Before Departure Checklist

Last checked: 2026-06-04 Common arrival-day failure points reviewed Prepare one backup for each essential

Use this page before you fly. The goal is not to make everything perfect. The goal is to avoid your first high-pressure moment happening with no backup.

Do not rely on one path

China travel works best when payment, internet, address, and communication each have a backup.

Minimum Checklist

Files and entry

Passport and entry proofCarry your passport and the visa, visa-free entry proof, or entry permit your itinerary requires.Chinese hotel addressSave the hotel or host address, phone number, and map pin in Chinese.Offline document copiesKeep passport, booking, insurance, and onward-trip copies on your phone and in another backup location.

Payment

Alipay sign-inInstall Alipay, sign in, and complete identity or card steps before departure.Payment card backupAdd a supported card where possible and carry a physical card for hotel or airport fallback.Emergency cashCarry enough RMB for landing-day transport, food, or a payment-app failure.

Internet and communication

Internet pathDecide whether you will use roaming, travel eSIM, local SIM, VPN, or a combined setup.Home-country SMSKeep your home number reachable if banking, work login, or wallet verification depends on SMS.Offline translationDownload translation tools and key screenshots before you leave airport or hotel Wi-Fi.

Hotels and transport

Foreign-passport hotel check-inCheck whether your hotel can process foreign-passport guests, especially for late arrival.Train booking pathDecide whether to use 12306, Trip.com, or station counter support for your first train route.

First Pages To Read

• Pay in China as a foreigner
• eSIM, roaming, local SIM, or VPN
• China train tickets with passport
• Hotel check-in with a foreign passport