Coming to China
Before you go
The six things to do before you fly
China's connectivity, mobile-payment and registration arrangements are easier to prepare for before arrival. Complete the following checklist before you fly. The order is recommended, but the steps are not strictly dependent on one another.
- A translation app with offline Simplified Chinese
- A local map such as Amap — fuller transit, walking and entrance detail
- The official 12306 railway service — passport ticketing supported
- A ride-hailing and accommodation platform — confirm interface language and payment before departure
- Alipay / WeChat Pay — at least one mobile-payment app, set up before arrival
Connectivity: set up and test before you fly
Access to some international services is restricted on mainland Chinese networks. If you rely on a lawful connectivity service, install, sign in and test it before departure. Availability can change, so save bookings, addresses, tickets and essential contacts offline.
Bind Alipay and WeChat Pay — call your bank first
Eligible international cards can be linked to Alipay, Weixin Pay or UnionPay without a Chinese bank account. Supported card networks, limits, fees and verification requirements vary by platform, issuer and account; follow the prompts in the app. Keep at least one backup payment method.
Make sure online and overseas payments are enabled and that you can access your bank's registered phone number or other authentication method. Your issuer may apply additional checks to unfamiliar overseas transactions. If binding fails, contact the payment platform or card issuer.
Issuer-side checks, an unclear passport photo, a name that does not match the passport, unreachable verification codes or platform risk controls can all cause failure. Follow the app's prompts or contact support.
Apps to install and pre-configure
- A translation app with offline Simplified Chinese
- A local map such as Amap — fuller transit, walking and entrance detail
- The official 12306 railway service — passport ticketing supported
- A ride-hailing and accommodation platform — confirm interface language and payment before departure
- Alipay / WeChat Pay — at least one mobile-payment app, set up before arrival
The official 12306 railway service supports ticket purchases with a passport. Some accounts may require additional identity verification. If you plan to take a train soon after arrival, register early and confirm that the account is ready.
Foreign Arrival Card
Complete the Foreign Arrival Card before immigration inspection. You can submit it free of charge through the National Immigration Administration's official channels before travel. If you cannot submit it in advance, you may use a phone, a device at the port, or a paper Arrival Card on arrival. The Arrival Card does not replace any customs declaration that may be required.
Book popular attractions well in advance
The Forbidden City, Chengdu Panda Base, and many major venues require timed-entry reservations booked 2+ weeks ahead. There is no queue-on-the-day option — if tickets are gone, you won't get in. Book via official venue WeChat mini-programs or Trip.com.
Always carry your passport original
Your original passport may be required for hotel check-in, identity checks and some transport or attraction entry. Carry it when your itinerary requires it and keep it secure. Store a protected digital copy separately, but remember that a copy does not replace the original when original ID is required.