first 72 hours in China travel checklist

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

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Your First 72 Hours in China — A Practical Arrival Guide (2026)

By Mars · Based in Shenzhen · Last verified: July 2026 · Device: iPhone 17, iOS 26.5.1

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

It’s also the hub for this site’s core guides. Each section links to a full tutorial where you need more detail.

✅ The 3 most important things to do before you board:

  • Set up Alipay and link your Visa or Mastercard — cash is rarely accepted in Chinese cities
  • Install and test a VPN before you fly — impossible to set up reliably after you land
  • Buy an eSIM for your destination — activate on arrival, skip the SIM card queue

Table of Contents

Before You Leave Home

Most of the hard work happens before you board. The steps below take 1–2 hours total and will save you significant stress on arrival day.

✅ Sort Your Internet Access

Some international services may be unavailable on mainland networks, which can affect navigation, communication and bookings. You have two things to sort out:

1. An eSIM or local SIM for data
An eSIM is the cleanest option — buy online before departure, activate when you land, no SIM swapping required. Local SIM cards are available at airport counters from China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, but queues can be long on busy arrival days.

2. Offline and connection backups
Download maps, translation data, hotel details and bookings. If you consider a VPN or another access tool, check current reliability, provider terms and applicable laws; do not assume it will work.

The full pre-departure checklist — broken down by 30 days out, 7 days out, 24 hours before, and arrival day — is on a separate page.
First Trip to China Checklist: What to Do Before You Fly →

FAQ — First 72 Hours in China

Do I need a VPN in China?

Yes, if you want to use Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Gmail, or most Western apps. China blocks these services. Download and test your VPN before you board — it’s very difficult to install one after you land inside China.

Can I use Google Maps in China?

No. Google Maps is blocked in China and also lacks accurate local data even when accessed via VPN. Use Baidu Maps or Apple Maps instead. Download them before you fly.

Can foreigners use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China?

Yes. Alipay and Weixin Pay support eligible international cards without a Chinese bank account. Supported card networks and verification steps vary, so follow the current app prompts and keep another payment method.

Do I need a visa to visit China?

Visa-free eligibility, permitted stay and entry purpose depend on your passport and current policy. Verify directly with China’s National Immigration Administration or the responsible Chinese embassy or consulate before booking.

Do I need to register with the police when staying in China?

If you stay at a hotel, they register you automatically. If you stay with a friend or in a private rental (including Airbnb), you must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Failure to do so is a legal violation.

Is cash still useful in China?

Cash is declining but not useless. Mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) dominate in cities. Keep ¥300–500 RMB as a backup for small vendors, rural areas, or emergencies. Check ATM and card fees before confirming a withdrawal and keep a second payment method.

The Complete China Travel Toolkit

This guide is the starting point. Each topic below has a full dedicated tutorial:

Written by Mars, based in Shenzhen. Last verified: July 2026. All steps personally tested on iPhone 17, iOS 26.5.1. Airport transit times and fares correct as of July 2026 — verify before travel as routes and prices change.

Mars

Mars

Mars is a Shenzhen-based writer with over two decades of firsthand experience living in mainland China and traveling regularly to Hong Kong. He specializes in practical travel prep for China — including eSIMs, VPNs, mobile payments, and cross-border logistics between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

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