China Travel Kit

STAGE 01

Entry

0/4

Choose a passportCheck your entry routeSelect the passport you will travel on to see the most relevant starting point.Open the detailed guide →

Check passport validityKeep at least six months of validity and enough blank pages for your route.Open the detailed guide →

Prepare the arrival cardUse only the official NIA channel or the NIA 12367 app.Open the detailed guide →

Keep onward travel and lodging readyKeep your onward ticket, first-night address and itinerary available offline.Open the detailed guide →

STAGE 02

Money

0/3

Set up AlipayAdd your international card and finish identity verification before departure.Open the detailed guide →

Tell your bank you are travellingKeep the bank support number handy in case the first wallet charge is blocked.Open the detailed guide →

Carry a cash fallbackA few hundred yuan covers moments when an app or foreign card fails.Open the detailed guide →

STAGE 03

Phone & internet

0/3

Choose roaming, eSIM or a local SIMInstall and test your chosen data option before the flight.Open the detailed guide →

Keep your home SIM activeBanking, wallets and bookings may still send verification messages.Open the detailed guide →

Install essential tools before arrivalDownload and test any service you depend on before entering mainland China.Open the detailed guide →

STAGE 04

Getting around

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Set up China Railway 12306Verify your passport early and learn when tickets for your dates are released.Open the detailed guide →

Prepare DiDiUse the standalone app or the mini app inside Alipay.Open the detailed guide →

Save addresses in ChineseKeep hotel and attraction names available for drivers even when offline.Open the detailed guide →

STAGE 05

Stay

0/2

Confirm the property accepts your documentsAsk the property directly if the booking page is unclear.Open the detailed guide →

Understand accommodation registrationHotels normally register you; private stays require a separate local process.Open the detailed guide →

STAGE 06

Useful apps

0/3

Prepare Amap or Apple MapsSave the places you need and download any useful offline data.Open the detailed guide →

Download an offline Chinese packTest text, voice and camera translation before departure.Open the detailed guide →

Set up WeChatIt is widely used for communication, mini apps and payment backup.Open the detailed guide →

Entry classifications use reference data reviewed by China Unhurried on 6 September 2026. They are a planning starting point, not legal advice. Recheck with the relevant Chinese mission or the National Immigration Administration within a month of travel.

Before you go

Choose a passport to update your entry card.