First Time in China: Complete Travel Guide for Foreigners

What Makes China Different for Foreign Travelers

China is not a difficult destination — but it is a different one. Most apps you rely on at home (Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram) are blocked. Payment is almost entirely mobile. English is limited outside hotels and major tourist sites. This guide prepares you for all of it.

• ✓Download your apps before arrival — the App Store in China has restrictions
• ✓Set up WeChat Pay and Alipay before you land
• ✓Most taxi drivers do not speak English — use DiDi with Chinese addresses

Visa Requirements

Most Western travelers need a visa to enter China. Apply at your nearest Chinese consulate 2–4 weeks before travel. Bring your passport, a completed application form, a passport photo, and proof of onward travel.

1. 1Check if your country qualifies for the new 30-day visa-free policy (2024–2025 expansion)
2. 2If not visa-free, apply for an L (tourist) visa at the Chinese consulate
3. 3Book early — processing takes 4–7 business days
4. 4Check the 72/144/240-hour visa-free transit option if connecting through a major Chinese airport

Essential Apps to Install Before You Arrive

Install these before landing in China — some may not be available in Chinese app stores once you arrive.

1. 1WeChat — messaging, payments, and access to thousands of services via mini-programs
2. 2Alipay — payment app now accepting foreign credit cards directly
3. 3DiDi — China's Uber with an English interface for taxis
4. 4Amap (高德地图) — most reliable map app in China
5. 5Google Translate — download Chinese offline language pack
6. 6A VPN — install and test before arrival, in-country installation is blocked

Payment in China

China is nearly cashless. Most restaurants, shops, and taxis accept WeChat Pay or Alipay only. Foreign credit cards are rarely accepted outside international hotels.

1. 1Set up WeChat Pay with your foreign Visa/Mastercard (now supported for tourists)
2. 2Set up Alipay International as a backup
3. 3Bring some USD or EUR cash to exchange on arrival at the airport
4. 4ATMs on the UnionPay network work for cash withdrawal as a last resort

Getting Around

China's domestic transport is world-class. High-speed trains connect major cities in hours. Metro systems in all major cities are clean, cheap, and English-signed.

1. 1Book high-speed trains on Trip.com or 12306.cn — you will need your passport number
2. 2Use DiDi for taxis — far safer and more transparent than hailing street cabs
3. 3Metro is usually ¥3–8 per trip and runs until 11pm in most cities
4. 4Keep your passport accessible — train stations and some museums require it for entry

Common First-Timer Mistakes

Most problems first-time visitors face are avoidable with a little preparation.

• ✓Not downloading apps before arrival — do it at home on your home network
• ✓Relying on Google Maps — use Amap or Baidu Maps instead
• ✓Ordering full-spice Sichuan food without warning — ask for 微辣 (slightly spicy)
• ✓Booking too many cities in too few days — China is enormous
• ✓Not having addresses in Chinese — always save places in Chinese characters

Save these cards on your phone and show them directly to taxi drivers, restaurant staff, or anyone who can help.