Be prepared. Travel with confidence.

China Travel Readiness Checker

Check your entry preparation, payments, internet, hotels, trains and essential apps before your China trip. Get a personalized pre-travel action plan in about two minutes.

Your readiness check

Choose the answer that best matches your current preparation.

0 of 9 answered

1. Where will you arrive first?

2. Have you confirmed your entry route?

YesMy visa or applicable visa-free route is confirmed. I am checkingI still need to verify official requirements. Not startedI have not reviewed entry requirements.

3. Will your phone have working data after arrival?

ReadyRoaming, an eligible eSIM, or a SIM plan is arranged. Not readyI still need a connectivity plan.

4. How prepared are your payments?

Ready with backupsA mobile wallet is prepared, plus a card and cash. App onlyA wallet is prepared, but I lack backups. Not set upI have not prepared a payment method.

5. Is your first accommodation verified?

Booked and confirmedThe property confirmed passport check-in in writing. Booked onlyI have not received written confirmation. Not bookedI still need accommodation.

6. Will you take an intercity train?

Yes, already bookedPassenger and station details are confirmed. Yes, not bookedI still need to choose or book a train. No train plannedThis is not part of my current itinerary.

7. Are your essential apps installed and tested?

ReadyMaps, translation, transport, and payment tools are tested. Not readyI still need to install or test them.

8. Have you saved your hotel address in Chinese?

Yes, saved offlineI can show the Chinese name, address and phone number without mobile data. Not yetI still need to prepare a Chinese address card.

9. Do you have a backup if your phone or payment fails?

Yes, fully preparedI have offline screenshots, emergency details, a physical card and some RMB cash. Partly preparedI have some backups but the pack is incomplete. No backup yetI currently depend on my phone and primary payment method.

Plan the essentials

China travel readiness checklist

A smooth first trip to China depends on a few connected systems working together. Use this overview to understand what the checker reviews and where to find detailed, source-checked guidance.

Entry requirements

Confirm the rules for your passport and itinerary with the relevant official authority before committing to non-refundable travel.

Review the tourist visa guide →

Internet and eSIM

Arrange mobile data before departure so maps, translation, transport and payment tools work after landing.

Compare connectivity options →

Alipay, WeChat Pay and backups

Prepare a supported mobile wallet, but keep a physical card and some RMB cash available if the primary method fails.

Set up payments →

Hotels and check-in

Book using passport-matching guest details and ask the property to confirm passport check-in in writing.

Use the hotel checklist →

China train travel

Check the city, station and passenger details carefully, then save the booking information where it works offline.

Plan a train journey →

Essential China apps

Install and test the tools you expect to use, including maps, translation, transport and payments.

See the app list →

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

What should I prepare before traveling to China?

Confirm entry rules, accommodation, mobile data, payment methods, transport plans and essential apps. Save important bookings and your hotel address in Chinese for offline access.

Can foreigners use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China?

Foreign visitors may be able to use supported international cards, but availability, card support and verification requirements can change. Follow the current in-app guidance, test your setup before travel and keep backups.

Do I need cash in China?

Mobile payments are widely used, but carrying a modest amount of RMB cash is a sensible fallback for payment failures or small merchants.

Does Google Maps work normally in mainland China?

Do not rely on a single mapping service. Prepare a suitable map app and download any useful offline information before departure.

Should I arrange an eSIM before traveling?

Arranging roaming or a compatible eSIM before departure can make arrival easier. Confirm that your phone is unlocked and compatible before purchasing.

Can foreigners book China train tickets with a passport?

Yes, passports can be used for eligible bookings. Enter passenger details exactly as shown on the passport and verify the correct departure station.