ARRIVAL CHECKLIST
Prepare for a smooth arrival on your first trip to China.
Use this step-by-step checklist before you fly, during immigration, and on your first night in China.
This page focuses on arrival preparation only. Payment, internet, transport, apps, and emergency help are covered in separate Travel Prep guides.
PASSPORT
HOTEL
1 Before You Fly
- Passport valid for your full trip, ideally 6+ months.
- Confirm visa, visa-free, or transit eligibility.
- Save flight, first hotel, and emergency contact info.
2 What to Keep in Your Carry-On
- Passport, visa info, flight and hotel details.
- Phone, charger, power bank, and cash backup.
- Medicine in original packaging and insurance details.
3 What to Save Offline
- Passport and visa photos, hotel Chinese address.
- Flight and ticket screenshots, insurance details.
- Important QR codes and first-day route.
4 Information You May Need at Immigration
- Purpose of visit, cities you plan to visit.
- First hotel and contact information.
- Return or onward ticket.
5 Customs & Declaration Reminder
- Know what can be brought in and what must be declared.
- Declare truthfully if you carry items to declare.
- Pay attention to cash, medicine, food, and restricted items.
6 First Hour After Landing
- Connect to airport Wi-Fi or mobile data, confirm phone works.
- Open your first hotel's Chinese address.
- Confirm how you will get to your hotel.
- Check luggage and important items.
7 First Night in China
- Check in to hotel and organize your documents.
- Confirm tomorrow's first stop and ticket needs.
- Charge devices and prepare your bag.
8 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Only saving English hotel address.
- Keeping everything in email, not screenshots.
- Not carrying passport or running out of battery.
9 Final Checklist Before Departure
- Use the quick checklist on the right.
- Make sure key screenshots are saved offline.
- Keep your first hotel Chinese address ready.
Want the full offline arrival pack?
Unlock the Arrival Pack to get 1 / 2 / 3-day routes, arrival checklists, hotel address notes, ticket reminders, quick backup notes, and downloadable PDFs.
Use Offline Anytime Downloadable PDFs Perfect for First-Time Visitors
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Visa, entry, customs, and accommodation registration policies may change. Please follow the latest official regulations.