1. Entry Rules & the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
China offers two primary visa-free pathways for many passport holders, plus the standard L (Tourist) visa:
- 240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit: Citizens of 55 eligible countries (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and EU states) may stay up to 240 hours without a visa if transiting from Country A → Mainland China → Country/Region C. Crucially, Hong Kong and Macau qualify as a third region (for example: London → Beijing → Chengdu → Hong Kong is valid; London → Beijing → London round-trip does NOT qualify for transit). Cross-province travel is permitted across designated regions.
- Unilateral 30-Day Visa-Free Policy: Passports from numerous European, Asian, and Oceania countries (e.g., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc.) enjoy direct 30-day visa-free entry. Always verify current eligibility with your local Chinese Embassy or Visa Application Center 4 weeks prior to flight booking.
- L Tourist Visa: Required if your passport is not on the unilateral list and your itinerary is a round-trip returning to the same origin country without an onward third region.
2. Setting Up Alipay & WeChat Pay Before You Fly
China is virtually 100% cashless. Setting up payment apps at home while you still have easy SMS/email access prevents arrival stress:
- Download both Alipay and WeChat on your phone before departure.
- Register with your home mobile number (you must be able to receive an SMS OTP).
- Inside Alipay → Account → Bank Cards, link an international Visa or Mastercard. Complete identity/passport verification to raise transaction limits.
- Single purchases up to ¥200 RMB carry 0% international card fee; purchases over ¥200 incur a 3% surcharge.
- In Alipay's top-left Transport tab, activate local Metro/Bus QR codes for Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, or Guangzhou so you never need paper subway tokens.
3. Internet, eSIMs & Essential Apps
Staying Connected
Local Chinese Wi-Fi networks and domestic SIM cards block Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube. For trips under 2–3 weeks, buy an international travel eSIM (roaming data) before landing — roaming traffic routes back through Hong Kong or Singapore, meaning all overseas apps work normally without configuring a separate VPN.
Navigation & Taxis
Google Maps data is severely outdated in Mainland China. Use Apple Maps (English interface on iOS, powered by Amap data), Amap (Gaode), or Maps.me. For ride-hailing, open the DiDi mini-program directly inside Alipay — it automatically translates destinations and charges your linked foreign card.
4. Booking Attractions with Your Passport
Top sites — including the Forbidden City (Beijing), Terracotta Warriors (Xi'an), Sanxingdui & Panda Base (Chengdu), and major museums — require timed-entry advance booking using your passport number (5–7 days ahead in peak season). Carry your physical passport every day; it acts as your admission ticket at security gates.