1
Install AND Test Your VPN CRITICAL
China blocks Google, YouTube, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter/X, and most Western websites and apps. Without a VPN, you'll be completely cut off from the digital tools you rely on daily.
Why it fails at home: Most people install the VPN app but don't test it. When they land in China and try to connect, the server doesn't work, or the app won't connect at all. Test it multiple times before you leave.
- Recommended VPNs: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surge — all have reliable China servers
- Download the app while you still have full internet access
- Test it at least 3 times before your departure date
- Keep the download link saved somewhere accessible (you won't be able to search for it in China)
💡 Pro tip: Some travelers download 2 different VPN apps as backup. If one doesn't connect, you have a fallback. This has saved many trips.
I installed ExpressVPN the night before my flight. Landed in Beijing, tried to connect — nothing worked. Spent my first 2 hours in China stressed out of my mind. Should have tested it a week earlier. — Reddit user, r/travelchina
2
Get Your Data Plan Ready CRITICAL
Once you land in China, you won't have WiFi immediately. You'll need data for Google Maps, translation apps, ride-hailing, and checking into your hotel. Without a plan, you'll be stranded at the airport with no way to navigate.
Your options:
- eSIM (recommended): Airalo, eSIM.net, or Nomad give you China data plans for $10-30. Activate it before you leave so it's ready the moment you land. Make sure your phone supports eSIM.
- International roaming: Check with your home carrier — often expensive but works immediately
- Buy a local SIM at Beijing/Shanghai airport: Available but requires filling forms and takes 30-60 minutes after a long flight
💡 Pro tip: Download your VPN app AFTER you activate your data plan but BEFORE you need it. The order matters: data first, then VPN app while you still have internet access.
3
Download These Apps While You Still Have Internet CRITICAL
Once you're in China without a VPN, you can't access the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Every app you need must be downloaded before you board.
The essential apps to download (in order of importance):
- WeChat — The all-in-one app for messaging, payments, and services in China
- Alipay — Required for almost every payment in China
- Didi — China's Uber equivalent (requires Chinese phone number for full features, but works partially with foreign numbers)
- Ctrip or Trip.com — For booking trains, flights, and hotels
- Google Maps or Maps.me — Google Maps doesn't work in China; download offline maps of China in advance
- Pleco — The best Chinese-English translation dictionary
- Your VPN app — Already mentioned, but worth repeating
I forgot to download Google Translate offline before my trip. Had no internet, couldn't communicate with my hotel receptionist. Ended up using hand gestures for 20 minutes. — Reddit user, r/travelchina
4
Set Up Alipay Tour Pass Before You Leave CRITICAL
This is the single biggest pain point for foreigners in China. Almost no local shops, restaurants, or taxis accept foreign credit cards. You need Alipay or WeChat Pay — and they need to be set up before you arrive.
Why this is non-negotiable: In 2026, China is essentially cashless for locals. If you land without Alipay set up, you'll be stuck paying inflated hotel prices, unable to use public transport, and limited to tourist restaurants that accept foreign cards. The setup takes 15 minutes at home, but hours in China with no internet.
- Alipay Tour Pass: Open Alipay → search "Tour Pass" → follow the foreigner verification steps → link your foreign credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex)
- WeChat Pay: WeChat → Me → Pay → Cards → add your foreign card. More limited than Alipay for foreigners but still useful
- Cash backup: Bring ¥1,000 in cash (RMB) as emergency backup
💡 Pro tip: Some foreigners report Alipay Tour Pass doesn't work with all foreign cards. Test it at home with a small transaction. If it fails, have a backup plan: bring more cash and use it at hotels and international chains.
Landed in Shanghai, tried to take a taxi — no card, no Alipay. Had to walk 20 minutes with my luggage to find an ATM. That was not a great first impression. — Reddit user, r/travel
5
Get Your Documents in Order HIGH
China requires you to carry your passport at all times. You also need to complete the digital arrival card (e-Arrival) before landing, and you'll want multiple passport copies stored safely.
What to prepare:
- Passport copies: Take 3 printed copies and store digital copies in cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud)
- e-Arrival card: Since November 2025, China has a digital arrival card. Fill it out 72 hours before your flight at nia.gov.cn or via the WeChat/Miniprogram. Saves you from the paper form on the plane
- Visa or visa-free confirmation: Print your visa or save your visa-free entry documentation
- Hotel address in Chinese: Save your hotel's address in Chinese characters — show this to taxi drivers instead of English address
Police stopped me for a document check near my hotel. Didn't have my passport on me — just a photo on my phone. They were understanding but told me firmly that passport = mandatory carry. — Reddit user, r/China
6
Buy or Prepare Your Power Bank Correctly HIGH
Your phone will die faster than usual — between Maps, translations, photos, and VPN use, you'll be on battery saver mode constantly. But bringing the wrong power bank can mean losing it at security.
China's power bank rules:
- No power banks above 27,000mAh (100Wh) — airports in China will confiscate them at security checkpoints
- All lithium batteries must be carry-on, never checked luggage
- CCC certification: Technically required for all rechargeable batteries sold in China. If you bring a non-certified power bank from home and it's discovered, it may be confiscated (though this is inconsistently enforced for personal use)
- Safe option: Buy a CCC-certified power bank in China — Xiaomi, Anker, or BASEUS at any electronics store or MINISO. ¥100-200 (~$14-28) for a solid 20,000mAh unit
💡 Pro tip: MINISO stores are in every airport, metro station, and shopping district in China. If you forget or your power bank gets confiscated, you can buy a replacement within minutes of landing.
7
Learn These 5 Chinese Phrases Before You Land MEDIUM
English is not widely spoken outside major tourist areas in China. Even basic Mandarin phrases will transform your experience — from ordering food to navigating subway systems.
The 5 essential phrases:
- 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) — Hello. The basic greeting that opens doors.
- 请问...在哪里? (Qǐng wèn... zài nǎlǐ?) — Excuse me, where is...? The universal navigation phrase.
- 多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián?) — How much money? Essential for markets and street vendors.
- 不要辣 (Bù yào là) — No spicy. If you can't handle heat, this will save your meal.
- 谢谢 (Xièxiè) — Thank you. Simple, respectful, and goes a long way.
💡 Pro tip: Download Pleco (mentioned above) before you leave — it has voice input so you can speak English and show the Chinese translation to taxi drivers, restaurant staff, or anyone else you need to communicate with.
📋 Pre-Flight Checklist Summary
- ✅ Install and TEST your VPN (test 3+ times before departure)
- ✅ Set up eSIM or international data plan for China
- ✅ Download WeChat, Alipay, Didi, Maps.me, Pleco, and your VPN app
- ✅ Set up Alipay Tour Pass with your foreign credit card
- ✅ Print passport copies and complete e-Arrival card (72h before flight)
- ✅ Check your power bank: under 27,000mAh or buy CCC-certified in China
- ✅ Learn 5 essential Mandarin phrases