Coming to China · Survival Pack

China Survival Pack

Every essential on visa, payments, connectivity, must-install apps, and accommodation registration, plus a quick summary of all six deep guides — print it and take it on the plane.

Before-you-arrive checklist

Visa & entry

Confirm which entry track you're on
Main entry routes: unilateral visa-free entry, 240-hour visa-free transit, and entry with a visa. Eligibility and permitted activities depend on nationality, passport type, purpose and itinerary — check the latest official rules before departure; passport-validity requirements may depend on the route and carrier.
Complete the Foreign Arrival Card via the official channel
Submit it free of charge through the NIA's official channels before travel, or use a phone, a device at the port, or a paper card on arrival. The card does not replace any customs declaration that may be required.

Connectivity & SIM

Set up and test connectivity services before departure
Access to some international services is restricted on mainland networks. If you rely on a lawful connectivity service, install, sign in and test it before departure; save bookings, addresses, tickets and key contacts offline.
Decide: China SIM or international eSIM
A local Chinese SIM uses mainland networks and does not by itself change access to restricted services; some roaming or travel eSIMs use offshore routing, depending on provider and plan. A local number helps with verification codes; check coverage, tethering, routing and whether a Chinese number is included.

Payments

Check that online and overseas payments are enabled
Keep your bank's registered phone or other authentication reachable. Issuers may apply extra checks to unfamiliar overseas transactions; if binding fails, contact the payment platform or issuer.
Bind Alipay + WeChat Pay (no Chinese bank account needed)
Eligible international cards can link to Alipay, Weixin Pay or UnionPay without a Chinese bank account. Supported networks, limits, fees and verification vary by platform, issuer and account — follow the app's prompts; keep at least one backup payment method.
Keep a modest amount of RMB cash
Useful if a card, app or connection is temporarily unavailable; estimate an amount that suits your trip.

Must-install apps

Install and pre-configure these apps
Useful options: a translation app with offline Chinese, a local map such as Amap, the official 12306 railway service, a recognized ride-hailing and accommodation platform, and at least one mobile-payment app. Interface languages, card support and features can change — test what you need before departure.

Transport & tickets

Register 12306 early and confirm it works
The official 12306 service supports passport ticketing; some accounts need additional identity verification. Register early and confirm the account is ready if you will travel soon after arrival.
Pre-book timed-entry tickets for popular attractions
Popular venues may require real-name timed reservations; release times, ID requirements and same-day availability vary by venue. Check official channels and book early for weekends and holidays.

Accommodation & registration

Know the 24-hour accommodation registration rule
Hotels normally register at check-in. For non-hotel stays, you or the host must register within 24 hours of arrival and again after moving. From 20 March 2026 online filing is piloted in Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing and Sichuan, expanding gradually; elsewhere use the local police channel.
In smaller cities, book via Trip.com and filter for foreigner-accepting stays
Confirm before booking that the property can check you in with a foreign passport and keep the confirmation; do not assume a host has filed your registration. Providers should not refuse guests solely for being foreign; if refused, contact the platform, 12367 or the local authority.