First Trip to China: A Practical Checklist

A first trip to China is easier when the practical setup is done before you fly. The list below is not about sightseeing. It is the small set of things that decide whether the first two days feel smooth or frustrating.

Documents

Passport with enough validity for your trip and any visa or entry permission you need.
Check the current entry rules for your nationality shortly before departure; they change.
Keep digital and paper copies of your passport and any permission.
Save your hotel's name and address in Chinese characters.

Payment

Install Alipay and WeChat.
Complete identity verification with your passport.
Link an international card to both, if your card and country are supported.
Carry a small amount of cash as backup.
Tell your bank you are travelling.

Payment setup is the single most useful thing to finish at home. It is much easier to solve a verification problem on your own connection than at an airport.

Connectivity

Decide between an eSIM, a local SIM and international roaming before you go.
Check whether your phone supports the bands used in China.
Download offline maps and translation packs.
Bring a power bank and the right plug adapter.
Save the address of your hotel in Chinese for taxi drivers.

Apps

The essentials are two payment apps, a map app and a ride-hailing app. A translation app and a rail app are useful additions. You do not need to install everything; a small set that works is better than a large set you have not configured.

Money and cards

Mobile payment covers most situations. International cards work in many hotels, malls and larger restaurants, but not everywhere. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals. Keep a second card in a different place from your main one.

Language

You do not need Mandarin to travel, but a few phrases help:

Nǐ hǎo — hello.
Xièxie — thank you.
Duōshao qián? — how much?
Bù là — not spicy.
Qǐng — please.

A translation app with camera text recognition is more useful than a phrasebook for menus and signs.

Health and daily habits

Carry any prescription medicine in its original packaging.
Bring a basic first-aid kit for stomach trouble and minor injuries.
Tap water is not usually drunk directly; bottled or boiled water is the norm.
Carry tissues; not every public toilet provides paper.
Expect security screening at metro stations and major attractions.
Tipping is not expected in mainland China.

Money-saving habits

Use the metro rather than taxis in big cities.
Eat breakfast where locals eat; it is often excellent and inexpensive.
Book trains a few days ahead for popular routes.
Carry a refillable water bottle and ask for hot water refills, which are usually free.

What not to worry about

Most visitors imagine the language barrier will be harder than it is. Signs in major cities are in English, menus have pictures, and staff are used to helping. The bigger adjustment is the phone-first way of doing things: ordering, paying, booking and navigating all happen in apps. Set those up, and the rest of the trip follows.

Before you leave

Confirm your first night's accommodation and how to get there from the airport or station.
Download the apps and log in once.
Check the weather for the cities on your route.
Leave space in your bag for tea and gifts.

Then go. The first day will teach you more than any checklist.

Details change. Confirm current prices, opening hours and entry rules before you rely on them.