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Verified: 2026-07-15

The first-time China pre-flight checklist

A practical final pass for documents, money, connectivity, transport and offline backups.

Documents and entry

Confirm entry requirements for your passport and exact route with official authorities. Check passport validity, onward travel and accommodation details, then store secure digital copies separately from the originals.

Money, phone and arrival

Prepare two payment methods and cash, enable roaming or install the planned eSIM, save airport-to-hotel directions, and record the hotel address in Chinese.

Offline emergency layer

Save insurance and consular contacts. In China the standard emergency numbers are police 110, fire 119 and ambulance 120; availability of foreign-language assistance can vary.

China Ready Starter Pack

The full mobile-friendly field kit for payments, connectivity, transport and your first two hours after landing.