Before You Go to China Checklist
Last reviewed: 2026-08-20
Prep hub — timed ticks only (no long how-tos)
| If you need… | Canonical page |
|---|---|
| T-14 → T-1 task order | This checklist |
| Payment checkbox session (~45 min) | Payment checklist |
| App checkbox session (~40 min) | App checklist |
| Why both wallets / merchant types | How to pay |
| eSIM vs roaming decision | eSIM essential |
| Travel insurance checklist | Insurance essential |
| Arrival day order (hotel → data → pay) | First day guide |
This page lists *when* to do tasks—not screen-by-screen setup (link out).
T-14 to T-7 Days (Planning)
| Step | Task | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm visa, 30-day visa-free, or 240h transit | ✅ | Which product? — then 240h gates if TWOV |
| 2 | Book first-night hotel (refundable if possible) | ✅ | Need address for taxi/Didi on landing |
| 3 | Screenshot hotel name + full address in Chinese | ✅ | Copy from Amap or booking confirmation |
| 4 | Buy travel insurance (medical + evacuation) | Recommended | What to check — save PDF + 24h hotline |
| 5 | Sketch city order + rail legs; note Chinese station names | Optional | Hongqiao vs Shanghai Station, etc. |
| 6 | Check passport 6+ months validity | ✅ | Match name on train/flight bookings |
| 7 | If 240h transit: buy onward ticket to third country | ✅ if transit | Not home-only round trip |
T-7 to T-3 Days (Digital Setup)
| Step | Task | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Install Alipay + WeChat; enable Pay/Wallet | ✅ | Same evening, one sitting |
| 9 | Bind foreign cards in both wallets | ✅ | Try second card if first fails |
| 10 | Complete passport verification if prompted | ✅ | Good lighting on photos |
| 11 | Buy & install eSIM profile on home Wi‑Fi | ✅ | Internet guide |
| 12 | Install Amap, Didi, Baidu Translate | ✅ | App checklist |
| 13 | Favorite hotel + airport rail link in Amap | ✅ | Test search before flying |
| 14 | Run payment setup checklist | ✅ | ~45 min |
| 15 | Notify bank of travel dates | ✅ | Reduces decline abroad |
| 16 | Book HSR tickets for day 2+ if intercity | Optional | Train booking question |
T-1 Day (Final)
| Step | Task | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Pack power bank, plug adapter (Type A/I common), passport copies offline | ✅ | |
| 18 | Get ¥200–500 small notes if your bank allows | Optional | ¥10/¥20/¥50 mix |
| 19 | Confirm SMS works for bank/wallet OTP | ✅ | Do not remove home SIM |
| 20 | Save offline: eSIM QR, train PDFs, insurance card, embassy number | ✅ | Airplane mode test |
| 21 | Charge phone; pause auto app updates on travel day | Recommended | Avoid gate-side updates |
| 22 | Read first day arrival guide | Recommended | Order: hotel → data → pay test |