Landing in China: Your First 24 Hours (Survival Guide)

1. Immigration

• Have your documents ready: Keep your passport, visa, and other important documents (like hotel confirmations and travel insurance) handy for immigration checks.

2. Getting Connected (Mobile)

• eSIM (Best Option if Available): If your phone supports eSIM and you've set it up before arriving in China, you'll have mobile data as soon as you land, just like at home.
• Physical SIM Cards (Alternative): You can easily buy a local SIM card at the airport. Most major airports have carrier service counters right after baggage claim.

3. Getting to Your Hotel

• Use Public transport: Big cities in China have great metro and bus systems. You can get a transport card or use mobile payment.
  • If you choose taxis or Didi, you'll need to talk with the driver in mandarin about the desination or pick up spot.
• Grab a map: After check-in, ask for an English map of the surrounding area with local attractions and restaurants recommendation.
• Accommodation Registration: Regulations vary by cities in China, so it's easiest and most reliable to ask at the hotel if register with the police is necessary.
  • Staying with Friends: If you're staying with friends instead of a hotel, have them help you contact the local police station to inquire about registration.

4. Exploring Your Surroundings

• Map Services
  • Apple Maps (for iPhone users): This is essentially the English version of AMap (高德地图), providing accurate navigation and local information. It's a great choice for most travelers.
  • Baidu Maps/AMap (高德地图): While primarily in Chinese, these two offers incredibly detailed & accurate information including clubs, coffee, food and etc. If you're comfortable navigating a Chinese interface or learned some basic Mandarin, it’s a powerful tool.
• Meituan (美团) / Dianping (大众点评): It's super helpful to find restaurants, drinks, spa or entertainment and order food delivery.
  • If you order food through Meituan, send the delivery driver a message that says something like: "Hi, I don’t speak Chinese, so calling won’t work. Please drop it off at this location.".
• Xiaohongshu (小红书) is great for finding information about sightseeing and hikes in less-documented areas, and fortunately it supports built-in translation now!
• Ask for local recommendations: Ask your hotel staff for recommendations on good places to wander around, eat, and explore. They usually have great insider tips.
• Take a stroll: Once you have some ideas, wander around your neighborhood to get a feel for the area, check out the local shops and restaurants, and soak up the atmosphere.
• Try some street food: Sample some local snacks and experience authentic flavors, but make sure to choose places that look clean and busy (a good sign of fresh food).
• If there's no public transportation, like when you're in a remote area, ask the hotel reception to arrange a driver for you. Just remember to check the price ahead, typically it'll be a share ride with affordable price.

5. In Case of Emergency

Medical Emergencies

• Know the numbers: Remember China’s emergency numbers: 120 (ambulance), 119 (fire), and 110 (police). You can dial these numbers directly, even without a Chinese SIM card.
• Know where the hospitals are: Find out the location of nearby hospitals, especially international hospitals or clinics with English-speaking staff.
  • Pack some anti-diarrheal meds, toilet paper and hand sanitizer is a good idea.
• Have your insurance info ready: Make sure your travel insurance covers medical expenses and keep a copy of your policy with you.

Contacting Your Embassy or Consulate

• Save their contact info: Save the phone number and address of your country's embassy or consulate in China.