Chapter 1
Before you go
Most of the hard work happens at home, on good Wi-Fi. Do these before you fly and your first day in China gets a lot easier.
- 1 Visa-free & transit rules: where to checkEntry rules change often. Here's where to find the current, official answer for your passport. Checked 25 Oct 2026
- 2 Apps to download before you landSix apps cover paying, messaging, maps, taxis, trains and bookings. Install and sign up while you're still at home. Checked 25 Oct 2026
- 3 SIM card or eSIM: how to chooseThree ways to have data in China — a travel eSIM, a Chinese SIM card, or roaming on your home plan. Checked 25 Oct 2026
- 4 Some of your usual apps may not work: prepare aheadA few apps you use at home may not work in China. Save what you need offline before you go. Checked 25 Oct 2026
- 5 Pre-departure checklistTick these off at home. Your ticks are saved on this phone. Checked 25 Oct 2026