What should first-time visitors prepare before going to China?
Prepare local apps, payment methods, Chinese hotel addresses, emergency numbers, offline phrases, passport details, and transport bookings.
ChinaEase Buddy
China Travel Checklist for First-Time Visitors
Quick answer
Prepare for China with this first-time visitor checklist: apps, payment setup, Chinese hotel address, emergency numbers, offline phrases, passport, and train reminders.
Last reviewed: June 12, 2026
Practical tips
- Prepare core China travel tools before arrival when possible.
- Keep backup options for payments, transport, and communication.
- Use bilingual phrases when you need to show clear Chinese text to local staff.
FAQ
Should I save my hotel address in Chinese?
Yes. A Chinese hotel address is helpful for taxis, ride-hailing pickups, hotel returns, and asking locals for directions.
Do I need offline phrases in China?
Offline phrases are useful when mobile data is weak, apps are unavailable, or you need to show a clear Chinese sentence quickly.
Official or primary sources to verify
- Official app instructions from Alipay, WeChat, Didi, Amap, and Trip.com.
- Your airline, hotel, card issuer, embassy, consulate, or relevant official authority for time-sensitive requirements.
ChinaEase Buddy is a digital travel toolkit. It is not an official travel authority, visa service, immigration service, medical service, legal service, financial service, hotel booking service, or flight booking service. Always confirm important travel, payment, health, and entry information with official sources or service providers.