Pre-Departure Checklist

Everything you need to prepare before your trip to China. Progress saved automatically.

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Documents

Check Passport Validity

Critical

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates with 2+ blank pages.

Visa or 240-Hour Transit

Critical

Check if you qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit or need a full visa.

Full Visa Guide

Book Onward Ticket

Critical

For 240-hour transit: Must have confirmed ticket to a third country (not your origin).

Transit Rules

Get Travel Insurance

Critical

Medical coverage is essential. China hospitals require upfront payment.

Hospital Guide

Digital Setup

Download & Test VPN

Critical

Install VPN before arrival. Google, WhatsApp, Instagram blocked without it.

VPN Setup Guide

Set Up Alipay

Critical

Link your Visa/Mastercard. 99% of payments in China are cashless.

Payment Setup

Install WeChat

Critical

Essential for communication, payments, and mini-programs.

WeChat Guide

Download Essential Apps

Important

Amap, Didi, Meituan, Taobao - download while you still have app store access.

Full App List

Download Offline Maps

Important

Save offline maps for your destination cities. Google Maps won't work.

Navigation Guide

Check Phone/SIM Options

Important

Decide: eSIM, local SIM, or international roaming?

SIM Guide

Gear

Get Power Adapter

Important

China uses Type A/C/I plugs at 220V. Check your devices.

Plug Checker

Health

Prepare Allergy Card

Recommended

If you have food allergies, create a Chinese allergy card to show restaurants.

Create Card

Pack Medications

Important

Bring prescription meds with documentation. Common OTC meds available locally.

Medicine Guide

Navigation

Save Hotel Address Card

Recommended

Screenshot or print your hotel address in Chinese for taxi drivers.

Taxi Cards

Safety

Save Emergency Numbers

Important

Police: 110, Ambulance: 120, Fire: 119. Save embassy contact too.

Emergency Guide

Money

Get Some Cash (Optional)

Recommended

Small amount of CNY for emergencies. Most places are cashless.

Money Guide

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Why You Need This Pre-Departure Checklist

Traveling to China requires more preparation than most countries. The Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Cash is nearly obsolete—you'll need mobile payment apps. And if you're using the 240-hour visa-free transit, there are specific document requirements you must meet.

This interactive checklist ensures you don't miss anything critical. Your progress is saved in your browser, so you can come back anytime to track what's done.

Critical Items Explained

  • VPN: Must be installed before you arrive. App stores in China don't offer VPN apps.
  • Alipay/WeChat Pay: 99% of transactions are cashless. Set up before you land.
  • 240-Hour Transit: Requires a ticket to a third country (not your origin). Hong Kong/Macau count as separate destinations.

Digital Preparation is Key

Unlike traveling to Europe or Southeast Asia, China's digital ecosystem is completely different. Your regular apps won't work. Your regular maps won't work. Even your regular search engine won't work. The items in this checklist ensure you have alternatives ready.