China-Ready Check
Do you even need a visa?
Most travelers from ~48 countries can simply land and stay 30 days. We check the easy path first — then walk you through everything else, in order.
Step 01 · Visa & entry
Pick your passport. Get the simplest legal way in.
Three-tier logic: 30-day visa-free first, then 240-hour transit, then a tourist visa only if you really need one.
12days
Your result appears here.Pick a passport on the left and we'll tell you the simplest legal way in — and exactly what to do next.
After the visa
The rest of the checklist, the same calm way.
Visa sorted is only step one. Here's everything else that turns "anxious" into "China-ready" — each a box you can tick off.
Step 02
Link a foreign card to Alipay
Binding has gotten far easier in 2026 — the classic 'personal QR won't take foreign cards' trap is being fixed. Here's what's still true.
- Supports Visa / Mastercard / JCB / Diners after passport verification.
- Single payment cap ~¥35,000; ~¥50,000 / year before you need a local card.
- Under ¥200 is usually fee-free; above that ~3%.
- Bring your home SIM — you'll need it for bank SMS codes.
Step 03
Install your essential apps
A short, checkable list — not another 3,000-word blog post. Install these before you fly.
- Alipay or WeChat (payments, transit, mini-programs).
- Amap or Baidu Maps (Google Maps is blocked).
- Trip.com (trains, flights, hotels in English).
- A translator you trust + GetChinaReady for the rest.
Step 04
Network & eSIM
Set expectations for what's restricted, and get online the moment you land.
- A travel eSIM keeps your home number for bank codes.
- Decide your approach to restricted services before you go.
- Download offline maps & translations as backup.
- Save key addresses in Chinese to show drivers.
Step 05
Packing & culture
The small things that trip people up on day one.
- Carry some cash for tiny vendors and rural stops.
- Type-A/I plugs; bring a universal adapter.
- Hotels need passport check-in (real-name rule).
- Tipping isn't expected — don't overthink it.
Data snapshot as of June 2026. This is a planning aid, not legal advice — always confirm current rules with an official Chinese embassy or consulate before booking.