Use this checklist before departure, not at the airport counter.
China travel friction usually comes from small preparation gaps: payment apps not working, no mobile data, unclear visa route, or missing hotel information.
Passport validity: check that your passport is valid for the full trip and ideally has at least six months of remaining validity.
Some airlines and visa centers may apply stricter checks than the minimum legal rule.
Visa or visa-free confirmation: decide whether you will enter with a visa, unilateral visa-free policy, mutual visa-free policy, or 240-hour transit.
Save screenshots or PDFs of the official source, embassy page, or visa center instruction.
Flight tickets: keep the inbound ticket and outbound or onward ticket accessible offline.
For 240-hour transit, the onward ticket is especially important because the route must normally continue to a third country or region.
Hotel booking: prepare the hotel name, address in English and Chinese if possible, phone number, and booking confirmation.
Hotels in China usually register foreign guests through the accommodation registration system.
Travel insurance: carry a policy number and emergency contact.
Insurance is not always checked at the border, but it is practical for medical, flight delay, and baggage issues.
Mobile data: prepare an eSIM, roaming plan, Hong Kong eSIM with Mainland coverage, or local SIM plan.
Test installation before departure if the provider allows it.
Keep the QR code offline.
Payments: install Alipay and WeChat before departure.
Try to bind a Visa or Mastercard, complete identity steps where required, and keep a physical card plus some cash as backup.
Common apps: install translation, maps, ride-hailing, train booking, hotel, airline, and payment apps before arrival.
Some app stores or verification messages may be harder to access after landing.
Customs declaration: check whether you need to declare cash, valuables, food, medicine, or restricted items.
Do not carry controlled medication without prescription and supporting documents.
Medicine: keep medicine in original packaging, carry a prescription, and avoid bringing large quantities.
For controlled substances, check official customs and embassy guidance before travel.
Plug adapter: Mainland China commonly uses Type A, C, and I sockets with 220V power.
Bring a suitable adapter and check whether your device supports 220V.
Offline backups: save passport scan, visa, tickets, hotel booking, insurance, emergency contacts, and embassy address in cloud storage and offline on your phone.