First time in China: everything you need to know

Check whether you qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit: you need a passport valid at least 3 months, a confirmed onward ticket to a third country, and one of 55 eligible nationalities (US, UK, Canada, Australia, most of Europe, and more).

One catch: the transit scheme only works if you enter and leave through one of the ~65 designated ports and stay within the 24 eligible provinces and regions — it isn't a free pass to travel anywhere in China. The 10-day clock starts at 00:00 the day after you enter (not the moment you land), and Hong Kong's West Kowloon high-speed-rail station now counts as an eligible port. Check that your arrival point and route qualify before you rely on it.

Not eligible, or staying longer / making a round trip to the same country? Apply for a tourist (L) visa at your nearest Chinese visa center — it's straightforward. Rules change often, so confirm the latest for your nationality before you book.

Want the official details? China's National Immigration Administration publishes the current country list, eligible ports and rules at en.nia.gov.cn — or confirm the specifics for your nationality with your nearest Chinese embassy or visa centre.

Install your travel eSIM and test it before you reach the airport. Check your phone is eSIM-ready →

Turn on Wi-Fi Calling so you can call and text home over any internet connection, and keep your home SIM active alongside the eSIM (dual-SIM) so you still receive bank verification codes.

Download all your apps now (see the list below) — once you're in China, app stores and Google are hard to reach.

Light — a few days of maps & messaging: around 1GB covers 2–3 days of maps, WeChat/WhatsApp and light browsing.

Typical — one to two weeks: add social media, photos and the odd video and most travelers use about 1GB a day. A 5–10GB or unlimited plan is the comfortable pick.

Heavy — video, hotspot, video calls home: go unlimited so you're never rationing — streaming and tethering burn data fast.

Not sure? Unlimited is the no-stress choice for a first trip. See China plans →

At immigration, have your onward ticket and hotel address ready (both are needed for visa-free entry). You'll give fingerprints at a kiosk and fill in an arrival card.

To get downtown: the metro is cheap and signposted in English in big cities, or use DiDi (China's Uber — English input, pay in the app). Skip the unofficial taxi touts at the exit.

Maps: use Amap (it now has an English mode) or Baidu Maps — Google Maps is unreliable in China.

Language: Google Translate with the offline Chinese pack, plus camera mode for menus and signs. The gap is smaller than you fear — millions of first-timers get by on the app and camera every week.

Good to know: tipping isn't expected, tap water isn't for drinking (bottled and hot water are everywhere), and a few 'please / thank you' phrases go a long way.

Emergency numbers: 110 police, 120 ambulance, 119 fire — all free to call, though an English-speaking operator isn't guaranteed, so keep your translator app handy.

Power: 220V, and sockets take plug types A (US flat pins) and I (Australian angled pins) — a universal travel adapter covers you.

Link a foreign Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay before you fly — no Chinese bank account needed. You verify once with a passport photo (about 10 minutes), then pay by QR almost everywhere.

Small payments (under about ¥200, ~US$28) are fee-free; above that a roughly 3% foreign-card fee usually applies, so a few larger top-ups beat many tiny ones.

Still carry a little cash (RMB) for street vendors and small shops, and glance at the ¥50 and ¥100 notes in your change — counterfeits do turn up. High-end hotels also take Visa/Mastercard directly.

China's high-speed rail (Gaotie) is fast, cheap and the easiest way between cities — and your passport is your ticket. There's no paper ticket or QR code: scan your passport at the station gate to enter and board.

Book on Trip.com (English, takes foreign cards) or the official 12306 app; seats open about 15 days ahead. The booking name must match your passport exactly — a missing middle name can get you turned away at the gate.

Arrive 30–60 minutes early for airport-style security, and use the staffed lane if the automated reader doesn't recognise your passport (it only takes a moment).

Your eSIM's mobile data bypasses the Great Firewall — Google, WhatsApp and Instagram all work normally. One catch: hotel and public Wi-Fi still run through the firewall, so when you need a blocked app, turn Wi-Fi off and use your eSIM data.

Shopping around? See how our China eSIM stacks up — unlimited data, no VPN, and real bilingual support. A popular Holafly alternative for travelers to China.

New to eSIMs? Setup takes about a minute — here's how:

Keep your passport and any arrival / registration slip handy for departure.

Ask about a tax refund on big purchases at the airport before you check in.

Turn off the eSIM data line (or switch back to your home SIM) after you land home, so you don't roam by accident. Come back soon — next time, try Chengdu or Xi'an!