Digital Preparation (Do This Before You Fly)
1. VPN is non-negotiable: Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and many Western sites are blocked. Download and test your VPN before arriving — the App Store is accessible but unreliable for VPN downloads within China. Recommended: ExpressVPN or Astrill. Pay for annual plan, not monthly.
2. WeChat is your lifeline: Download WeChat, verify your account, and link an international card for WeChat Pay. Since 2024, foreign Visa/Mastercard can link directly to WeChat Pay — this changed everything. You'll use it for payments, translation, restaurant ordering, taxi booking, and communication.
3. Alipay also works for foreigners now: Link your international card via the "Tour Pass" feature. Between WeChat Pay and Alipay, cash is barely needed (keep ¥500 as emergency backup).
4. Download offline: Baidu Maps (better than Google Maps for China), Pleco dictionary app (essential Chinese dictionary with camera translation), and your airline's app for flight updates.
Visa & Entry
5. Visa changes frequently: As of 2025, China offers 15-day visa-free entry for many passport holders (check the latest list). For longer stays, apply at your Chinese consulate 1-2 months ahead. Photo requirements are strict — blue background, specific dimensions.
6. 144-hour transit visa-free: If transiting through major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu), you can stay 6 days without a visa if you have an onward ticket to a third country (not returning to your origin).
7. Registration within 24 hours: Hotels register you automatically. If staying with friends/Airbnb, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival (the host usually handles this).
Getting Around
8. High-speed rail is incredible: China's HSR network is the world's largest and fastest. Beijing-Shanghai in 4.5 hours (vs 2-hour flight + airport time). Book on Trip.com (international-friendly) or 12306.cn (requires Chinese phone verification). First class is worth the small upgrade — ¥100-200 more for significantly better seats.
9. Metro systems are world-class: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu all have modern, clean, and cheap metro systems. Use Alipay/WeChat QR codes to ride — no need to buy physical tickets.
10. DiDi for taxis: China's Uber equivalent. Works well, accepts international cards, shows destination in Chinese to driver (solving the language problem). Always use DiDi over street taxis — fixed pricing and accountability.
Language & Culture
11. Language barrier is real but manageable: Outside luxury hotels, English is limited. But: WeChat and Alipay have built-in translation. Restaurant menus often have photos. Pleco's camera feature translates signs in real-time. Learn numbers 1-10 in Mandarin and "zhè ge" (this one) — pointing + "zhè ge" handles most food ordering.
12. Cultural tips: No tipping anywhere (it's confusing to staff). Remove shoes if visiting someone's home. Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral association). Accept business cards with both hands. Drinking hot water (白开水) is normal and healthy by Chinese standards — cold drinks are less common.
