China Travel Prep

Quick answers

Find a direct answer to one urgent question.

Start with the answer. Run a trip check only when your setup changes the result.

Payments

How to Pay in China as a Foreigner: Choose Primary, Backup & Emergency RoutesForeign-visitor payment routes · reviewed 2026-08-09 Do foreign Visa and Mastercard cards work in China?Foreign Visa/Mastercard in China · reviewed 2026-08-09 What's a good payment backup plan for China?China payment backup plan · reviewed 2026-08-09 How do I test my China payment setup before flying?Test your payment setup before flying · reviewed 2026-08-09 Can I withdraw cash from ATMs in China with a foreign card?ATM cash with a foreign card · reviewed 2026-08-09 China Cash Declaration Limits & Where to Exchange RMBCash declaration & exchange · reviewed 2026-08-09 Does a foreign-issued UnionPay card work in China?Foreign UnionPay card in China · reviewed 2026-08-09 Does Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal work in China?Venmo, Zelle & PayPal in China · reviewed 2026-08-09 Does Apple Pay work in China?Does Apple Pay work in China? · reviewed 2026-08-09 Can I use Alipay with a foreign card?Alipay with a foreign card · reviewed 2026-08-09 Can I use WeChat Pay with a foreign card?WeChat Pay with a foreign card · reviewed 2026-08-09 Alipay vs. WeChat Pay: which should foreigners use in China?Alipay vs. WeChat Pay · reviewed 2026-08-09 Can I pay Weixin Pay merchants in China with PayPal?PayPal at Weixin Pay merchants · reviewed 2026-08-09 How Much Cash Should I Bring to China? Plan a Practical RMB BackupPlan an RMB backup · reviewed 2026-08-09 Alipay Not Working in China? Diagnose Foreign Card & QR Payment ProblemsDiagnose an Alipay failure · reviewed 2026-08-09 Why is Alipay asking me for a mainland China bank card?Alipay asks for a mainland card · reviewed 2026-08-05 My payment app works, but some QR codes won't accept it — why?Some QR codes won't accept payment · reviewed 2026-08-09

Connectivity

Is WhatsApp blocked in China?Is WhatsApp blocked in China? · reviewed 2026-08-09 Do I need a VPN if I have an international eSIM in China?VPN vs. eSIM in China · reviewed 2026-08-09 China eSIM vs. VPN: what is the difference?China eSIM vs. VPN · reviewed 2026-08-09 Does Google Maps work in China?Google Maps in China · reviewed 2026-08-09 Which eSIM should I use for China?Choosing an eSIM for China · reviewed 2026-08-09 Do I need a Chinese phone number for Alipay, WeChat, or DiDi?Do you need a Chinese number? · reviewed 2026-08-05 Can a China travel eSIM receive my OTP codes?eSIM and OTP codes · reviewed 2026-08-09 Will my exact iPhone work with a travel eSIM for China?iPhone eSIM compatibility · reviewed 2026-08-05 Should I use home-carrier roaming or a travel eSIM in China?Roaming vs. eSIM · reviewed 2026-08-05 Should I get a China local SIM or a travel eSIM?Local SIM vs. travel eSIM · reviewed 2026-08-05

Getting around

PVG Airport to the Bund: Compare Metro, Maglev, Taxi & Late-Night OptionsCompare PVG to the Bund · reviewed 2026-08-09 Is there an English version of AMap for China travel?AMap English version guide · reviewed 2026-08-09 Can foreigners use DiDi in China?DiDi for foreigners · reviewed 2026-08-09 Do I Need My Hotel Address in Chinese? Taxi & Check-In CardChinese hotel Driver Card · reviewed 2026-08-09 How do I get from PVG to my hotel late at night?Late-night PVG transport · reviewed 2026-08-09 What should I do in the first hour after landing in China?First hour after landing · reviewed 2026-08-09 How can I reach my China hotel if I land without internet?Arrival without internet · reviewed 2026-08-05 Should I take an official airport taxi or use DiDi in China?Airport taxi vs. DiDi · reviewed 2026-08-05 How should I prepare my China hotel for a late-night arrival?Late-night hotel arrival · reviewed 2026-08-09 What should my first 24 hours in Shanghai look like?First 24 hours in Shanghai · reviewed 2026-08-09 Is China accessible for wheelchair users and travellers with limited mobility?Limited mobility & accessibility · reviewed 2026-08-09

Everyday

Is tap water safe to drink in Shanghai?Is tap water safe in Shanghai? · reviewed 2026-08-09 What apps do I need before flying to China?Apps you need before China · reviewed 2026-08-09 What are the best apps for China travel?Best apps for China travel · reviewed 2026-08-09 Could my route use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy?China 240-hour transit route check · reviewed 2026-08-09 Which countries can enter China visa-free?China visa-free country list · reviewed 2026-08-13 How should a foreign visitor book China train tickets?Booking China train tickets as a foreign visitor · reviewed 2026-08-09 Trip.com vs. 12306: which should I use for China train tickets?Trip.com vs. 12306 for China trains · reviewed 2026-08-09 Do I need to carry my passport every day in China?Carrying your passport daily · reviewed 2026-08-09 Is China safe for first-time visitors?Is China safe for first-timers? · reviewed 2026-08-09 How do I handle the first 24 hours in China with kids?China with kids: first 24 hours · reviewed 2026-08-09 How do I handle a food allergy in China?Food allergies in China · reviewed 2026-08-09 How do I travel in China with elderly parents?China with elderly parents · reviewed 2026-08-09 How do I find halal or vegetarian food in China?Halal & vegetarian food basics · reviewed 2026-08-09 What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about privacy and local norms in China?LGBTQ+ travel: privacy & norms · reviewed 2026-08-09 How do I travel in China if I'm not confident with apps?Travelling without app confidence · reviewed 2026-08-09

Time-sensitive answers show sources and the date they were last checked.

Does the answer depend on your setup?

Check your actual entry, phone, payment, and arrival details in one place.

City arrival resources

Need the first-hour details for a specific city?

Browse practical airport, station, hotel-area, and first-arrival notes for 20 cities.

Browse city arrival guides