China Travel Checklist: Your First 72 Hours in China (2026)

Planning your first 72 hours in China can feel overwhelming. Visa rules,internet restrictions, payment apps, transport cards — there’s a lot to
sort out before you land. This checklist walks you through everything you need to handle in your first 72 hours in China, so you can skip the panic
and get straight to exploring.

Before You Leave Home

✅ Sort Your Internet Access

China blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and most Western apps. You have two options:

• eSIM with data: The easiest option. Buy before you fly, activate on arrival. See our top eSIM picks for China →
• VPN: Download and test your VPN before you land — it’s much harder to set up once you’re inside China.

✅ Set Up a Payment Method

Cash is rarely accepted in modern Chinese cities. Almost everything runs on WeChat Pay or Alipay — including street food stalls, taxis, and supermarkets.

• Download Alipay and link an international Visa or Mastercard
• Alipay now supports foreign cards directly — no Chinese bank account needed
• Bring some USD or HKD as backup; you can exchange at the airport

✅ Check Your Visa

Many nationalities now qualify for visa-free entry to China (up to 15–30 days depending on your passport). Check the latest policy for your country before applying for a visa you may not need.

• Visa-free: Most EU countries, UK, US (as of 2025), Australia, and more
• Visa required: Some South/Southeast Asian passports — check official sources

Hour 0–6: Arriving at the Airport

✅ Clear Immigration & Register Your Stay

At immigration, you’ll fill out an arrival card (some airports have gone paperless — follow staff instructions). If you’re staying at a hotel, they’ll register you automatically. If you’re staying with a friend or in a private rental, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours.

✅ Get Connected Immediately

If you bought an eSIM, activate it as soon as you land. If not, head to a China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom counter in the arrivals hall — they sell tourist SIM cards with data included.

✅ Get Local Cash (Optional but Recommended)

Even though mobile payments dominate, having ¥200–500 RMB in cash is useful for small vendors, rural areas, or emergencies. Airport ATMs accept most international cards.

Hour 6–24: Getting Into the City

✅ Take the Airport Express or Metro

Most major Chinese cities have a direct airport rail link. It’s faster and cheaper than a taxi. Buy a ticket at the machine (accepts card or cash) or use your Alipay.

• Beijing: Airport Express → Dongzhimen (30 min, ¥25)
• Shanghai: Maglev → Longyang Rd, then Metro (8 min + transfer)
• Guangzhou: Metro Line 3 direct to city centre

✅ Set Up Your Transport Card

Most cities use a local transit card for buses and metro. Alternatively, you can pay via Alipay directly at metro gates in most major cities — no physical card needed.

Hour 24–72: Getting Settled

✅ Download Essential Apps

These apps will make your trip significantly easier:

• DiDi — Uber equivalent, works with international cards
• Baidu Maps — works inside China (Google Maps does not)
• WeChat — messaging, payments, mini-programs for everything
• Pleco — offline Chinese dictionary, invaluable for menus

✅ Learn 5 Survival Phrases

English is limited outside tourist areas. Even knowing a few phrases goes a long way:

• 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) — Hello
• 谢谢 (Xièxiè) — Thank you
• 多少钱？(Duōshao qián?) — How much?
• 在哪里？(Zài nǎlǐ?) — Where is it?
• 我不吃… (Wǒ bù chī…) — I don’t eat… [useful for dietary needs]

Quick Reference Checklist

Final Thoughts

China rewards prepared travellers. The first 72 hours can feel intense — new apps, a new payment system, a new language — but once you’re set up, getting around is surprisingly smooth. Modern Chinese cities have excellent infrastructure, and locals are generally helpful even without a shared language.

Got questions about a specific city or situation? Drop us a message — we’re happy to help.