Packing for China is unlike packing for most other destinations. The unique digital ecosystem β a separate internet, a cashless payment infrastructure built around apps not available in Western app stores, and a ride-hailing landscape that requires a local account β means that "travel prep" in China is as much about software as it is about luggage. Get these things wrong and you will spend your first days in frustrating workarounds. Get them right and China is one of the smoothest, most connected places on earth to travel.
The single most important things to prepare before arriving: download your VPN and apps before you land (they won't work inside China without one), bring a portable charger, and ensure you have a way to pay β either WeChat Pay/Alipay linked to a foreign card, or cash RMB.
In This Guide
This list is organized by priority. The items in the first two sections β tech and apps β are non-negotiable and require action before you leave home. The remaining sections are more conventional but contain China-specific nuances worth reading carefully.
1. Tech Essentials (Before You Leave Home)
VPN β install and test it BEFORE you land. Once you are on a Chinese network, it is significantly harder (not impossible, but much harder) to download and activate a VPN. China blocks Google, Meta, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter/X, YouTube, Gmail, most news sites, and thousands of other services. A working VPN is essential for staying in contact with people back home, using Google Maps, and accessing your email. Install on all your devices before departure.
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VPN subscription (installed and tested) Reputable options that work consistently in China include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Astrill. Free VPNs are almost entirely blocked. Pay for a subscription before you leave and run a speed test to confirm it connects. Download the app on your phone, laptop, and tablet β having it on just one device creates a single point of failure.
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International SIM card or eSIM for China Mobile data is your lifeline for navigation, translation, and communication. Options: (a) buy a Chinese tourist SIM at the airport (China Unicom and China Mobile both have airport booths) offering unlimited domestic data for 30 days; (b) activate a China eSIM from providers like Airalo before departure; (c) use your home carrier's international plan (usually expensive and throttled). The airport SIM card is the best value and easiest option β it typically costs CNY 100β150 (about $14β21) for 30 days of data.
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Power bank (20,000 mAh minimum) You will use your phone constantly in China β scanning QR codes, navigating, translating menus, paying for things. A high-capacity power bank is essential. Note: power banks over 100Wh (roughly 27,000 mAh at 3.7V) are not permitted in aircraft cabins, so check the Wh rating on the packaging, not just mAh.
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Universal travel adapter (Type A/I for China) China uses Type A (two flat pins, same as US) and Type I (angled pins, like Australia) outlets, mostly at 220V. US travelers need a voltage converter for devices rated 110V only β but most modern laptops, phone chargers, and cameras are auto-switching (check the label for "100β240V"). A simple adapter without a converter is sufficient for most electronics.
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Offline maps downloaded before landing Download your destination cities in Google Maps (works offline, though Google is blocked β you will still have the downloaded map data). Also download the Baidu Maps app and the Gaode Maps app β these are the local navigation tools that have complete, accurate point-of-interest data in English and Chinese.
2. Apps to Install Before Landing
Several essential apps are not easily downloadable once you are connected to a Chinese network. The App Store and Google Play work in China, but some accounts require additional verification steps. Install these at home on a fast connection.
China's dominant ride-hailing app. Now has an English interface and international card support. Far better than taxis for non-Mandarin speakers.
Tourists can now add international Visa/Mastercard directly to Alipay and use it at most merchants. Set this up at home β the verification SMS often fails mid-trip.
Essential for messaging locals, scanning QR codes, and WeChat Pay. International cards now work with WeChat Pay for tourists via the "overseas" top-up feature.
More accurate than Google Maps for Chinese addresses and transit routes. Has partial English support and voice navigation.
The best offline Chinese-English dictionary. Works without internet. Essential for reading menus, signs, and labels when no translation is available.
Download the Chinese language pack for offline use. The camera translation function works offline on downloaded language packs β invaluable for menus.
English-language booking platform for high-speed trains, domestic flights, and hotels. Competes with Ctrip (they are the same company). Book in advance for popular routes.
Operated by Alibaba, highly accurate for real-time traffic, subway navigation, and finding small local businesses. English interface available.
Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay at home. The single biggest pain point for international tourists is payment. While cash and some international cards work, the vast majority of Chinese merchants β from street food stalls to luxury department stores β rely almost entirely on QR code payments. The 2024β2025 regulatory reforms made it easier for tourists to link foreign Visa and Mastercard to Alipay. Do the account setup before landing β the SMS verification system is more reliable on your home network.
3. Documents and Paperwork
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Passport (original, in accessible bag pocket) You are legally required to carry your original passport in China. A phone photo is not a legal substitute. Police identity checks occur regularly, and hotels, scenic spots, and train stations may request to see it.
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Photocopies of passport + visa + hotel bookings Keep one physical copy in your checked luggage and one in your carry-on, separate from your original passport. Also email them to yourself via a non-Google service accessible in China (iCloud Mail, Outlook, or ProtonMail).
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Travel insurance documents and emergency number Write the claims emergency number on a card in your wallet, separate from your phone. If your phone is stolen or dead, you need to be able to call your insurer.
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Hotel booking confirmations (printed or screenshot) Some budget hotels and guesthouses do not have English-speaking staff. Having a printed booking with your name and check-in date in both English and Chinese avoids confusion. Google Translate your booking into Chinese and screenshot it.
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Emergency contact card in Chinese Write your name in pinyin (romanized Chinese), your Chinese phone number, your hotel address in Chinese characters, and your home country's embassy emergency number. Small card, big value in an emergency.
4. Money: Cash and Cards
China is effectively a cashless society for locals, but tourists need a layered approach. Here is the practical reality:
How Much Cash to Bring
Bring CNY 500β1,000 (approximately USD 70β140) in Chinese yuan as an emergency reserve. Not every merchant accepts foreign cards or mobile payment, and some rural areas or traditional markets still operate cash-only. ATMs at international airports (look for Bank of China, ICBC, or China Construction Bank) accept most foreign Visa and Mastercard β withdraw on arrival if you did not exchange before leaving.
Which Cards Work in China
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at large hotels, upscale restaurants, and department stores, but often not at smaller establishments. American Express acceptance is very limited. UnionPay is the dominant card network in China β if your bank issues a UnionPay card, it will work almost everywhere. Some international banks (Citibank, HSBC, Standard Chartered) issue dual-network cards that work on both networks.
Notify your bank before traveling. Foreign transactions in China are frequently flagged as suspicious activity and blocked. Call your bank or toggle international transactions on in the app before departure. Also check your bank's ATM withdrawal fee β some charge $5 per transaction plus 3% foreign exchange fee, which adds up quickly.
5. Health Items
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Prescription medications (with documentation) Bring enough for your entire trip plus a week's buffer. Some medications common elsewhere (certain ADHD medications, some painkillers containing codeine, some anxiety medications) are controlled substances in China. Check with the Chinese embassy if you are unsure β carry a doctor's letter in English and Chinese if in any doubt.
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Anti-diarrheal medication (Loperamide / Imodium) China's food is spectacular but intense β different oils, spice levels, and bacterial environments than you may be accustomed to. Most travelers experience some digestive adjustment, particularly in the first few days. Loperamide and oral rehydration salts are available in Chinese pharmacies (θ―εΊ, yΓ o diΓ n) but having your own is convenient.
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N95 or KN95 masks Air quality in major cities varies significantly by season. Winter in Beijing and heavy traffic days in Chengdu or Guangzhou can see AQI readings above 150. China has an abundant supply of KN95 masks at every pharmacy and convenience store, but having a few to start with is sensible.
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Insect repellent (DEET-based) Essential if you are visiting rural areas, rice farming regions, or areas with standing water. Dengue fever is present in southern China. DEET-based repellents are available in China but harder to find outside of pharmacies in major cities.
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Sunscreen (SPF 50+) Chinese domestic sunscreens tend toward whitening formulas and are not always clearly labeled for SPF in a way recognizable to foreign visitors. Bring your own to start, though international brands like Biore and Anessa are available in city pharmacies.
6. Clothing: What to Wear in China
The Layering Principle
China's climate varies enormously between regions and seasons (see our best time to visit guide), but the single most useful clothing strategy is layering. Even in southern China's warm winters, air conditioning inside malls and restaurants is arctic-strength. Carry a light cardigan or packable down jacket regardless of season.
Comfort for Walking
Chinese cities are built for walking, and you will cover 15,000β25,000 steps per day at major sites. Wear comfortable, broken-in walking shoes. Beijing's hutong lanes have uneven stone paths; the Forbidden City covers 720,000 square meters of paved grounds; Chengdu's old town districts involve stairs and cobblestones. Fashionable but uncomfortable shoes will ruin your third day.
Temple and Monastery Etiquette
Many Buddhist and Taoist temples in China do not impose a strict dress code, but covering your shoulders and knees is respectful and expected at active religious sites. Particularly at Tibetan monasteries, Confucian temples, and mosque areas in Xinjiang, dress conservatively. Carry a light scarf that can serve as a shoulder wrap when needed.
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2β3)
- Light packable down jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes (broken in)
- Sandals for guesthouse/hostel
- Light scarf (multi-purpose)
- Rain jacket or compact umbrella
- Comfortable long-sleeve layer
- Quick-dry trousers or travel pants
- Thermal base layer (north in winter)
- Compression socks for flights
7. What NOT to Bring
| Item | Why to Leave It Home |
|---|---|
| Drone (without permit) | Drones require registration and permits in China. No-fly zones around Tiananmen, the Great Wall, and most urban centers mean your drone will almost certainly be confiscated. Check CAAC regulations before packing. |
| Oversized checked luggage | High-speed trains (the main way to travel between cities) have limited overhead storage. Luggage wider than 50cm can cause real problems. Pack in a bag that fits in train racks. |
| Political materials or certain books | Materials critical of Chinese government policy can be seized at customs. This includes certain maps showing disputed borders, political literature, and some religious texts in quantity (individual Bibles are generally fine; a box of them is not). |
| VPNs already running at the airport | Do not connect your VPN while still in the airport β connect after you have cleared immigration and are on the city transit or in a taxi. Immigration officials sometimes check phones at border crossing points. |
| Expensive jewelry or luxury watches | While China's cities are generally very safe, visible expensive items attract unwanted attention in crowded tourist areas. Leave them at home. |
8. What to Buy IN China (Cheaper or Better Locally)
Do not waste valuable luggage weight on items that are cheaper, better quality, or more practical to buy in China once you arrive:
- Umbrellas and raincoats: Ubiquitous and cheap. Every convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson β they are everywhere in major Chinese cities) sells compact umbrellas for CNY 20β40.
- Snacks and instant noodles: Chinese convenience stores carry an extraordinary variety, and local supermarkets (Hema, RT-Mart, Carrefour) are a destination in themselves. Pack light and buy there.
- SIM card and mobile data: Significantly cheaper to buy at the airport than using international roaming. Do not pay your home carrier's daily roaming rate.
- Tea: Buy it in China, where the quality, variety, and price are unmatched. A vacuum-sealed tin from a good tea house in Hangzhou, Yunnan, or Fujian will be far better and cheaper than anything you can find abroad.
- Portable phone chargers and cables: Electronic markets in cities like Shenzhen, Zhongguancun (Beijing), or Shanghai's Xujiahui sell high-quality USB-C cables and accessories at a fraction of global retail prices.
- Traditional medicine and health products: If you are curious about Chinese herbal medicine, pharmacies and dedicated TCM stores have a wide, authentic selection. Buy there, not at tourist airport shops where prices are inflated.
- Silk products: Genuine silk scarves, pajamas, and accessories are available at the Suzhou Silk Museum shop, the Shanghai fabric market, or any of Hangzhou's silk specialty stores at quality and prices far below anything available internationally.
Now that you are packed and prepared, head to our main travel guide to plan your itinerary city by city β covering Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Nanjing, Wuhan, Guangzhou, and more, with neighborhood guides, food picks, and transport tips. And if you have not sorted your visa yet, our 2026 visa guide has everything you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a VPN for China?
Yes, if you want to use Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, or most Western social media. China's Great Firewall blocks these services on all domestic networks. A VPN routes your traffic through a server outside China to bypass the block. Crucially, you must install and test your VPN before you land β it becomes significantly harder to set one up from inside China, as many VPN websites and app download pages are themselves blocked.
What adapter do I need for China?
China uses Type A (two flat parallel pins, same as North America) and Type I (three angled pins, like Australia) outlets at 220V/50Hz. US travelers need an adapter but not a converter for most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) since they are auto-switching 100β240V β check the label on your device's charger. If your device says "110V only," you need a voltage converter or should leave it at home.
Can I use my phone in China?
Yes, as long as your phone is unlocked and supports relevant frequency bands (most modern phones do). Your best options for data are: (1) buy a tourist SIM at the airport (China Unicom or China Mobile booths, ~$14β21 for 30 days unlimited data), (2) activate a China eSIM from providers like Airalo before departure, or (3) use international roaming from your home carrier (usually expensive and throttled). The airport SIM is the best value.
Should I bring US dollars or exchange at home?
Either works, but exchange rates at Chinese bank ATMs (ICBC, Bank of China, China Construction Bank) at international airports are competitive and convenient. Bring a Visa or Mastercard with low foreign transaction fees and withdraw CNY on arrival. If you prefer to have some cash before leaving home, exchange a small amount but do not worry about getting a large amount in advance β ATMs at major airports are reliable and open 24 hours.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Install and test your VPN before departure β it is very difficult to set up from inside China once you are on a Chinese network.
- Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay at home with your foreign card; payment setup is much smoother with access to your home bank's SMS verification.
- Carry CNY 500β1,000 in cash as a backup, but plan to use Alipay/WeChat Pay for the majority of purchases.
- Download offline maps and the Chinese language pack for Google Translate before landing β several key apps need data to function that you should prepare in advance.
- Leave your drone at home unless you have researched Chinese permit requirements; no-fly zones cover most tourist areas and confiscation is common.