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Pre-Departure Checklist
Everything you need to do before flying to China. Critical items are marked.
✈️🏨 Before you fly — avoid arrival-day booking problems
Book China essentials before landing
Hotels that accept foreign passports, China train tickets with passport names, airport transfers, and a backup eSIM are the bookings most visitors should finish before they land.
Fix Alipay or WeChat Pay before landing, then save your First-day airport, train and hotel route offline.
💳 NEW (June 21, 2026)
Install TenPayGo before you fly
Tencent's new standalone iPhone app lets you pay at any Weixin Pay merchant in China with just a Visa or MC. No Chinese number, no mainland bank. 4-minute setup on home Wi-Fi. See the TenPayGo guide.
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Before you fly
Do these three setup tasks before departure so you can pay, navigate, and book immediately after landing.
📋2 Weeks Before
0/8🗓️1 Week Before
0/11✈️Day of Departure
0/9Do NOT skip these essential items
Check if you need a visa
Apply for visa if needed (4-5 business days)
Subscribe to a VPN service
Install VPN on ALL devices (phone, laptop, tablet)
Test VPN — connect and verify Google/YouTube works
Notify your bank you're traveling to China
Ensure you have Visa or Mastercard (not just Amex)
Download Alipay and link your foreign card
Download WeChat and set up
Set up and verify a mobile wallet
Download offline maps for your destination cities
Download offline Chinese translation pack
Confirm hotel booking (ensure they accept foreigners)
Passport valid for 6+ months
Print visa / entry permit copy
Save hotel address in Chinese characters
Save emergency contacts (embassy, hotel, local)
Verify VPN is working on all devices