China Travel Tips: Everything you need to know before traveling to China
- 20 hours ago
- 8 min read
China has become one of my favorite places I’ve traveled to, and after visiting twice, I’ve learned that a little preparation can make a huge difference. Traveling around China is surprisingly easy once you arrive and have everything set up, but many of the apps, payment methods, internet restrictions, and even airport rules are completely different from what American travelers may be used to.
If you’re planning your first trip to China, there are a few things you’ll want to take care of before getting on the plane. From securing your visa and setting up mobile payments to accessing your favorite apps and making sure your portable charger can actually make it through airport security, preparing ahead of time can save you a lot of stress once you arrive.
After two trips to China, these are the China travel tips I wish every first time visitor knew before going. Keep reading for everything I recommend setting up, downloading, and preparing before your trip.
Figure out your China Visa early
If you're traveling on a U.S. passport, don't assume you can simply arrive in China as a tourist. While China has expanded visa-free entry for citizens of many countries, U.S. passport holders generally still need a visa before traveling to mainland China, unless they qualify for a specific visa exemption or transit policy.
For a typical vacation, you'll most likely be applying for an L visa, which is China's tourist visa.
You can complete the visa process yourself, but using a visa agency can make the entire process significantly easier, especially if it's your first time applying. A reputable agency can help you complete and review your application, make sure you have the correct supporting documents, and handle the passport submission and return process where available. It does cost more than applying on your own, but the convenience and added peace of mind can be worth it, especially when you're mailing or submitting your passport and don't live near the Chinese embassy or consulate that handles your application.
If you decide to apply yourself, China has moved much of the application process online. You'll complete the application and upload the required materials through China's online visa application system. After your application reaches the appropriate stage, you'll receive instructions for submitting your physical passport and any required original documents.
My biggest tip: Start the process well before your trip. You don't want your international vacation hinging on whether your passport and visa make it back to you in time. I started the process about a month prior to my trip and, while I did receive my passport and visa back in time, it was pretty nerve-wrecking. I also recommend using an agency. They often have established connections with the Chinese Embassy, which can be especially helpful since contacting the Embassy directly can be difficult if issues arise or additional information is needed.
Always check the latest requirements through the Chinese Embassy or your visa agency before applying, since visa policies and application procedures can change.
Complete China's arrival card
China introduced an online arrival card for international travelers in late 2025.
You can submit your entry information online before arriving through China's National Immigration Administration services. If you don't complete it beforehand, you can generally complete the process when you arrive using a QR code, an onsite device, or a paper arrival card.
I would do it ahead of time if possible. International arrival days already involve enough lines, passports, luggage, and figuring out where you're going next.
Set up your phone BEFORE you leave
A lot of the Western apps and websites you probably use every day aren't normally accessible through mainland China's internet infrastructure. That can include services such as Google, Gmail, Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms.
Utilizing an international data plan is usually the easiest option. The downside is that international roaming can be significantly more expensive than purchasing an eSIM. If you do not have an international data plan, you'll need an eSIM.
Before purchasing one, make sure your phone:
- supports eSIMs
- is carrier-unlocked
- is compatible with the specific eSIM provider you're purchasing from
Certain international roaming eSIMs route your internet traffic outside mainland China, which can mean services that are normally restricted on mainland Chinese networks may work through your cellular data without needing a separate VPN. However, not every China eSIM works this way. Some use local routing and remain subject to mainland China's internet restrictions.
Before purchasing an eSIM, specifically check whether the provider says its China plan allows access to the Western apps you plan to use.
eSIMs I Recommend Looking At for China
There are several well-known providers worth comparing:
Airalo — One of the most established travel eSIM companies and a good all-around option. It offers prepaid China and regional Asia plans with different data allowances, making it a good choice if you don't need unlimited data.
Nomad — Another great option if you want a straightforward prepaid data plan. Nomad tends to have competitive larger-data packages and can be particularly useful if you plan to use your phone frequently or tether another device.
Holafly — Worth considering if you're a heavy data user and don't want to constantly check how many gigabytes you have left. Holafly is best known for its unlimited-data travel plans, although you should check the current hotspot/tethering limitations before purchasing.
If you're using an eSIM for your data, double-check your cellular settings once you arrive. Set your travel eSIM as the cellular-data line and prevent your regular U.S. line from automatically switching over to cellular data.
My biggest tip: Your phone setup should be completely finished before you board your flight. If you land with working cellular data, WeChat and Alipay already verified, offline translation downloaded, and your important addresses saved in Chinese, the first few hours of your trip will be significantly easier.
Understand the VPN situation before you go
China restricts access to a number of foreign websites and services, which is why travelers often research VPNs and international roaming/eSIM options before visiting.
However, travelers should understand that VPN use is regulated in China. The U.S. State Department currently warns that VPN use in China is illegal in most circumstances and can potentially result in penalties.
Because internet restrictions, VPN functionality, and enforcement can change, research the current rules immediately before your trip rather than assuming that something that worked for another traveler six months ago will still work for you.
Regardless of how you plan to connect, I recommend preparing for the possibility that some of your normal apps won't work. Download important information offline and don't make your entire itinerary dependent on having access to Google.
Download WeChat
If you're only downloading one China-specific app before your trip, WeChat should be near the top of the list.
WeChat is much more than China's equivalent of a messaging app. It's integrated into everyday life in China and can be used for communication, payments, QR codes, mini-programs, transportation-related services, restaurants, and much more.
Set up your account before leaving the U.S., complete any identity verification you're asked for, and familiarize yourself with the app.
You'll also want to set up WeChat Pay.
Foreign travelers can link supported international bank cards to WeChat/Weixin Pay and use QR codes to pay at participating businesses.
Set up Alipay too
I recommend setting up both Alipay and WeChat Pay rather than relying on just one, so you have a backup in case one stops working, has technical issues, or requires you to verify your identity again.
Mobile payments are incredibly common in China, and you'll quickly notice QR codes everywhere. Restaurants, convenience stores, transportation, attractions, and other businesses may all use mobile payments.
International travelers can now register for Alipay and link supported overseas bank cards. You'll generally need to verify your identity with your passport before fully setting everything up.
Do this before your trip.
The last thing you want is to arrive hungry, try to buy something, and discover that your account needs verification or your credit card isn't cooperating.
Bring a 3C/CCC-Compliant power bank
This is a China-specific travel detail that is extremely easy to miss.
If you're going to be taking domestic flights within mainland China, pay attention to the portable charger you bring.
Since June 28, 2025, China's Civil Aviation Administration has prohibited passengers from bringing power banks on domestic flights when they don't have a visible 3C/CCC certification mark, the mark is unclear, or the particular model/batch has been recalled.
That means the perfectly good power bank you use in the United States may cause problems when you're flying domestically in China.
Look for the CCC/3C certification marking physically printed on the power bank itself.
I would specifically purchase a compliant power bank before the trip rather than risk having your normal one confiscated at airport security. However, you can purchase one once you're in China as well.
And remember: lithium power banks belong in your carry-on, not your checked luggage.
Download a translation app
Unless you speak Mandarin, having a translation app readily available makes a huge difference. Google translate was sufficient.
Download the necessary language files for offline translation before your trip so you're not completely dependent on cellular service.
The camera-translation feature is particularly helpful for menus, signs, packaging, instructions, and anything else you encounter throughout the day.
I also recommend saving a few important phrases and addresses ahead of time.
Download China-Compatible map apps before you go
If you normally plan every vacation through Google Maps, China requires a little more preparation. Google Maps is not reliable for navigating mainland China, so download at least one China-compatible alternative before your trip.
A few good options are:
Amap (Gaode Maps / 高德地图) — probably the best all-around option for travelers. It has an English interface and detailed walking, driving, and public-transit directions.
Apple Maps — one of the easiest options if you have an iPhone because the interface stays familiar and in English while using local Chinese mapping data when you're in mainland China. However, while it is mostly accurate, there were a few occasions where it was not.
Baidu Maps (百度地图) — another extremely comprehensive local option with excellent China-specific location and transit information, although the English experience can be more limited than Amap or Apple Maps.
My recommendation: Download Amap plus Apple Maps (if you have an iPhone) so you have a primary option and a backup. It's also worth saving the Chinese name and address of your hotel, restaurants, attractions, and train stations because searching by the English name doesn't always bring up the correct location.
I also like keeping a separate note on my phone containing:
- Hotel name
- Hotel address in English
- Hotel address in Chinese
- Nearest metro station
- Reservation numbers
- Flight and train information
It might feel like over-preparing, but you'll be glad you have it if your internet isn't cooperating or you need to show a taxi driver exactly where you're going.
Keep your passport accessible
Your passport isn't something you want buried at the bottom of your suitcase.
You may need it for hotels, transportation, attractions, or other situations where identity verification is required.
I recommend keeping it somewhere secure but easily accessible while traveling and storing digital copies of your passport and visa separately.
Bring a universal travel adapter
China commonly uses 220V electricity, so check the voltage requirements on anything you're bringing from home.
Many modern electronics like phones, laptops, cameras, and chargers support 100–240V, meaning you generally just need the appropriate plug adapter. But always check the label on the actual device before plugging it in.
A compact universal travel adapter with multiple USB/USB-C ports is one of my favorite travel essentials because it lets me charge several devices without carrying a bag full of adapters. The one we use is linked here.
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