Pre-Trip Essentials for Smooth Travels

Trip.com offers a comprehensive and well-organized China travel guide covering visa application, internet access, transportation, and accommodation. Highly recommended.

Below are some personal experiences along with supplementary tips.

1. Visa Application

• Only check the official website of the Chinese embassy like us.china-embassy.
• Apply a month in advance to avoid any unexpected delays.
• Get the detail of the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy HERE, especially the listed ports and allowed areas. It's not a simple visa-free policy. It's called TWOV, TRANSIT Without a Visa, for a reason. You need to fly in a triangle to be eligible.
• The most commonly used apps you'll need for China travel as below

All Apps You Need for China Travel

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2. Booking Accommodation and Transportation

• Flight: Use well-known online platforms like Booking, Airbnb or Ctrip
• Train Tickets: Use the 12306 official website. It's available in Engligh (both website and app).
  • Book 7 to 15 days in advance
  • Avoid traveling during China's Golden Weeks (May, October, and February).
• Double-check with the hotel about how to get there from the airport, including public transport. And print out the info or take a screenshot, just in case.
• For navigation in China, the best option is Apple Maps. Or you can use Amap(Gaode Maps) instead ( it's Chinese-only , learn some basic Mandarin so you can read it).
  • As of 2025.1.22, both Baidu and Gaode maps are available in English.
• For restaurant discovery and coupons, Dianping works pretty well. It covers all the lifestyles you would need. RedNote is a CGC platform where you can find authentic reports and tips from users. It supports English now, so get it beforehand.

3. Currency and Payment Preparations

• Cashless Payment. Install Alipay and WeChat Pay apps and try to link your credit card beforehand.
  • Have a friend transfer money to your account via Alipay or WeChat Pay to get your account activated.
• Transaction Fees: Both WeChat Pay and Alipay generally waive the international credit card transaction fees for single transactions under 200 RMB.
  • For transactions exceeding 200 RMB: A 3% transaction fee will be applied.
• RMB Exchange (just in case). ¥50~100 per person per day; about ¥300 at most for a 3-day trip.

4. Staying Connected (Mobile)

• eSIM is the easiest way to go (if your phone supports it). Activate it before you travel so you can access apps like YouTube and Instagram as usual in China.
• If you don't have eSIM (or an iPhone), grab a local SIM card at the airport after you arrive. Besides, a local SIM is very useful for apps like ticketing, food delivery, and ride-hailing, which require local numbers and verification codes via text message.
• For using local Wi-Fi, especially if you have limited data or you're a youtuber, a VPN is highly recommended (like LetsVPN).
• An iPhone is highly recommended, not only for eSIM support, but Apple Maps is doing so great in China as well.
• Get a dual-SIM Phone if possible. so you can use both local SIM and data roaming. That's the best option.

5. Language Learning

• Basic Vocabulary: Learn some simple Chinese phrases. You can get it from HERE.
• Translation Tools: Baidu Translate or Google Translate. Learn how to use them offline.

6. Pro Tips

• Have at least 3 copies of your passport and visa page. You can also store a digital copy in cloud storage for easy access.
• If you see someone who falls on the street, especially for elderly ones, DO NOT help without their permission on video. If you want to help, dial 110 to call the police (if you can speak mandarin).