Arrive ready in mainland China

Set up payments, mobile data, and everyday transport before you land—or fix problems fast when something fails. China Arrive is an independent English guide for first-time visitors to mainland China.

Start your pre-trip checklist · How to pay

Payment setup screenshot — coming soon

Pay

Most shops, metros, and street vendors expect a mobile wallet. Foreign-issued cards can often be linked to Alipay or WeChat Pay—confirm card brands and fees in the official Help and in your app.

• How to pay in China as a foreigner
• Set up Alipay
• Set up WeChat Pay with a foreign card

Connect

Get a number that can receive SMS for app codes, and data that works for maps and messaging. We cover local SIM real-name basics and foreign-carrier travel eSIM roaming (home routing) facts only. Follow local laws.

• China tourist SIM: real-name basics
• Foreign-carrier eSIM for China travel

Get around

• Use DiDi as a foreigner
• Book 12306 trains with a passport
• Rent a street shared bike (Meituan Bike / 美团单车, Hello Bike / 哈啰 also 哈罗, Qingju / 青桔—process only, no brand ranking)

Payment failed? Start with the error you see

Jump to a fix guide:

• WeChat: “Card not supported”
• WeChat Pay not working
• Alipay passport verification failed
• Alipay foreign-card limits
• Alipay 3% fee over ¥200
• WeChat Pay fee waiver
• Alipay payment failed
• WeChat Pay real-name blocks
• Can’t get payment SMS codes
• DiDi payment declined
• Shared bike won’t unlock

Before you fly

Use our pre-trip checklist so wallets, SMS, and tickets are ready on day one.

About this site

China Arrive is independent. We are not Ant Group, Tencent, Alipay, WeChat, or any government. App screens change—always confirm fees and limits in the live app and official Help. About · Disclaimers