China Travel Preparation

Everything you need to know before visiting China to travel like a local.

Essential Apps Payment Methods Internet & Connectivity Visa Policy Accommodation Practical Tips

Essential Apps

Download these apps to solve 99% of your transportation, payment, and ticketing needs.

📱 All apps are free on App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Download before departure - some apps may not be available in China app stores.

WeChat

Communication & Payment

China's super app combining messaging, payments, and mini-programs. International credit cards can be linked for WeChat Pay.

Alipay

Payment

The most widely accepted mobile payment. Foreigners can link international cards and use it without a Chinese bank account.

Didi

Ride-hailing

China's Uber, covering cities nationwide. English interface available, can use via WeChat/Alipay mini-program.

Amap (Gaode)

Navigation

Google Maps doesn't work well in China. Amap is the most accurate local navigation with walking, bus, and metro routes.

Trip.com (Ctrip)

Booking

One-stop platform for hotels, flights, and train tickets. Trip.com international version has English interface.

Meituan

Lifestyle

Food delivery, restaurants, attraction tickets, movies. Like Yelp + DoorDash + Groupon combined.

Baidu Translate

Translation

Photo and voice translation. Best alternative when Google Translate is restricted.

12306

Train Tickets

China Railway's official app. Book high-speed rail tickets 15 days in advance. Supports foreign passports.

Payment Methods

China is nearly cashless - mobile payment is king

Cashless Society

99% of daily transactions use mobile payment. From street vendors to luxury malls, QR code payment is standard.

Payment Priority

Alipay/WeChat PayPrimary

Widest coverage, accepted almost everywhere

International Credit CardBackup

Works in malls & hotels, rarely accepted in small shops

CashEmergency

Carry small bills, many places refuse or cannot change large notes

Setup for Foreign Tourists

1. Download & Register

Download Alipay (International Version) from App Store or Google Play.

2. Verify Identity

Go to Account Settings > Identity Verification.

Verify using your passport information.

3. Link Card

Add your Visa/Mastercard/JCB card in the Wallet section.

Or use "Tour Pass" mini-program to preload CNY (valid 90 days).

4. Start Using

Scan QR codes to pay, or show your payment code.

Use mini-programs for taxi (DiDi), subway, and train tickets.

Internet & Connectivity

VPN, SIM cards, and WiFi explained

VPN Essential

Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube are blocked in China. You must prepare a VPN before arrival.

Download and test VPN before departure

Recommended: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Astrill

Free VPNs are unreliable, paid versions recommended

Local SIM

Best Value

Buy at the airport from China Unicom/Mobile, passport required. Great signal and affordable, but takes some time to process in person.

eSIM

Most Convenient

Airalo and Holafly offer international travel eSIM packages for mainland China. Order online, pay, and receive a QR code or config file immediately. No physical card required.

International Roaming

Short Trips

Contact home carrier, expensive but hassle-free

Visa Policy

Confirm visa requirements before entry

Visa-Free Policy (2026)

China has extended its visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from 45 countries, including France, until December 31, 2026. During this period, citizens of these countries can enter China for business, tourism, visiting family/friends, exchanges, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa. Participating Countries: France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Andorra, South Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain.

Policies update frequently. Please confirm with the official Chinese Embassy website before departure.

Transit Visa-Free

Traveling from specific countries to a third country allows for a 72/144-hour visa-free stay in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. As of June 12, 2025, Indonesian citizens are also eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. The policy now covers 55 countries. List of eligible countries: Europe (40): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway. Americas (6): US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile. Oceania (2): Australia, New Zealand. Asia (7): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar, Indonesia.

Entry Tips

Passport must be valid for 6+ months with at least one blank page for stamps.

Entry eligibility depends on your nationality and itinerary (Visa / Visa-Free / Transit Visa-Free).

Fingerprint collection is normally required for visa issuance, but from Dec 2025 to Dec 31, 2026, it is temporarily waived for all short-term visa applicants (up to 180 days).

Facial/biometric data may be collected at automated immigration channels.

Accommodation

Crucial: Mandatory Registration Rules

Important Registration Rule

By Chinese law, all foreigners must complete temporary residence registration within 24 hours of arrival.

Staying at Hotels

You MUST stay in hotels licensed to accept foreigners. Look for "Foreigners Allowed" tag or contact the hotel before booking.

Hotels will automatically register your stay with local public security authorities upon check-in as per regulations.

Staying at Homes/Airbnb

If staying in non-hotel accommodations (friends/relatives' homes, rentals, Airbnb), you or the host must register your stay with the local police station within 24 hours of arrival.

Failure to register can result in fines (up to 2000 RMB) and may affect future visa applications or entry.

Practical Tips

Small details for a smoother trip

Power Outlets

China uses 220V. Outlets are usually 2-prong flat or 3-prong. Bring a universal adapter.

Time Zone

All of China uses Beijing Time (UTC+8). No daylight saving time.

Drinking Water

Tap water is generally not drinkable. Please purchase bottled water.

Tipping

China has no tipping culture. You don't need to tip; just pay the amount on the bill.

Toilets

Most public toilets are free, but some in tourist areas might charge. Bring your own tissue. Most public toilets are squat toilets; please be prepared.

Language

English proficiency is limited, but younger people and tourism staff can usually communicate basic info. English signage is common in major city subways and malls. Use translation apps for smoother communication.

Ready to Go?

Start planning your China trip