Before you fly to China
A checklist for documents, payments, mobile data, your accommodation and airport transfer.
China travel,made clearer.
Practical guides for international visitors, from arrival to everyday travel.
Find guides for your trip.
All travel guidesPrepare your documents, phone, payment options and a backup before you fly.
Set up your phone for China
Check your device and data plan, and save the activation instructions.
Facts checked Review due
Set up payments and a backup
Prepare your main payment option and keep a separate backup ready.
Facts checked Review due
Get from the airport to your stay, show your address and keep help within reach.
Get from the airport to your hotel
Find your bearings, confirm your destination and prepare the transfer at your own pace.
Show your hotel address in Chinese
Make a hotel card using the name, address and phone number supplied by your stay.
Find emergency help in China
Keep emergency contacts, useful phrases and your travel details close.
Facts checked Review due
Plan a train journey, see Shanghai or check what to prepare for a non-hotel stay.
Take your first train in China
Check which passport, ticket and station details to prepare for your train journey.
See Shanghai by sightseeing bus
Compare routes and landmarks, then check boarding and ticket details.
Facts checked Review due
Staying with friends or in a rental?
Find who handles accommodation registration and what to prepare.
Facts checked Review due
Keep the essentials
with you.
Download the China arrival guide and one-page Quick Card before you leave. Read them without internet access, or print a copy for your trip.
- Complete arrival guidePreparation, your first 30 minutes and help when plans change.
- One-page Quick CardA compact reference to keep within reach.
These are dated copies. Check time-sensitive requirements with official sources before travelling. Source links need a connection.
Watch the
travel guides.
Short videos on preparing for China and getting around.
4:23Video guide
First Trip to China? 8 Things to Check Before You Fly
An eight-point China travel checklist covering documents, arrival, payments, connectivity and the decisions that are easiest to miss before departure.
0:34Short guide
China Travel: Save Your Hotel Address to Show Your Driver
Save your hotel’s Chinese name and address before landing, then show the card to your driver when you need a clear arrival fallback.
Guidance you
can check.
- Follow the source
- See the official sources behind a guide and what they can and cannot confirm.
- Check the date
- Look for fact-check dates and review status. When a review is due, check the current source before relying on time-sensitive details.
