01Entry essential
Visa & Entry
Know how you can enter
Check visa, visa-free and transit eligibility before making non-refundable plans.
- Set up
- 4–8 weeks before
- Check
- Passport validity
China travel preparation center
Plan Your Trip to China
Everything you need before you travel to China — organized into one clear journey.
Prepare smarter. Travel easier.
Updated for 2026 Independent guidance 6 essential areas
Arrival-readyYour China prep, all in one place
01Before
Set these up in order
Before you go
Complete the essentials while your phone number, bank and documents are still easy to access.
0 of 5 readyStart with your entry requirements.
02Recommended
eSIM & Mobile Data
Land already connected
Install before departure, then activate when you arrive. Compare coverage, data and trip length.
- Set up
- 3–7 days before
- Price guide
- $–$$
03Install early
VPN & Internet Prep
Prepare access at home
Download essential tools and offline content before travel, then test everything on your device.
- Set up
- Before arrival
- Remember
- Check availability
Review current service availability and local requirements.
Compare solutions on this page04Protect the trip
Travel Insurance
Cover what matters to you
Compare medical support, trip interruption and activities against your real itinerary.
- Set up
- After first booking
- Price guide
- $$
Decide and book without leaving
Everything you need, directly on this page
Compare the practical differences first. When you are ready, the action button opens the selected provider directly.
Partner links are clearly marked01 · Visa & entry
Choose the path that matches your passport
Rules depend on nationality, route and length of stay. Confirm the official requirement before paying for a service.
- Passport validity
- Onward travel proof
- Accommodation details
Visa-free entry
Check nationality eligibility, permitted stay and whether the policy covers your arrival date.
Best for: eligible short visitsTransit without visa
Confirm the permitted region, onward country and airport or port conditions for your route.
Best for: qualifying transit itinerariesVisa application
Prepare the application form, photo, itinerary and supporting documents requested locally.
Start early: typically 4–8 weeks02 · eSIM & mobile data
Match data to the way you travel
Check device compatibility, validity, hotspot support and when the plan starts counting.
- Install before departure
- Keep your home SIM available
- Save the activation details offline
eSIM
01
Simple start
01
Short-stay dataPartner eSIM A
For city breaks
- Typical trip
- 3–7 days
- Data style
- Fixed bundle
- Hotspot
- Check plan
Good when maps, messages and bookings are your main data use.
PricingCheck live priceChoose plan
eSIM
02
Best balance
02
Flexible dataPartner eSIM B
For a full China trip
- Typical trip
- 8–15 days
- Data style
- Large bundle
- Hotspot
- Available
A practical middle option for navigation, translation and daily research.
PricingCheck live priceChoose plan
eSIM
03
Heavy use
03
High-use dataPartner eSIM C
For work and sharing
- Typical trip
- 10–30 days
- Data style
- High / unlimited*
- Hotspot
- Plan dependent
Compare fair-use and speed policies before choosing an unlimited plan.
PricingCheck live priceChoose plan
03 · Internet preparation
Install and test before arrival
Availability can change. Review current provider guidance, device support and local requirements before purchase.
- Install on every device
- Sign in before departure
- Download offline backups
VPN
01
One traveler
01
Short-trip accessPartner VPN A
For essential services
- Devices
- Check allowance
- Support
- 24/7 preferred
- Refund terms
- Review first
Prioritize easy setup, clear support and a plan length that matches the trip.
AvailabilityCheck providerVisit provider
VPN
02
Couples & work
02
Multi-device accessPartner VPN B
For several devices
- Devices
- Multi-device
- Apps
- Desktop & mobile
- Support
- Live help
Useful when two travelers or work devices need the same setup and support.
AvailabilityCheck providerVisit provider
Service performance is not guaranteed. Check current availability and comply with applicable laws and service terms.
04 · Travel insurance
Compare coverage, not only price
Read exclusions and benefit limits against your health needs, bookings and planned activities.
- Emergency medical
- Trip interruption
- Activities & valuables
INS
01
Core cover
01
Essential protectionInsurance partner A
For straightforward trips
- Medical
- Compare limits
- Emergency help
- 24/7 preferred
- Cancellation
- Policy dependent
Start with medical and evacuation benefits, then review the deductible and exclusions.
PersonalizedGet a quoteView quote
INS
02
Active itinerary
02
Explorer protectionInsurance partner B
For longer, busier trips
- Medical
- Higher limit
- Activities
- Check inclusions
- Trip delay
- Compare terms
Better suited to multi-city plans, valuable bookings or activities requiring extra cover.
PersonalizedGet a quoteView quote
Coverage examples are comparison prompts, not policy guarantees. Confirm the provider's policy wording before purchase.
Step 05
Prepare payment before arrival
Build a four-layer backup so one failed method never stops the day.
AAlipay
WWeChat Pay
Cards
Cash
- 01
Install both walletsUse the international version available in your app store.
- 02
Verify identityComplete verification while your home phone number works.
- 03
Add an international cardKeep a second card available as a backup.
- 04
Test and carry cashTry a small payment and keep emergency RMB separately.
Full setup sequence included here — no separate guide required.
Final check
Pack the easy-to-forget essentials
Tick each group after packing the examples shown below.
0 / 4 groups packed
02During
Your daily travel toolkit
During your trip
Keep four simple tools within reach for paying, navigating, moving and communicating.
01Pay
02Navigate
03Move & book
04Communicate
Everyday essentialPay
Use mobile wallets for shops, restaurants, transport and mini programs.
A
AlipayPrimary wallet
WWeChat PayWallet & services
Local confidenceNavigate
Plan metro, walking and taxi routes with detailed local map data.
高
AmapRoutes & discovery
百Baidu MapsLocal map backup
Across the countryMove & book
Reserve trains, hotels and key activities with tools suited to international visitors.
T
Trip.comHotels & transport
路Railway 12306Official rail tickets
Understand moreCommunicate
Translate conversations, camera text, menus and individual Chinese words.
文
Offline TranslateVoice & camera
PPlecoChinese dictionary
03After
Before you fly home & beyond
After your trip
Close out the practical details, protect your records and keep the next China idea within reach.
Departure day
Airport & tax refund
Close the trip calmly before heading home.
- Confirm terminal and airport transfer
- Keep receipts and refund documents together
- Allow extra time for refund formalities
Recover
Claims & lost items
Keep the evidence a provider may request.
- Save medical, police and airline records
- Photograph receipts before packing
- Record claim deadlines and contact numbers
Secure
Digital cleanup
Remove travel-only access you no longer need.
- Review eSIM and travel subscriptions
- Remove saved cards where appropriate
- Back up photos before deleting offline files
Return
Remember & plan again
Turn this journey into a better next one.
- Save your route and favorite places
- Note which tools genuinely helped
- Keep missed cities for the next itinerary
Prepared for the practical part?
Now choose where China takes you.
You have the essentials. Turn preparation into a journey worth remembering.