The essential 3-step setup every traveler must complete before or immediately after landing. Skip any of these and you'll struggle.
⏱ Before You Fly (at home)
✅ Set up Alipay with passport verification
✅ Install and test 2 VPN apps
✅ Download translation app + offline Chinese pack
✅ Buy and install a travel eSIM (Holafly / Nomad)
✅ Download Didi, Trip.com, WeChat
✅ Print allergy/dietary cards in Chinese (if needed)
✅ Notify your bank of China travel
✅ Exchange ¥500-1,000 in small bills
🛬 On the Plane / At the Airport
✅ Activate your eSIM before landing
✅ Test VPN connection on airport WiFi
✅ Open Alipay and confirm it works
✅ Download offline maps for your first city
✅ Take a photo of your passport and visa page (backup)
✅ Save your hotel address in Chinese to your phone
📍 First 3 Hours in China
✅ Withdraw ¥1,000 from an airport ATM (Bank of China / ICBC)
✅ Buy a Chinese SIM at the airport carrier store (if staying 2+ weeks)
✅ Test Alipay by buying bottled water at a convenience store
✅ Open Didi and set your hotel as a saved location
✅ Take the Airport Express or Didi to your hotel
✅ At check-in: hand over passport, hotel handles police registration
✅ Connect to hotel WiFi and verify VPN is working
✅ Open Apple Maps / Amap and pin your hotel location
✅ Find the nearest convenience store and metro station on your map
📋 Print This Checklist
Your phone will die at some point. Print this or screenshot it for offline access.