Travel essentials for China

Travel Essentials for China

Preparing for Your Trip

Traveling to China requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to everything you'll need before and during your trip.

Essential Documents

Passport

Critical

Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay

Chinese Visa

Critical

Obtained before travel, appropriate for your visit type

Travel Insurance

Highly Recommended

Comprehensive coverage including medical expenses

Passport Photos

Recommended

Extra copies for various registrations

Technology & Communication

VPN Service

Highly Recommended

For accessing blocked websites and services

Power Adapter

Essential

China uses 220V, 50Hz with type A and C sockets

Mobile Phone

Essential

Unlocked for local SIM card use

Translation App

Recommended

Offline Chinese translation capability

Health & Wellness

Medications

Essential

Personal prescriptions with documentation

First Aid Kit

Recommended

Basic medical supplies for minor issues

Face Masks

Recommended

For pollution or crowded areas

Hand Sanitizer

Recommended

For maintaining hygiene while traveling

Money Matters

Cash (CNY)

Essential

Some amount of local currency for immediate needs

Credit Cards

Recommended

International cards (Visa/Mastercard) for larger purchases

Mobile Payment Setup

Highly Recommended

WeChat Pay or Alipay if possible

Money Belt

Optional

For securing valuables while traveling

Essential Apps

WeChat

Essential

Primary communication app in China

Maps App

Essential

Baidu Maps or similar with offline capability

DiDi

Recommended

Ride-hailing app (Chinese equivalent of Uber)

Metro Apps

Recommended

Local subway apps for major cities

Important Tips

  • 1

    Download and set up your VPN before arriving in China

  • 2

    Make copies of important documents and store them separately

  • 3

    Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid card issues

  • 4

    Learn basic Chinese phrases for emergencies

  • 5

    Save emergency contact numbers including local police (110) and ambulance (120)

  • 6

    Consider the season and pack appropriate clothing

Need More Information?

For more detailed information about traveling in China, check out our other guides:

Visa GuideDestinationsTravel Tools