What I Prepare Before Going to China

Planning a trip to China? Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, being prepared can make all the difference. After traveling around China multiple times, I’ve nailed down a solid pre-departure routine to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Here’s exactly what I prepare before heading to China – from essential documents and digital tools to in-flight comfort and entertainment.

Travel Documents

Before anything else, I make sure all my travel documents are in order. China isn’t the kind of place where you can wing it on paperwork, so this is always my first priority.

• Passport & Visa
  Double-check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Apply for your China visa in advance and confirm the entry dates and number of entries. With China’s new visa rules you may not need one, so always check to make sure.

  Look at this blog post to find some more information about China’s visa policies.

• Travel Insurance
  I never travel without insurance. Make sure your policy covers health emergencies, travel delays, theft, and any adventure activities like hiking or kayaking. Unlike the UK (where healthcare is free) if you have an accident in China you need to pay upfront for treatment. Having insurance means if anything happens you will get the money back and you will feel safer travelling around.
  

  When I’m travelling from a country which is not my country of residence I use Safety Wings Nomad insurance.

• Bookings
  I save all hotel, flight, and train bookings as screenshots on my phone. This is a lifesaver if I’m somewhere without Wi-Fi or if an app won’t load.

  
  My go-to for all of my bookings is Trip.com this app saves them all in date order so I don’t need to go through all my emails to find them.

• Bank Cards
  I always carry physical bank cards, even if I plan to use mobile payments in China. They’re essential for withdrawing cash at ATMs or for emergencies.

  I have a Monzo account (UK) which has 0% transaction fees when you use the card internationally. Use my referral link to get a free £10 when you set up your account!

Phone Setup

A working phone with the right apps is your best friend in China. Trust me – from navigating train stations to ordering food, having your phone sorted before you land makes everything easier.

• Essential Apps
  Before I go, I download all the must-have apps for China. This includes WeChat, Alipay, Dianping, MetroMan and AMap. I check they are all up-to-date and if I need to download anything new.

• VPN Subscription
  If you want to access Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, or any Western social media, you’ll need a VPN. I always buy a subscription before arriving, since most VPN websites are blocked in China.

  My favourite is LET’s VPN you can download it here. Enter my ID 134647702 to get 3 free days!

• eSim

  You will want data on your phone whilst in China so that you can pay with your phone, use maps, find restaurants etc… The easiest way to stay connected is to buy and eSim before you arrive. As soon as you land you will be able to use it straight away, so you will be able to navigate the airport with ease and feel safer knowing you have data wherever you are.

  Need an ESim? Check out Holafly and save 5% with the code NICOFILMS:

• Link Bank Cards
  I link my bank cards to WeChat Pay and Alipay in advance. This allows me to pay like a local without needing cash. Remember to link foreign cards with 0% transaction fees so you don’t have to pay extra.

• Google Translate
  I download Chinese for offline use. This helps with signs, menus, and even conversations when there’s a language barrier.

Electronics

From cameras to chargers, here’s how I prep my electronics for a smooth trip.

• Fully Charged
  I fully charge all my devices the night before flying – phone, tablet, earbuds, camera, and power bank.

• In Hand Luggage

  I pack all electronics in my carry-on. It’s easier to access at the airport and safer than putting them in checked baggage.

• Download Everything
  I make sure to download everything I might need – maps, travel documents, Netflix shows, Spotify playlists, etc. You never know when you’ll be without internet.

• Back up

  I back up my computer to clear some space and make sure I have a copy of everything important saved at home, (just incase). I also bring an empty hard drive for all the photos and videos we take.

Travel Essentials

Flying long-haul to China can be draining, so I pack a few key items to stay comfortable and entertained on the way.

• Travel Pillow, Eye Mask & Earplugs
  These three are my sleep essentials on the plane. Getting some rest on the flight helps me adjust to the time zone faster.

• Hoodie
  I always travel with a hoodie. Planes can get cold, and it doubles as an eye mask or pillow in a pinch.

• Headphones & Entertainment
  I download a few podcasts, music playlists, and shows so I’ve always got something to listen to or watch – even when there’s no Wi-Fi. I often travel on budget flights so there isn’t always entertainment, this helps to pass the time.

• Snacks
  I get very hangry, so I always bring snacks for the journey. You never know when you will get fed on a flight so I like to have back-up. Also when in China domestic flights and trains sometimes have limited food options, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

• Reusable Water Bottle
  Staying hydrated is a must, especially during long-haul flights. I fill it after security and keep sipping throughout the trip.

• Power Bank & Charger
  Keeping my phone charged is a non-negotiable. Whether I’m navigating the airport or using translation apps, I don’t want to run out of battery. Be careful though, China has strict power bank regulations. Your battery pack needs to have a CCC certification on it or it will be confiscated. Most battery packs found worldwide have a CE certification so you might be best buying a new one when you get to China.

• Entertainment (Books, Journal, Games)
  I bring a few offline entertainment options too like a book, a word-search, some pencils to draw etc. Truthfully, I usually plan to do loads... but end up sleeping instead!

The key to a smooth trip in China is preparation. Once you're on the ground, the country’s efficient infrastructure, incredible culture, and unique experiences will take over. But the more prepared you are, the easier it’ll be to enjoy it all.

Check out my China Travel Checklist to help you with your packing and prep!

If you need more help planning your trip then get in touch I can help you!