Travel to China Checklist: Visas, Payments and Connectivity

China travel checklist at a glance

China is easy to enjoy once a few things are set up, and difficult if they are not. The areas that cause the most trouble for first-time visitors are entry paperwork, paying for things, and getting online. Rules in all three change, so treat this page as a planning list and confirm details with official sources, such as the Chinese embassy or consulate for your country, your airline, and your government’s travel advice.

Documents and entry

Passport

Carry a passport with enough validity and blank pages for your trip. Many sources suggest at least six months of validity, and some airlines enforce this, so check the exact requirement for your nationality. Keep a photo or printed copy separate from the original.

Visa, visa-free entry or transit

Policies have been changing in recent years, with a number of countries allowed to visit visa-free for a limited stay, and with transit exemptions (often described as 144-hour or 240-hour rules) for travelers passing through to a third country. Eligibility depends on your nationality, route and the port of entry, so verify the current list before you book. If you need a visa, apply through the official channel for your country and allow time for processing and any requirements for photos, itineraries or biometrics.

Arrival forms, insurance and addresses

• Be ready to complete an arrival card, which may be online or on paper.
• Buy travel insurance that covers medical care and cancellations, and check that it applies to China.
• Save your hotel names and addresses in Chinese characters, plus your onward ticket, offline. Hotels may need to register foreign guests’ passports on check-in, so carry the original.

Payments

Alipay and WeChat Pay

QR code payment dominates daily life in Chinese cities. Both Alipay and WeChat Pay now let visitors link an overseas bank card, though the verification steps and fees can change. Set up and verify at least one app before you leave home, and test it. A second app is a useful backup if one fails.

Cash and cards

Cash is accepted at many places but some vendors prefer or require mobile payment. Bring a small amount of RMB for emergencies, and tell your bank you are traveling. International cards are accepted at some hotels, larger stores and airports, but not everywhere.

Connectivity

eSIM, roaming and wifi

An eSIM, a local SIM, or roaming that routes your traffic outside mainland China can all work. Check which one fits your phone and dates. Hotel wifi is common, but registering for public wifi may require a local phone number. For general phone preparation, see apps for international travel.

VPN and blocked services

Many Western services, such as Google, WhatsApp and some social media, may be restricted on mainland networks. If you need them, set up a VPN before arriving and test it, since downloading one inside China can be difficult. Think about whether you need these services at all, and look into what the rules say about VPN use for visitors, since this is an area where conditions change.

Useful apps

• A translation app with an offline Chinese pack, and a dictionary such as Pleco if you want to read characters.
• A ride-hailing app that accepts foreign cards, or the ride-hailing feature inside Alipay or WeChat.
• A rail and flight booking app for intercity travel; foreign passports are needed to buy rail tickets.
• Offline maps. Google Maps can be unreliable in China, so an alternative map app with an English interface is worth installing.

Packing essentials

• Adapter: Sockets vary. Voltage is generally 220V, so check your devices and carry a universal adapter.
• Power bank: Airlines enforce rules on power banks, and China has labeling requirements on some units for domestic flights. Check the airline’s guidance, carry it in cabin baggage, and consider whether to buy one locally that complies.
• Toilet paper and tissues: Public restrooms do not always supply them.
• Medicines: Bring prescription medicine in its original packaging with documentation, and standard remedies for stomach upsets. Check whether your medication is restricted.
• Clothing: Pack for the season and region, since climate ranges from freezing in the north to hot and humid in the south. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

What not to bring

Travelers often ask what is not allowed in China. The list is set by customs authorities and airlines, and it is best checked directly, but categories that commonly draw attention include certain meat and plant products, large amounts of cash above the declaration limit, some medications, and items such as drones or radio equipment that may have extra rules. Declare anything uncertain rather than guessing.

Etiquette and local habits

You will see lists of unwritten rules online. A few themes are widely mentioned: expect queues to be looser than at home, be careful with sensitive political topics, avoid public displays of anger, and be respectful at temples. Be patient with crowds at popular sites, and book timed tickets ahead for major attractions where required. Lunar New Year also affects crowds and transport; see places to travel in February.

Final countdown

1. A week out: confirm your payment app works and download everything you need offline.
2. Two days out: save screenshots of bookings and addresses, charge devices, and check airline baggage rules.
3. On arrival: connect to data, open your payment app, and make a first small purchase to confirm it works.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need if I travel to China?

At minimum, a valid passport, the right entry permission for your nationality, onward travel, a way to pay, and a way to get online.

What documents are needed to travel to China?

Passport, visa or proof of visa-free or transit eligibility, bookings, insurance, and any arrival form. Requirements vary, so check official sources.

Do I need cash in China?

A small amount for backup is sensible, but mobile payments will do most of the work in cities.