✈️Before You Go

Install These Apps BEFORE You Land

China's App Store shows different content once you're on a Chinese network. Download everything before you board.

Must-have apps (download now):

VPN — ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Buy a subscription and install before landing. This is your #1 priority.
WeChat — For messaging, payments, and scanning QR codes everywhere
Alipay (International version) — For payments. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard in the app before arrival
DiDi — China's ride-hailing app. English interface available. Set your pickup/dropoff in English
Google Translate — Download the Chinese language pack for offline use
Maps.me — Download China offline maps (Google Maps has limited functionality in China)
Trip.com — For booking trains and hotels in English

Set up your VPN and test it at home. Many VPNs adjust their servers to work in China — check their website for "China-optimized servers."

SIM Card

Option A(Easiest): Buy a tourist SIM at the airport (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou all have kiosks in arrivals). China Mobile and China Unicom offer tourist plans with data.

Option BGet an international roaming plan from your home carrier before you leave.

Option CBring an unlocked phone and buy a local SIM — requires a passport.

Even with a local SIM, you need a VPN to access Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and most Western apps.

What to Bring

• Passport (required for hotel check-in, train tickets, many tourist sites)
• A second payment card as backup
• Small amount of cash RMB (100–300 RMB for the first day)
• Power bank — you'll use your phone for everything

Know Before You Go

• China uses 220V power (Type A and I sockets — bring an adapter)
• Tap water is not drinkable. Bottled water is cheap and everywhere.
• Tipping is not customary and may cause confusion
• Most signs in major cities have English, smaller cities less so