIM number to register WeChat.

Universal power adapter · Power bank under 100Wh in hand luggage

China uses Type A / Type I at 220V — UK plugs will not fit. 100Wh limit strictly enforced on domestic flights.