Plan your China trip · 25 September 2026
Things to Know Before Visiting China: A First-Timer Pre-Trip Checklist
We organised what to know before visiting China as a pre-trip checklist of small frictions, because each one is easy to fix at home and annoying to discover after you land.
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Connectivity: the Great Firewall
Google, Gmail, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and X are blocked in China without a VPN, so set that up before you arrive.
An eSIM or local SIM gives you data, but it does not unblock those apps on its own.
Download an offline maps area and any shows you want before the flight.
Payments: go mobile-first
Alipay and WeChat Pay are the default in shops, metros and even street vendors, so install one and try linking a card early.
Carry some cash as a fallback, because foreign-card linking can fail and small vendors may be cash-only.
Tell your bank you are travelling, so your home card is not frozen mid-trip.
Getting around
Google Maps is unreliable in China, so use Amap or Baidu Maps for directions and Didi for rides.
High-speed trains book through 12306, and booking a seat ahead beats queueing at the station.
Save your hotel address in Chinese characters, because most taxi drivers will not read the English name.
Etiquette and customs
Tipping is not expected in China, so skip it in restaurants and taxis.
Haggling is normal in markets, so a relaxed counter-offer is part of the game, not rudeness.
Ask before photographing people, especially in rural or temple settings.
A small gift when visiting someone's home goes further than elaborate formality.
Health, safety and documents
Tap water is not for drinking, so buy bottled or boiled water.
Check your visa or visa-free entry before booking, because rules changed often in 2024 to 2026.
Keep travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, and save the policy number offline.
Note the local emergency number and your embassy contacts before you need them.
Sources checked on 25 September 2026
- A first-timer's guide to China (Explore Worldwide)
- China Travel Tips (Intrepid)
- China Travel Tips (China Discovery)
- Travel advice for China (Government of Canada)
- Foreign travel advice: China (UK FCDO)
- China Travel Guide (World Travel Guide)
The worksheet and decision rules are our editorial planning tools.