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Things To Do Before Arriving In China

arriving in china isn't the easiest. do this 9 essential travel tips before arriving

Sometimes you can just show up into a certain country and assume it’s going to be fine….this IS NOT ONE OF THEM. This is not a joke, you actually need to research China travel tips before you visit. Here are 9 things to do before arriving in China.

✅ 9 THINGS TO DO BEFORE ARRIVING IN CHINA
  1. Download Alipay — the most important app for your entire trip
  2. Buy a VPN — essential for Instagram, YouTube, and Google
  3. Get a powerbank — your phone is your lifeline in China
  4. Sort your visa — or confirm you qualify for the 144hr transit visa
  5. Set up your eSIM or data plan — you cannot function without data
  6. Book your tours in advance — the Forbidden City sells out regularly
  7. Research how to get around — download DiDi and offline maps
  8. Download WeChat — hotels and locals will want to reach you here
  9. Prepare for the language barrier — use Alipay's translator and stay calm

Download Alipay

Alipay is the most important part of visiting China. Equally as important as the visa. You will pay for everything you do with Alipay, it’s not an exaggeration. Included on the app is Didi (China’s uber), a translator, your QR code for the trains, etc. MAKE SURE your account is set up before arriving.

download alipay before arriving to china - an important tip

Buy a VPN

It is wise to get a VPN for every country you visit. It’s dangerous to use public WiFi because your personal data could be compromised, but in China you will actually NEED one for even Instagram or YouTube. I have been using NORDVPN for years, so that is my recommendation.

Get a Powerbank

While traveling to China, you’re in the digital world. Cash is not king, but it’s good to still have some. 

You better have your phone charged or else you are going to run into some issues. ANKR is my power bank of choice, here is a link.

Asses Your Visa

Get your visa sorted out well in advanced. For a plethora of western countries, you can just show up and get a 144hr transit visa on arrival…that is what I did.

It’s easy, just show them you have a departing flight in a few days and you will be stamped right in. I’m sure you wouldn’t miss this step without my help, but I will have a China visa guide ready soon.

Figure Out Your eSim/Data

Make sure you have a plan regarding your data. (Whether it be a Sim Card/eSim/mobile wifi etc) You will not survive without this. I either use my phone carrier’s international plan, or use an eSim, but this step is not challenging at all. 

Airalo is a popular eSim company right now, check them out for an easy transaction.

Have Your Tours Booked

If you are planning to do any tours or get a ticket to any attraction or landmark, definitely buy those early. The forbidden city in Beijing sells out pretty frequently, but a site like Viator will be full of them…just plan in advance.

For the Great Wall of China, you can check out my full guide here…or skip that and just easily book the tour I used here.

Research How To Get Around

Baidu maps is the Chinese maps app of choice. You could download it, but it’s not a MUST. You won’t have any problems with Google Maps on your VPN, but make sure you download the offline maps to be safe.

Apple Maps and Google Maps definitely sufficed for me.

If you are renting a car, 100% use Baidu. I also have a guide for navigating Beijing if you have interest.

Prep To Make Friends

Whether you are making friends or even communicating with your hotel, they will be on WeChat. Download that…it’s a much more intricate WhatsApp. It’s better to already have this installed, just like Alipay.

You will likely run into people with WhatsApp as well. Remember, Instagram is technically not allowed in China, so don’t expect anyone to have it (although some will).

Get Ready For The Language Barrier

Will you run into English speakers in China? Of course. A worker at Nike, your hotel staff, a younger person, etc.

The average middle aged person will probably not have any English knowledge. But have no fear, all signage is displayed easily, especially in major cities. During my first hot pot meal, they had one dedicated English speaker in the restaurant to help out tourists. But regardless, just use Alipay’s translator and you’ll be fine.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a VPN for China? +
Yes — a VPN is essential for visiting China if you want access to Google, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and most Western apps. These are all blocked in China without one. Download and activate your VPN before you arrive as VPN websites themselves are blocked inside China. NordVPN is a reliable option that works well in China.
Do I need Alipay to visit China? +
Yes — Alipay is essentially required for visiting China as a tourist. Cash is rarely accepted, western credit cards often do not work, and most transactions from metro rides to street food require either Alipay or WeChat Pay. Set up your Alipay account and link an international card before you leave home. It is the single most important thing you can do before arriving.
Can Americans visit China without a visa? +
Americans can enter China on a 144 hour visa-free transit if they are transiting through certain Chinese cities and have a confirmed onward flight out of China within 144 hours. For longer stays a tourist visa must be applied for in advance at a Chinese consulate. China has also recently expanded visa-free access for several nationalities so check the latest entry requirements for your passport before traveling.
What apps do I need for China? +
The essential apps to download before arriving in China are Alipay for payments, DiDi for ride share, WeChat for communication, a VPN for accessing blocked Western apps, and either Apple Maps or offline Google Maps for navigation. Download all of these before you land as some may be difficult to access once you are inside China.
Does Google work in China? +
No — Google is blocked in China along with Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, and most other Google services. With a VPN enabled you can restore access to these services. Without a VPN use Apple Maps for navigation, Alipay's built in translator instead of Google Translate, and WeChat or local messaging instead of Gmail.
Is WeChat necessary for visiting China? +
Not strictly necessary but strongly recommended. Most hotels, local contacts, and tour operators will communicate via WeChat. It is China's primary messaging app and the equivalent of WhatsApp for most of the population. Having it installed before you arrive makes communication significantly easier, especially if you are staying anywhere outside a major tourist hotel.
Do I need cash in China? +
Having some Chinese Yuan cash is useful as a backup but Alipay handles the vast majority of transactions. Some older markets, rural vendors, and smaller establishments may still prefer cash. Bring the equivalent of $50 to $100 USD in Yuan as an emergency backup and rely on Alipay for everything else. ATMs in major cities accept international cards if you need to withdraw cash on arrival.

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