Chapter 1
Before You Go
What to sort out while you're still at home. A little prep here saves massive headaches later.
Back to Essentials
Chapter 1
What to sort out while you're still at home. A little prep here saves massive headaches later.
Back to EssentialsDo you need a visa? The answer changes frequently — here's the 2026 picture.
China now offers visa-free entry (15 or 30 days) to many countries. As of 2026 this covers most of Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand. Policies update frequently — verify before booking.
Install these before you leave — but don't register until you have a Chinese phone number.
Download all of these before departing — China's app stores are different and VPN websites are blocked once you arrive:
You can't download a VPN once you're in China. Plan ahead.
Install your VPN before you leave home. VPN websites and app stores are blocked in China — you can't download or sign up once you're there.
Good paid options in 2026: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Astrill (most reliable during crackdowns). Budget roughly $30–$100/year. Free VPNs are too slow and unreliable.
Surprisingly hard to find or expensive in China — bring your own.
Some everyday items are surprisingly hard to find in China:
Link your card before you fly — it's much easier on a foreign connection.
Yes — link your international Visa/Mastercard to Alipay and WeChat Pay before you fly. Both platforms now support foreign cards with no Chinese bank account needed.
WeChat Pay: No foreign card fee. Works at partner merchants (DiDi, JD, trains). Cannot send person-to-person money.
Alipay: Under ¥200: no fee. Over ¥200: 3% fee. More reliable card acceptance.
Words you'll need before and upon arrival. Tap 🔊 to hear pronunciation.
Learn how to communicate and translate once you're in China.
Continue to Chapter 2 →