Supporting guide
How to test Alipay or WeChat Pay before visiting China
Prove that your Alipay or WeChat Pay setup, card and verification route work together before departure.
Checker support library
Resolve the gaps your check finds.
Start with a readiness checker. Use these focused explanations only when your report identifies a related payment, app, booking, passport, train or hotel task.
Recommended first step
Run the complete China readiness check.
Get an ordered report before deciding which support article you need.
Payments
Supporting guide
What to do if a foreign card fails in China
Recover from a declined card without losing your only practical way to pay through Alipay, WeChat Pay or cash.
Supporting guide
Why a travel eSIM may not receive bank verification messages
Protect the approval route your card issuer may need during an Alipay or WeChat Pay transaction.
Supporting guide
Why one Alipay or WeChat Pay method is not enough
Build independent fallbacks for app, card, phone and verification failures.
Supporting guide
How much cash and ATM access to prepare for China
Use RMB cash as a backup while keeping Alipay, WeChat Pay and a second card ready.
Connectivity
Supporting guide
How to arrive in China with working internet
Set a primary and backup data plan so payment, maps and hotel contact work on landing.
Supporting guide
How to choose a SIM or eSIM for mainland China travel
Pick a data plan that works on landing and keep an airport backup if the first option fails.
Supporting guide
Do you need a VPN in China in 2026
Prepare for limited foreign app access on mainland networks without making a VPN your only arrival plan.
Travel dates
Supporting guide
How Chinese public holidays affect train tickets and hotel bookings
Spot high-demand dates and protect the bookings that hold your itinerary together.
Supporting guide
Whether to travel during China National Day
Decide whether fixed holiday dates fit your tolerance for demand and reduced flexibility.
Hotel arrival
Supporting guide
How to confirm late hotel check-in in China
Make sure a delayed arrival does not leave you without access to your room.
Supporting guide
Why to save a hotel name and address in Chinese
Give drivers and local support staff a clear, offline destination reference.
Supporting guide
How to use DiDi without a Chinese phone number
Set up ride-hailing before a late airport transfer and keep a taxi-desk backup if verification fails.
Transport
Supporting guide
How foreign visitors book China train tickets
Set up a foreign-passport passenger record, buy at the right time and arrive with an issued ticket and a fallback.
Planning
Supporting guide
Whether to start in Shanghai or Beijing
Choose the first city from arrival logistics and recovery margin, not from a generic ranking.
Supporting guide
China entry requirements checklist for foreign visitors
Confirm passport, visa or visa-free eligibility and offline documents before non-refundable bookings.