First China Trip Checklist: Everything You Need to Prepare

Everything you need to prepare before your first trip to China. Print this, check it off, and travel with confidence.

Documents

Essential

• Passport (6+ months validity)
• China visa or visa-free eligibility (many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 30 days under a policy currently valid through December 31, 2026; see our 30-day visa-free list and 240-hour transit guide)
• Online arrival card (can be filled in advance on the NIA website or the 12367 app since November 2025; paper or kiosk on arrival also works)
• Flight tickets (printed or saved offline)
• Hotel confirmations (in Chinese if possible)
• Passport photos (2 extras for emergencies)
• Copies of all documents (separate from originals)

Helpful

• Travel insurance documents
• Emergency contact list
• Credit card company numbers
• Embassy/consulate contact info

Technology

Apps to Download (Before You Leave!)

• VPN app (ExpressVPN, Astrill, etc.)—ESSENTIAL
• Alipay (set up with international card)
• WeChat (register and verify)
• Didi (international version for rides)
• Baidu Maps or Apple Maps (NOT Google Maps)
• Translation app (Google Translate—download Chinese offline)
• Trip.com/Ctrip (for bookings)

VPN Setup (Critical!)

• VPN subscription active
• App installed on ALL devices
• Tested and working
• Multiple server locations saved
• Backup VPN app installed

Phone Prep

• Phone unlocked (if getting local SIM)
• Data plan (roaming/eSIM/local SIM decision made)
• Offline maps downloaded
• Important documents saved offline
• Contacts backed up

Money

Payment Setup

• Alipay linked to international card
• Credit/debit cards ready
• Bank notified of travel dates
• PIN numbers confirmed
• Small amount of cash (RMB) if possible

Backup Plans

• Second card from different bank
• Know ATM locations at arrival airport
• Emergency money transfer option (family can send)

Packing

Essentials

• Passport and documents
• Phone and charger
• Power adapter (universal recommended)
• Medications (with prescriptions)
• Toilet paper/tissues (carry at all times!)
• Hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen and sunglasses

Clothing

• Comfortable walking shoes (broken in!)
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Light layers (AC can be cold)
• Rain jacket or umbrella
• Hat for sun

Health

• Prescription medications (extra supply)
• Basic first aid kit
• Anti-diarrhea medicine
• Pain relievers
• Antihistamines
• Any personal medical items

Convenience

• Portable charger/power bank
• Neck pillow for flights
• Earplugs and eye mask
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks for travel days
• Day bag for sightseeing

Knowledge

Learn Before You Go

• Basic Chinese phrases (hello, thank you, numbers)
• How to use Alipay
• How to use Didi
• Squat toilet technique (seriously)
• Basic cultural etiquette

Save on Phone

• Hotel addresses in Chinese characters
• Key phrases in Chinese
• Emergency numbers
• Your itinerary

Logistics

Flights

• Check-in confirmed
• Seat selected
• Special meals ordered (if needed)
• Know airport terminal
• Ground transportation planned for arrival

First Night

• Know how to get from airport to hotel
• Hotel address saved in Chinese
• Arrival time realistic for check-in

Day Before Departure

• Charge all devices to 100%
• Download any remaining offline content
• Test VPN one more time
• Check flight status
• Double-check passport location
• Inform bank of travel (if not done)
• Pack charger last (don't forget!)

At the Airport

• Passport accessible
• Phone charged
• VPN ready to activate on landing
• Hotel address ready to show taxi
• Small amount of cash for immediate needs

On Landing in China

Immediately

1. Turn on VPN before connecting to any WiFi
2. Connect to airport WiFi
3. Check messages/important updates
4. Navigate to exit

At Airport

1. Get cash if needed (ATM)
2. Get SIM card if planned (carrier counters)
3. Find taxi queue OR open Didi
4. Show hotel address (Chinese) to driver

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Quick Reference Card

Save this in your phone:

Emergency Numbers:

• Police: 110
• Ambulance: 120
• Fire: 119

Useful Phrases:

• Hello: 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
• Thank you: 谢谢 (Xièxiè)
• Yes: 是 (Shì)
• No: 不是 (Bù shì)
• How much?: 多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián?)
• Where is...?: ...在哪里? (...zài nǎlǐ?)
• I don't understand: 我不懂 (Wǒ bù dǒng)
• Help: 帮助 (Bāngzhù)

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Need more detailed preparation? The China Survival Kit includes comprehensive guides, offline tools, and everything for a smooth first trip to China.