✈️ China Travel Checklist – Pre‑Departure Only – This checklist covers everything you must complete before you board the plane. For detailed setup instructions (apps, eSIM, payments, transport, arrival), refer to our standalone guides linked throughout.
📅 Timeliness Notice: This checklist reflects China's entry policies as of June 2026. Complete all steps at home — app stores and foreign websites are blocked once you land.
Complete everything on this page before you leave home.
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This checklist is organized into two distinct phases:
Phase one – Before You Fly – covers everything that requires a stable internet connection and access to global app stores: airport preparation, travel documents, digital arrival card, VPN, eSIM, financial setup, and packing.
Phase two – After You Land – is covered in our dedicated China Arrival Guide (immigration, baggage, transport, hotel registration).
The golden rule: complete phase one while you are still at home. Do not wait until you arrive.
✈️ Before You Leave Home – Airport Preparation
- Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou security queues can be long).
- Complete online check‑in (usually 24–48 hours before departure). Save your boarding pass screenshot.
- Check airline baggage allowance: typically 20–30 kg checked, 7–10 kg carry‑on. Power banks (≤20,000 mAh) and lithium batteries must be in carry‑on luggage – never checked.
- Ensure your phone is fully charged and has offline copies of: arrival card QR code, hotel address (Chinese), flight itinerary, passport photo, and offline maps.
- Share your flight number, hotel address, and itinerary with a family member or friend.
01 / Documents & Entry Status
Passport must have 6+ months validity.
- Passport – valid for at least 6 months beyond departure; at least one blank page. Take a photo of the info page.
- Entry pathway – confirm whether you qualify for 30‑day unilateral visa‑free, 240‑hour TWOV, 24‑hour airside transit, or need a regular visa. See our Visa‑Free Entry and 240‑Hour Transit Guide.
- Print or offline copies – flight itinerary, hotel confirmation, onward ticket (for TWOV), travel insurance policy.
- Passport photos – 4–6 copies (white background, 48mm × 33mm, taken within 6 months). Useful for SIM card registration or emergencies.
- Travel insurance – purchase and save both paper and digital copies. Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation.
- Emergency contacts – save +86-10-12308 (China Global Consular Protection Hotline) and your home country’s embassy/consulate number in China.
02 / Digital Pre‑Departure Setup
Save your arrival card QR code offline.
- Digital Arrival Card – complete within 24 hours before arrival (not earlier). Use NIA website, “移民局12367” App, or WeChat/Alipay mini‑program. Screenshot the QR code and store it offline. Required for all foreign visitors.
- VPN – install and test before departure. Without it, Google, Gmail, Instagram, WhatsApp are blocked. Recommended: Astrill, ExpressVPN (tested China‑capable servers). See our China eSIM / Internet Guide.
- eSIM or roaming – purchase an international eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad) before you fly. Activate on landing day. Confirm your phone is carrier‑unlocked – otherwise eSIM/local SIM will not work. See our eSIM Guide.
- Core apps – install in this order:
- VPN (tested)
- WeChat + Alipay (link cards, complete passport verification)
- Amap (高德地图) – download offline maps
- DiDi International
- Trip.com
- Offline translation packs (DeepL, Baidu Translate, Pleco)
03 / Flight & Routing
- Onward ticket (for TWOV) – must be confirmed (not waitlist). Route: Country A → China → Country B. Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan count as third regions. Keep a printed or offline copy.
- Multi‑city exit allowed – 240‑hour TWOV permits entry at one city and exit from another (within the 24 eligible provinces). No need to exit the same airport.
- Baggage check‑through – confirm with your airline whether checked luggage can be transferred directly to your onward flight (if connecting).
- Hotel address in Chinese characters – save to your phone notes. Required for the arrival card and for DiDi / Amap. Format: district + road + hotel name, e.g., “上海市闵行区虹许路1116号希尔顿虹桥酒店”.
04 / Financial Preparation
Cash + cards + linked mobile payments.
- Cash – exchange ¥500–¥1,000 RMB (~$70–$140) at your home bank. Airport exchange rates are worse.
- Bank cards – carry two separate cards: one Visa/Mastercard credit card for hotels/shopping, one debit card for ATM withdrawals. Store them separately.
- Notify your bank – inform your bank of your travel dates to prevent overseas transactions from being blocked.
- Alipay & WeChat Pay – link your international card, complete passport verification (to raise transaction limits), and run a small test transaction (e.g., send a ¥1 red envelope to a friend). See our China Payment Guide for fee details and limits.
05 / Packing List
Pack smart – essentials in carry‑on.
Electronics
- Phone, charger, power bank (≤20,000 mAh – carry‑on only)
- Universal adapter (China uses Type A & C, 220V)
- Headphones, camera (optional)
Clothing & Comfort
- Comfortable waterproof walking shoes
- Season‑appropriate layers (summer: hot/humid; winter: cold/dry north, mild south)
- Light rain jacket (more practical than umbrella in southern summers)
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
⚠️ Medication & Health
- Prohibited substances – do NOT bring medications containing pseudoephedrine, codeine, morphine, or strychnine (e.g., Contac, Tylenol PM Cold). These are controlled substances in China – confiscation and fines possible.
- Prescription drugs: carry original packaging + doctor‘s prescription (English translation recommended).
- Basic over‑the‑counter: cold medicine, antidiarrheals, fever reducers, bandages, antihistamines are fine.
Other Practical Items
- Small day bag
- Reusable water bottle (tap water not potable – use bottled or boiled)
- Tissues and wet wipes (many public restrooms lack toilet paper)
06 / Pre‑Departure Final Checklist – Verify All
📌 Need step‑by‑step instructions? See our dedicated guides:
• China Travel Apps Guide – detailed app installation and configuration
• China eSIM / Internet Guide – eSIM purchase, VPN setup, and connectivity
• China Payment Guide – Alipay/WeChat Pay fees, limits, and verification
• China Transportation Guide – high‑speed rail, metro, DiDi, bike sharing
• China Arrival Guide – what to do immediately after landing
• China Scams & Safety Guide – staying safe on the ground
