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GUIDE 02 · FIRST 30 MINUTES

From arrivals to your hotel, one check at a time.

Follow the sequence at your own pace. Immigration, baggage and travel time vary; the first 30 minutes are a starting point, not a deadline.

Guide facts checked Aug 26, 20267 stepsView source dates ↗

Review due 2026-10-27

On this page 7 steps
My checklist Your progress
01

After landing

Finish arrival formalities before the transfer

This is an order of tasks, not a promise that immigration, baggage and transfer take 30 minutes.

  1. Follow the airport's immigration, baggage and customs signs and the officers' instructions for your arrival.
  2. Keep your travel documents accessible and check the flight details on baggage displays. If a bag is missing, ask the airline's baggage desk before leaving that area.
  3. Once in the public arrivals area, confirm your terminal and use the next steps to prepare the transfer.
Ready when
The arrival formalities are complete and you know which public arrivals area you are in.
If this does not work
Ask airport staff or the relevant officer when uncertain; do not leave a required process unfinished to follow this timeline.
Last checked Oct 25, 2026
Visit China ↗The State Council of the People's Republic of China
National Immigration Administration ↗National Immigration Administration of China
02

After landing

Connect and check that data actually works

Test a new page before assuming your data plan is active.

  1. Follow the activation instructions saved before departure. Select the intended mobile data line and only enable roaming if your provider instructs you to.
  2. Load a new page or send a message and check that it completes. Open the hotel card and saved transfer details.
  3. If using airport Wi-Fi, confirm the network name and login instructions with signage or an information desk.
Ready when
A new page or message works, or your offline address and route are ready and you have asked staff for the next step.
If this does not work
Use the saved hotel card and route. Ask airport staff for official connectivity assistance instead of repeatedly changing unfamiliar settings.
Last checked Aug 26, 2026
Set up eSIM on iPhone ↗Apple
03

After landing

Confirm how you will pay for the transfer

A linked card or a visible payment code does not prove the next payment will succeed.

  1. At a staffed counter or an ordinary purchase you actually need, ask which of your prepared methods is accepted.
  2. Check the amount and currency before confirming. Look for a successful payment result and the merchant's confirmation.
  3. Keep the separate fallback accessible and ask about payment before taking the chosen transfer.
Ready when
A payment has succeeded, or the transfer provider has confirmed an available fallback you can use.
If this does not work
If a charge is pending or unclear, ask the merchant and check with the app or issuer before retrying, so you do not accidentally pay twice.
Last checked Aug 26, 2026
A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2025 Edition) ↗The State Council of the People's Republic of ChinaFind “Mobile payment” under “Daily Life Services”.
Guide to Payment Services in China ↗The State Council of the People's Republic of China
04

After landing

Open and match the hotel card

Check the destination before choosing a pickup point or boarding.

  1. Open the hotel card you prepared on the website, or the screenshot or note saved before your trip.
  2. Compare the hotel name and full address with the booking. Show the Chinese address to staff or the driver.
  3. If a map pin points somewhere different, use the accommodation's phone number to confirm the correct branch and entrance.
Ready when
You and the person helping you are using the same confirmed destination.
If this does not work
Stay at a staffed location while you contact the accommodation; do not guess from a similar hotel name.
05

After landing

Find the signed pickup point

Use the pickup instructions for your actual terminal and chosen service.

  1. Taxi: follow the official Taxi signs and confirm the destination and payment at the rank or with the driver.
  2. Booked car: compare the terminal, pickup zone and vehicle details with the booking before boarding.
  3. Train or bus: confirm the destination, platform or stop and service status on official displays or with staff.
Ready when
Your pickup point, vehicle or platform matches the service you intended to use.
If this does not work
Return to the airport information desk if the pickup does not match, a service is closed or the payment method is unavailable.
Last checked Oct 25, 2026
A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2025 Edition) ↗The State Council of the People's Republic of China
06

After landing

Keep the ride details until you arrive

Retain enough information to check the journey or contact the provider.

  1. Keep the booking, ticket or receipt and the accommodation address accessible.
  2. Before setting off, confirm the destination once more. Share the journey details with a trusted contact if that is part of your plan.
  3. If the destination or service differs from what you agreed, ask the driver or operator to clarify; use Emergency help for an immediate safety issue.
Ready when
You can identify the service and show the destination during the journey.
If this does not work
If the phone becomes unavailable, use the written address or ask staff to call the accommodation from a staffed location.
Last checked Oct 25, 2026
A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2025 Edition) ↗The State Council of the People's Republic of China
07

After landing

Finish with a hotel check-in check

Your arrival plan ends when you have reached the correct accommodation and spoken to reception.

  1. At reception, show your booking and keep your travel document ready for the staff's check-in instructions.
  2. Confirm the booking dates and any payment request before paying. Ask the staff about any unresolved registration or document question.
  3. Keep the hotel's contact details available for the rest of the trip.
Ready when
Reception has confirmed your booking and told you how to complete check-in.
If this does not work
If the booking or document details do not match, contact the accommodation or booking provider. For immigration questions, use the official 12367 service.
Last checked Aug 26, 2026
A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2025 Edition) ↗The State Council of the People's Republic of China
National Immigration Administration ↗National Immigration Administration of China

SOURCE TRAIL

Check the original record.

01

Visit China

The State Council of the People's Republic of China · Accessed Oct 25, 2026

OFFICIAL SOURCE ↗
02

A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2025 Edition)

The State Council of the People's Republic of China · Accessed Oct 25, 2026

OFFICIAL SOURCE ↗
03

Guide to Payment Services in China

The State Council of the People's Republic of China · Accessed Aug 26, 2026

OFFICIAL SOURCE ↗
04

National Immigration Administration

National Immigration Administration of China · Accessed Oct 25, 2026

OFFICIAL SOURCE ↗

KNOWLEDGE FOR THIS JOURNEY

Open the decision behind the step.

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