Featured guide
How to Use Alipay in China as a Foreigner (2026 Guide) Set up Alipay in China with a foreign phone number and overseas card. Learn verification, QR payments, fees, limits, and what to do when a payment fails.
Read guide Practical systems for travel in China
China Essentials
Use China's everyday travel systems with practical, step-by-step guidance for visitors.
Start with these
Featured Guides
Three practical guides that unlock the systems most visitors need early in a China trip.
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Featured guide
How to Use Alipay in China as a Foreigner (2026 Guide) Set up Alipay in China with a foreign phone number and overseas card. Learn verification, QR payments, fees, limits, and what to do when a payment fails.
Read guide
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Featured guide
How to Get Internet in China: eSIM, SIM Card, and Connectivity Guide A practical internet guide for foreign visitors to China: compare travel eSIMs, local SIM cards, roaming, and backup options before your trip.
Read guide -
Featured guide
How to Take High-Speed Rail in China: Tickets, Passport Checks, and Boarding A practical guide for foreign travelers taking China high-speed rail: how to buy tickets, use your passport, enter the station, pass security, and avoid common mistakes.
Read guide
Money & Payments
Mobile payments, cash, cards, fees, failures, and a reliable backup plan.
- How to Use Alipay in China as a Foreigner (2026 Guide) Set up Alipay in China with a foreign phone number and overseas card. Learn verification, QR payments, fees, limits, and what to do when a payment fails.
- How to Use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China: Payment Guide for Foreign Tourists A practical China payment guide for foreign tourists: how to use Alipay and WeChat Pay, link a foreign card, pay by QR code, and avoid common mistakes.
- Can Foreigners Use Cash in China? What Works—and What Doesn't Can foreigners use cash in China? See where RMB worked in seven Guangzhou tests, current cash rules, how to get small notes, and the best backup plan.
Planned
- Foreign Cards & Payment Fees Planned guide
- Payment Failure Troubleshooting Planned guide
Internet & Apps
eSIMs, SIM cards, roaming, maps, translation, taxis, and essential apps.
Planned
- Essential Apps Before You Fly Planned guide
- Maps & Translation Apps Planned guide
Trains & Transport
Tickets, station checks, luggage, metro systems, taxis, and ride-hailing.
Planned
- 12306 for Foreigners Planned guide
- Metro & Taxi Basics Planned guide
Hotels & Check-in
Booking, passport details, registration, deposits, payment, and refusals.
- How to Book a Hotel in China as a Foreigner Book a hotel in China safely as a foreign traveler: compare platforms, match passport names, check payment and cancellation rules, and plan for late arrival.
- How to Check Into a Hotel in China as a Foreigner Learn how hotel check-in works in China with a foreign passport: what to bring, registration, deposits, payment, and what to do if the desk refuses you.
Planned
- Deposits & Payment Planned guide
- What to Do If Check-in Is Refused Planned guide
Shopping & Tax Refund
Shopping receipts, departure tax refunds, returns, and after-sales help.
Planned
- Immediate Tax Refund Planned guide
- Shopping Receipts & Invoices Planned guide
Culture & Everyday Life
Useful etiquette, ordering, public rules, and everyday visitor situations.
Planned
- Restaurant Ordering Planned guide
- Public Toilets Planned guide
Health, Safety & Help
Hospitals, pharmacies, emergency contacts, lost documents, scams, and help.
Planned
- Visiting a Chinese Hospital Planned guide
- Emergency Numbers Planned guide
New to travel in China?
Follow one clear starting path for preparation, payments, internet, trains, and practical arrival basics.