China Entry & Travel Planning Guide
Everything you need to know before and after arriving in China — from airport immigration to paying with your phone.
Before You Arrive
Prepare before departure to avoid stress upon arrival in China.
Passport Validity
Ensure your passport is valid for 6+ months beyond your planned departure date from China, with at least 2 blank pages for the visa and immigration stamps.
Book Flights
Major international airports: Beijing (Local/Local), Shanghai (PVG/HGH), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (TFU). Consider booking a flight that arrives early in the day to allow time for immigration and any delays.
Hotel Confirmation
Carry printed or digital confirmation of your first night's accommodation. Immigration officers may ask for this. The address should be in Chinese characters where possible.
China-Ready Phone
Download WeChat, Alipay, Amap (maps), and a VPN before arrival. These apps are essential. Also check your phone is unlocked for international use.
At Border Control & Customs
What to expect when you land and pass through Chinese immigration.
Immigration Process
Present your passport (with valid visa), arrival card (usually provided on the flight), and any supporting documents. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip — answer simply and confidently. Fingerprints are collected on first entry. Processing time: 15-30 minutes.
Customs Declaration
Complete the customs declaration form (provided on the flight or at the airport). Use the Red Channel if you have goods to declare. Use the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare. Cash over 20,000 RMB (or equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared.
Hotel Registration
When you check into any hotel in China, registration is automatic — the hotel handles this for you. If you are staying with friends or in private accommodation, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival.
Getting From the Airport
Your options for getting from the airport into the city.
Private Car (Recommended)
Book through Chinawheely for an professional licensed driver, fixed price, and free flight tracking. Your driver will wait at arrivals with a name sign. Available at all major airports including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an, and 40+ other cities.
Metro / Subway
Available at Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Kunming, Tianjin, Qingdao, and most major cities. Signs are in English. Buy a ticket at the machine or use your transportation card. Most airports connect directly to the city metro line.
Taxi / Didi (Ride-Hailing)
Use Didi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber) via the Didi app or WeChat. Taxis are available at all airport exits. Agree on the destination with the driver before departing if not using Didi. Always carry your hotel address in Chinese characters.
Airport Shuttle Bus
The cheapest option. Look for Airport Bus (机场大巴) signs at the airport exit. Routes cover the major city centre transport hubs. Tickets purchased at the bus counter or from the driver. Best for budget travellers with minimal luggage.
Money & Payments in China
China is a cashless society. Here is how to navigate payments.
Cash (RMB)
Exchange a small amount of cash at the airport exchange counter for your first taxi or meal. Bank ATMs (China Construction Bank, ICBC, Bank of China) accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and are widely available. ATMs display English-language options.
Mobile Payment (WeChat Pay / Alipay)
WeChat Pay and Alipay are the dominant payment methods in China — used everywhere from street vendors to luxury hotels. You can link an international credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard) to WeChat Pay or Alipay to add funds without a Chinese bank account. Most vendors do not accept cash.
International Cards
International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are accepted at large hotels, international restaurants, large shopping centres, and airports. Cash (RMB) is preferred at local markets, street food stalls, small shops, and on public transport. Always carry some cash for emergencies.
SIM Cards & Internet in China
Staying connected is essential in China.
Buy a SIM at the Airport
The easiest option. China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom all have kiosks in the arrivals hall at major airports. Tourist packages typically include 10-30GB of data for 30-60 days. Bring your passport — it is required for registration. A typical tourist SIM costs ¥100-200 for 30 days with 20GB data.
Free WiFi
Free WiFi is available at airports, large hotels, shopping malls, Starbucks, and some restaurants. Do not use public WiFi for banking, passwords, or sensitive transactions — it is not secure. Mobile data (SIM card) is always more secure and reliable.
VPN (Essential for Foreigners)
Google, YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, and many news sites are blocked in China. Pre-install a reputable VPN (such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Astrill) before arriving. Subscription: approximately $10-15/month. Ensure it works on all your devices before departure.
Essential Apps for China
Download these apps before you arrive — they are the backbone of daily life in China.
The essential super-app for messaging, payments, social media, ride-hailing, and more. Set up your account with international phone number before arrival. Link your credit card to WeChat Pay.
Alipay
China's other dominant payment platform. Similar to WeChat Pay. Useful for paying bills, transit tickets, and hotel payments. Also supports international card linking.
Amap (AutoNavi)
The best navigation and maps app in China — works in both Chinese and English. Essential for getting around cities, finding addresses, and navigating without Chinese language skills. More accurate than Google Maps in China.
Didi
Chinese ride-hailing (like Uber). Available in WeChat (wxapp=出行服务) or as a standalone app. Enter your destination in English or Chinese. Payment via WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Pleco
The best Chinese-English dictionary and translator. Take a photo of any Chinese text to translate it instantly. Essential for reading signs, menus, and train station displays.
China Railway / 12306
Official app for booking high-speed train tickets across China. Available in English. Book tickets up to 15 days in advance. Alternatively, book through the ticket counter at any train station.
Trip.com (Ctrip)
China's most popular travel booking app for flights, hotels, trains, and tours. Available in English. Often has better prices than international booking sites for domestic China travel.
Meituan
China's dominant food delivery and local services app. Order food from any restaurant for delivery to your door. Available in English. Also handles movie tickets, hotel bookings, and more.
Emergency Numbers in China
Save these numbers on your phone before you arrive.
Police
For emergencies, crimes in progress, or immediate safety concerns.
Ambulance
For medical emergencies. Ambulances will take you to the nearest public hospital.
Fire
For fires, rescue operations, and hazardous material incidents.
Foreign Affairs Hotline
Ministry of Foreign Affairs emergency hotline with English operators. For consular assistance abroad.
Ready to Arrive in China?
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