FIRST TRIP PREPARATION
Before You Go
A practical starting point for the small systems that make your first days in China easier.
24 guides
PaymentsHow to Pay in China in 2026: Alipay & WeChat Pay
For most foreign visitors, the safest setup is Alipay as your first mobile wallet, WeChat Pay as a second option, at least one physical international card, and a small amount of RMB cash.Last updated
PaymentsSet Up Alipay for China in 2026: Foreigner Guide
Use the official Alipay app, register with a reachable foreign number, verify your passport, and link a supported overseas card.Reviewed
PaymentsHow to Pay With Alipay in China (2026 Guide)
Use both merchant checkout methods, avoid personal-transfer flows, and troubleshoot failed or pending Alipay purchases.Reviewed
PaymentsWeChat Pay for Foreigners in China (2026 Guide)
Set up WeChat Pay with a foreign passport, fix verification or card-linking failures, and understand payment limits.Reviewed
PaymentsVisa & Mastercard in China for Travelers (2026)
Where international cards are commonly accepted, and why mobile payment remains useful.Last updated
PaymentsUsing Cash in China: Do You Still Need It?
Why a small cash backup can still help, without making cash your main plan.Reviewed
PaymentsMobile Payments in China: What Your Phone Can Pay For
See the everyday places where your phone can become your wallet.Last updated
PaymentsYour First 24 Hours in China: Payment Checklist
A simple checklist for the payment moments you may meet after landing.Reviewed- Payments
Personal Cross‑Border Transfers to & From China (2026) — WeChat Pay / Alipay / Bank.
How foreigners send money into China, and how Chinese residents send money abroad – with the latest rules, fees, and reliable channels.Last updated 
Internet & AppsCan You Use Google Maps in China? What Travelers Need to Know
A practical guide to maps and saving Chinese addresses before your first route.Reviewed
Internet & AppsWhatsApp in China (2026): Access & Travel Backups
A provider-neutral plan for WhatsApp, WeChat and backup contacts in mainland China.Reviewed
Internet & AppsGmail in China: What to Prepare Before You Travel
Prepare offline files, Google account recovery and another contact route before mainland China.Last updated
Internet & AppsChina eSIM Guide 2026: Roaming, Travel eSIM or SIM
Compare roaming, travel eSIM and local SIM, then prepare an offline first-hour fallback.Reviewed
Getting AroundHigh-Speed Trains in China (2026 Guide)
Set up 12306, choose an accountable booking channel, board with a passport, and handle changes, refunds and child tickets.Reviewed
Getting AroundChina Subway Guide 2026: QR Codes, Tickets & Backups
Activate the correct city product, give every rider a credential, compare local examples and keep a single-ticket fallback.Reviewed
Getting AroundHow to Use DiDi in China in 2026: A Guide for Foreign Travelers
Choose the right DiDi app or wallet entry, prepare payment and find your pickup point in China.Last updated
Getting AroundHow to choose intercity transport in China
Compare seven modes from door to door, match the traveler, price every connection and protect the itinerary from delays.Reviewed- Getting Around
China Arrival Guide 2026: Airport to Hotel
A step-by-step plan from immigration and mobile data to airport transport and hotel check-in.Reviewed 
Food & DiningYour First Meal in China: What Should You Try?
Build an approachable first meal around one local specialty and a few familiar choices.Reviewed
Food & DiningHow Spicy Is Chinese Food?
Compare regional heat, understand málà, and save three useful ordering phrases.Reviewed
Food & DiningHow to Order Food in China Without Speaking Chinese
Order in a restaurant or arrange hotel delivery with translated menus, clear address details, and practical fallbacks.Reviewed
Food & DiningChinese Dining Etiquette: 8 Things Travelers Should Know
Eight calm, practical cues for sharing dishes and joining a Chinese table.Reviewed
Food & DiningVegetarian, Vegan & Food Allergies in China
Plan for hidden ingredients, communicate clearly, and keep your personal allergy plan in control.Reviewed- China Travel SOS
China Travel SOS 2026: Payment, Maps & 12306 Fixes
Ten clear recovery plans for payment, delivery, maps, Didi, trains, phone and language problems in China.Reviewed
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FIRST TRIP PREPARATION
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