Everything you need to know if you’re heading to China for the first time
This post is a summary of my recent YouTube video where I covered everything I learnt either from research before my trip or learnt during my trip. If you wish to watch the full video click here
Everybody seems to be in a very Chinese moment of life, I have certainly witnessed a surge in China content in the last year or so on the socials and statistics seem to back it up as well with foreign nationals accounting for over 77% of all inbound trips in the first quarter of 2026
And as someone recently been I can tell you it is worth all the hype, but it is also not a country that doesn’t come with its own set of challenges, especially if you’re going there for the first time from apps to use to language barriers
Before Your Trip to China
Visa Requirements
China currently offers visa-free entry for up to 30 days for over 45 countries, including Australia and Singapore. But some countries like US, India and Philippines will require for you to apply for a visa. (Do you need a visa?)
If you’re only transiting through China to a third country, you may qualify for the 24–240 hour visa-free transit policy(available to 55 nationalities). You’ll need:
A confirmed onward ticket
A valid passport
To stay within permitted areas
Arrival Form
All travellers must complete a digital arrival card, even if you don’t need a visa.
This replaces the old paper form and should be submitted before arrival (ideally 1–3 days prior). It’s free and straightforward.
Do You Need a VPN?
If you use an ESIM - No VPN Needed
China’s internet restrictions (the “Great Firewall”) can affect access to apps like YouTube and Instagram.
A simple workaround is using a travel eSIM. I used one activated before landing and had no issues.
A solid option is Holafly unlimited data eSIM, which avoids the need to constantly top up. A 5-day plan is around AUD $29.50.
If you use a China Number - Yes VPN Needed
HOWEVER unlike most countries China is one country I WOULD recommend for you to have a local China number as well as that way you can order food on Meituan (their food delivery app) and reserve seats at hard to get restaurants
Though the disadvantage of having a local China number is that you will need a VPN
Prebook a China number here
So, which option should you choose?
I used a hybrid setup:
Local SIM for a Chinese number (low data)
eSIM for actual internet access
This gave me flexibility without relying on VPNs.
Apps You Need in China
Maps
AMap (Gaode Maps) – now available in English and the most reliable navigation app in China
Apple Maps is a decent backup
Translation
Google Translate – essential for menus, signs, and basic communication
Transport
Didi Chuxing – China’s Uber equivalent
Works with international cards, but linking to WeChat Pay or Alipay makes it smoother.
Dianping (must-download)
This one is essential for Food & Local Discovery . Think of Dianping as:
Google Reviews + Yelp + food deals in one
You can:
Find top-rated restaurants nearby
View menus in advance
Access discounts and vouchers
One of the best apps for discovering local food spots.
Payments in China
China is largely cashless, so you’ll rely on:
WeChat Pay
Easiest if you already use WeChat
Can link international cards directly
Alipay
Strong alternative payment system
Works similarly and is worth setting up as backup
Step by Step on how to setup here
Travel Cards (YouTrip / Wise)
Of course to use either of the payment gateways above you will need to link a card and basically any credit or debit card you are going to link is going to incur foreign exchange fees and overseas transaction fees
To avoid foreign transaction fees this I recommend
Link WeChat Pay or Alipay to a travel card like YouTrip or Wise
I personally used YouTrip, which offers:
No FX fees on RMB
Fee-free ATM withdrawals up to ~AUD $1,500 equivalent (AUD only)
You can sign up for you trip here (don’t forget to use my code YTSTEVE for an instant 10 AUD in your account)
But Youtrip only accepts signups from Australia, Singapore and Thailand so if you’re not from these three countries I recommend Wise
Powerbanks (Important!)
China has strict rules on powerbanks:
Must have a 3C certification mark
Must be under 100Wh (~27,000mAh)
Without certification, your powerbank can be confiscated—especially at airports or train stations.
When You’re in China
Always Carry Your Passport
Your passport is your primary ID everywhere:
Museums
Train stations
Ticket machines
Hotel check-ins
You’ll need it constantly, even for simple purchases.
Pre-book everything thats possible
Using Trip.com helps streamline bookings because:
Passport details are saved once
All tickets are linked automatically
Much less hassle at entry points
Public Transport
Transport varies by city:
Some support credit card tap-in
Most are cheaper via WeChat Pay or Alipay QR codes
WeChat method:
Open Mini Programs
Search transport program (e.g. “Chengchema”)
Activate city transit card
Scan QR code at gates
Alipay has a similar built-in transport feature. For more information on how to set the up click here
Intercity Travel
For long-distance travel:
High-speed trains (fast, comfortable, city-centre to city-centre)
Flights (better for long distances)
Rule of thumb:
Short routes → train
Long routes → flight
Both are easily bookable via Trip.com.
Final Thoughts
China is one of the most seamless travel experiences once you’re set up correctly—but the setup matters.
Once your apps, payments, and SIM situation are sorted, everything becomes surprisingly smooth.
More content is gonna come up here gradually as I am a one man show but I have been posting for much longer on YouTube and so if you want to more information on China, such as for example, what to do in Guangzhou and several other cities, you are good to find my China playlist helpful
Also, if you are NOT a subscriber and found value in this, I appreciate a subscribe!
