Visa-free entry
Nationality lists and validity periods can change.
Check the official Visit China portal or the Chinese embassy or consulate serving your place of residence close to departure.
China Travel Essentials Practical guide
China,
without the guesswork.
Prepare the few things that matter before you fly, then move through Central China with your documents, payments, phone and transport working together.
Guide status Last reviewed 26 July 2026
01
Before you fly
Four checks.
A much easier arrival.
Most first-day friction comes from one missing document, one untested payment method or one app that still needs verification. Set up the essentials while you still have reliable access to your home number and bank.
-
01
Confirm entry
Check your passport, route and permission to enter.
Use an official source for your nationality and itinerary. Save copies of your flights, accommodation and insurance.
Entry guidance -
02
Test payments
Set up mobile pay and keep two backups.
Link a compatible card before departure, inform your bank and carry a second card plus a modest amount of RMB cash.
Payment guidance -
03
Prepare the phone
Install, register and sign in before landing.
Keep offline copies of names, addresses and bookings in both English and Chinese characters.
Phone setup -
04
Protect the journey
Cover health, disruption and important medication.
Choose insurance suitable for your activities and carry medication in original packaging with supporting documents where needed.
Health and safety
02
Entry and documents
Entry starts with the right question.
Do not ask only, “Do I need a visa?” The answer can depend on your passport, reason for travel, entry point, length of stay, onward journey and whether you are entering under a visa-free transit route.
Visit the official China guideConfirm these six facts
- 01Your passport nationality and validity
- 02The purpose and planned length of your visit
- 03Your exact arrival and departure points
- 04Whether your route continues to a third country or region
- 05The areas you are permitted to visit under your entry route
- 06Documents requested by the airline and border authorities
240-hour transit
Transit is not the same as an ordinary return trip.
Eligibility requires a qualifying passport, an approved entry port, onward travel to a third country or region and compliance with the permitted stay area.
03
Your China-ready phone
Set it up before
the airport Wi-Fi.
Download from official app stores, complete identity checks early and keep your home SIM available for verification messages. App availability and functions vary by device, nationality and region.
支
Pay and move
Alipay
Mobile payment, ride-hailing and city transport functions in one place. Complete card linking and verification early.
微
Communicate and pay
Messaging, service mini programs and Weixin Pay. Keep a backup communication channel in case verification takes time.
铁
Intercity rail
China Railway 12306
Use the official English website or app for real-name railway booking. Enter your name exactly as shown in your passport.
译
Navigate and translate
Maps plus offline language
Save Chinese addresses, screenshots and offline translation. Test your chosen map before departure because functions vary.
04
Payments and money
Mobile first.
Never mobile only.
Alipay and WeChat Pay can support international cards, but bank approval, verification, merchant acceptance and transaction limits can vary. Build a three-layer payment plan.
Primary
Mobile wallet
Link a supported international card, complete verification and test a small payment before relying on the wallet.
Backup
Physical bank card
Carry a second card on a different network if possible. Ask your bank about China usage, security blocks and foreign exchange fees.
Fallback
RMB cash
Keep a modest amount for small purchases or a temporary app issue. Larger hotels and merchants may accept cards, but do not assume it.
Official payment guidance
Last reviewed 26 July 2026The State Council guide confirms that overseas visitors can use mobile payment, bank cards and cash, and that international cards can be linked to Alipay and WeChat Pay. Acceptance is not universal.
Read the official payment guide05
Moving through China
One passport.
Several ways forward.
Your passport is part of the transport system. Use the same name format throughout your bookings and keep the original document accessible on travel days.
01
Arrive
Airport to city
Save your destination in Chinese. Use an official taxi queue, pre-arranged transfer or verified ride-hailing service.
02
Connect
High-speed rail
Complete real-name verification, book using the exact passport name and carry the original passport used for the ticket.
03
Move locally
Metro, taxi and ride-hailing
City methods vary. Mobile transport codes, single tickets, cash and cards may be available depending on the operator.
04
Go deeper
Private road connections
Western Hubei routes combine rail with road transfers. Plan realistic buffers for mountain roads, weather and scenic stops.
Official railway Foreign travellers can purchase tickets through the 12306 English website or app after identity verification.
Open China Railway 1230606
Stay well
Sleep, health and help.
A few practical habits protect the whole journey. Confirm that accommodation can register international guests, insure the activities you plan to do and know how to ask for help.
01
Accommodation
Book with registration in mind.
Hotels register foreign guests using the original passport. If you stay in a private home or other non-hotel accommodation, separate registration rules apply.
Official accommodation guidance02
Health and insurance
Prepare for the route you are actually taking.
Review official health advice for your circumstances. Carry suitable travel insurance, medication documentation and enough supply for reasonable disruption.
See the final checklist03
Emergency help
Save the numbers before you need them.
- 110
- Police
- 119
- Fire
- 120
- Ambulance
- 12367
- Immigration service
Accommodation and emergency information last reviewed 26 July 2026. Availability of English-language assistance can vary.
07
Everyday etiquette
Curiosity travels
better with care.
Etiquette is less about memorising a rulebook and more about observing, asking and allowing local hosts to set the rhythm.
Ask before photographing people.
Keep voices calm in temples and shared spaces.
Use both hands when receiving something formally.
Follow local guidance around sacred or protected areas.
Carry your waste until an appropriate bin appears.
Learn a few words and keep the Chinese address ready.
08
Final check
Ready means
you have a backup.
Complete this list 48 hours before departure, when there is still time to solve a verification, banking or document issue.
- Passport and entry route checked against an official source
- Flights, hotels and first transfer saved offline
- Insurance certificate and emergency contact available
- Alipay or WeChat Pay registered and tested
- Two payment backups prepared
- Connectivity plan confirmed and phone unlocked
- Chinese names and addresses saved as screenshots
- Medication packed in original packaging
This guide provides general travel preparation information. Entry, health, payment and transport decisions remain the traveller’s responsibility and should be confirmed with the relevant official authority or service provider.
Practical support From plan to arrival
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Tell us your dates, interests and travel style. We will help shape a coherent Central China route and identify the practical questions that need attention.