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Pre-Arrival Checklist for China (2026)

Don't arrive unprepared. Your first 24 hours in China will be extremely difficult without these 3 items: VPN, WeChat Pay, and a Chinese SIM card.

⏱️ If you only have 30 minutes before your flight, do items #1-3 below.

3
Critical (Do First)
4
Important (Do Soon)
3
Recommended

The Complete 10-Item Checklist

πŸ”΄ Critical: Do These First (Before Landing)

1. Set up and TEST your VPN

Why: Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram don't work in China without VPN.

Recommended: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark (paid, ~$10-15/month)

⚠️ Critical: Download and TEST the VPN before you leave. Once in China, you can't download VPN apps easily.

2. Download WeChat & Verify Identity

Why: WeChat = WhatsApp + PayPal + Uber + more. It's essential.

  1. Download WeChat (App Store / Google Play)
  2. Register with your current phone number (any country works)
  3. Go to Me β†’ Services β†’ Pay β†’ Verify Now
  4. Select Passport as ID type
  5. Complete face verification (blink/nod when prompted)
πŸ’‘ Tip: Do this with good internet at home. Face verification can fail with poor connection.

3. Link Credit Card to WeChat Pay

Why: Without working payment, you can't easily buy food, taxi, or SIM card on arrival.

  1. In WeChat: Me β†’ Services β†’ Pay β†’ Cards
  2. Tap Add Card
  3. Enter international Visa/Mastercard/Amex/Discover
  4. Billing address: Your real home address (not China address)
βœ“ Works: Chase Visa, Citi Mastercard, Amex from USA/UK/EU/etc.
βœ— Doesn't work: Cards issued by Chinese banks (ICBC, Bank of China, etc.)

Limits: Β₯6,500/transaction, Β₯50,000/month, Β₯65,000/year (details β†’)

🟑 Important: Do Before or Right After Arrival

4. Tell Your Bank You're Going to China

Call your credit card company:

"I'm traveling to China from [date] to [date]. Please enable international transactions and authorize use in China."

Many banks block foreign transactions as fraud protection.

5. Get Chinese SIM Card or eSIM

Option A - eSIM (easiest):

  • Buy on Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad before departure
  • Works immediately on landing
  • Can receive SMS (needed for some apps)

Option B - Buy at airport:

  • China Mobile / China Unicom / China Telecom booths
  • Bring passport (required for SIM registration)
  • Tourist plans available: ~Β₯100-200/month

6. Download Baidu Maps

Google Maps doesn't work well in China (even with VPN, positioning is inaccurate).

Baidu Maps is accurate and works offline too.

Search: η™ΎεΊ¦εœ°ε›Ύ (iOS/Android app stores)

7. Prepare Some Cash (Β₯1,000-2,000)

While most places accept mobile pay, cash is essential backup:

  • Street food vendors may not accept cards
  • Some taxis prefer cash
  • Small shops in older neighborhoods
  • Emergency if your payment apps fail

Exchange at airport or use ATM with foreign card (notify bank first).

🟒 Recommended: Nice to Have

8. Check Passport Validity (6+ months)

China requires passport valid for 6+ months beyond your planned stay.

Also bring photocopies - needed for SIM cards, hotel check-in, bank accounts.

9. Download DiDi (Uber Alternative)

Uber doesn't work in China. DiDi is the equivalent.

Can link foreign credit cards. English interface available.

Search: DiDi (app stores)

10. Save Emergency Numbers

Save these in your phone (work without internet):

  • Police: 110
  • Ambulance: 120
  • Fire: 119
  • Your embassy: Look up before arrival
Full emergency guide β†’

Quick Questions

Do I really need a VPN for China? β–Ό

Yes, if you want to use: Google, Gmail, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, ChatGPT.

Without VPN, you can still use: WeChat (has everything), Baidu Maps, DiDi, Meituan (food delivery).

Many people survive without VPN using Chinese apps, but you'll lose access to most international services.

Can I set everything up after I arrive? β–Ό

Technically yes, but practically very difficult:

  • VPN: Hard to download once in China (app stores may be blocked)
  • WeChat verification: Needs stable internet, easier to do from home
  • Payment: Without working payment, hard to buy food/SIM/taxi on arrival

Do as much as possible BEFORE landing.

Which payment app should I use - WeChat or Alipay? β–Ό

Ideally both. Some places only accept one.

If you can only choose one:

  • WeChat Pay - More social features, everyone has it
  • Alipay - Sometimes better for foreigners, more English support

Setup both - they're free and both useful.

Printable PDF launching soon

Next Steps

WeChat Pay Setup Guide β†’
Step-by-step with screenshots
Alipay Setup Guide β†’
Alternative payment method

πŸ“± Download Offline Guide

Get the complete PDF guide for airport/no-internet situations.

China Survival Guide PDF

$9.99 one-time

20 pages β€’ Works offline

  • βœ“ Emergency numbers reference
  • βœ“ WeChat/Alipay setup guide
  • βœ“ Utility bill translation
  • βœ“ Essential phrases & QR codes
Buy PDF β†’

30-day refund | Instant delivery

Last updated: April 9, 2026 | Next review: July 2026

⚠️ Information is for reference only. Policies change frequently. Verify with official sources.