What should I know before visiting China for the first time?
Published: April 29, 2026
Short Answer
Before visiting China, you need to sort out your visa, set up mobile payments (Alipay or WeChat Pay), get a VPN or eSIM with roaming, and download key apps like Didi, Gaode Maps, and a translation app. China is incredibly convenient once you're set up, but arriving unprepared can be frustrating.
Great Wall of China stretching across green mountains
Deep Dive
Visa Basics
Most visitors need a visa before arriving in China. Citizens of Singapore, Brunei, and Japan can enter visa-free for up to 15 days. China has also introduced transit visa exemptions (144-hour and 72-hour) for citizens of many countries if you're stopping over. Check the latest policy on your country's Chinese embassy website -- rules change frequently.
Set Up Mobile Payments Before You Go
China runs on mobile payments. Street vendors, taxis, and even some public restrooms use QR codes. Download Alipay or WeChat Pay and link your foreign credit card before departure. Alipay's Tour Pass feature is the easiest for short-term visitors. You can read our detailed guides on Alipay for foreigners and WeChat Pay for foreigners.
Get a VPN or eSIM
Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and most Western apps are blocked in China. If you need access, set up a VPN before you arrive -- you can't download one once you're there. Alternatively, get an eSIM with roaming from providers like Airalo or Holafly, which routes traffic outside China and bypasses restrictions without a VPN.
Essential Apps to Download
- Alipay or WeChat Pay -- for payments everywhere
- Didi -- China's Uber (works within Alipay)
- Gaode Maps (Amap) -- accurate navigation; Google Maps is unreliable in China
- Baidu Translate -- offline translation, camera translate for menus
- Pleco -- the best Chinese-English dictionary app
- Trip.com -- book hotels, trains, and flights in English
Packing Tips
- Bring tissues -- many public restrooms don't provide toilet paper
- Pack a power adapter (China uses Type A, C, and I plugs)
- Carry a portable battery pack -- you'll drain your phone fast with payments and maps
- Bring some cash as backup, though most places take mobile payment
Cultural Tips
Don't tip in China -- it's not customary and can even cause confusion. Bargaining is expected at markets but not in malls or restaurants. Learn to say "xiexie" (thank you) and "duoshao qian" (how much). People are generally very friendly and willing to help, even with a language barrier.