Overview
Your first hour in China can be overwhelming. This guide walks you through the essential steps to ensure a smooth start to your trip.
Step 1: Arrival & Immigration
At the Airport
-
Follow signs for International Arrivals
-
Prepare documents:
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Visa or visa-free confirmation
- Customs declaration form (if required)
- Hotel address (write in Chinese)
- Return/onward ticket
-
Immigration Process:
- Queue for foreign passports
- Submit documents
- Provide fingerprint (usually right index)
- Get entry stamp
After Immigration
- Collect luggage if international arrival
- Clear customs (red/green channel)
- Exchange money (limited exchange counters)
- Get SIM card or activate eSIM
Step 2: Essential Connections
SIM Card or eSIM
If buying physical SIM:
- Look for carrier shops after customs
- Bring passport
- Get a tourist plan (data + some calls)
If using eSIM:
- Activate your pre-purchased eSIM
- Turn on data roaming
- Test connection
WiFi
Most airports have free WiFi:
- Connect and verify it works
- Download any offline maps/translations
Step 3: Transportation
To Your Hotel
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Didi | Cheapest, convenient | Needs Chinese payment |
| Taxi | No app needed | May not speak English |
| Metro | Fast, cheap | Crowded, confusing |
| Hotel Shuttle | Pre-arranged | Limited times |
Pro tip: Have your hotel address in Chinese characters to show drivers.
If Taking Metro
- Buy ticket at machine (use English)
- Keep ticket for exit
- Follow signs to correct line
- Board correct direction
Step 4: First Essential Tasks
1. Register Your SIM (If Required)
Some hotels help with this. It’s required by law.
2. Set Up Mobile Payment
Priority #1: Alipay Tour Pass
- Download app before arrival
- Complete verification
- Link international card
- Test with small purchase
3. Connect VPN
- Turn on your pre-installed VPN
- Test connection to Google/Gmail
- Verify it works before you need it
4. Download Essential Apps
- WeChat (if not already)
- Amap (Gaode Maps) - works better than Google Maps
- Pleco (Chinese dictionary)
- Didi (for taxis)
Step 5: Communication
If You Have Data
- Connect with hotel WiFi
- Message family you’re safe
- Share location with someone back home
If You Don’t Have Data
- Use hotel WiFi first
- Consider buying SIM at convenience store
- Use translation app offline mode
Essential Checklist
- Immigration cleared
- Currency exchanged
- SIM activated or eSIM connected
- WiFi working
- VPN connected
- Mobile payment set up
- Transportation arranged
- Hotel confirmed
- Emergency contact shared
Important Reminders
- Keep passport safe - It’s your most important document
- Don’t forget your landing slip - Some hotels need it
- Stay calm - First-hour confusion is normal
- Ask for help - Chinese people are generally helpful
- Have cash ready - Not everywhere accepts cards
Pro Tips
- Write your hotel name in Chinese - show to taxi drivers
- Screenshot important QR codes
- Keep phone charged
- Save hotel business card
- Learn basic greetings in Chinese