Pre-trip checklist for mainland China

Use this list in the days before you fly. Tick items only after you have tested them on your own phone. Times below that affect trains are in China Standard Time (UTC+8) once you are in mainland China.

1. Payments

• Download Alipay and complete registration with a number that can receive SMS (guide)
• Download WeChat, enable Pay / Wallet if prompted, and finish real-name steps when asked (guide)
• Link at least one foreign card that your issuer allows for overseas / online use
• Tell your bank you will travel so authorizations are less likely to fail
• Know the usual platform fee pattern: many official pages say single payments at or under ¥200 may waive the wallet’s cross-border service fee, while amounts above ¥200 may add about 3%—confirm on the payment screen (overview)
• Carry a small amount of cash as backup for the first day

2. Phone number and data

• Decide how you will receive SMS codes (home number on roaming, or a local SIM after arrival)—payment apps often need SMS (SIM basics, SMS fixes)
• If you use a foreign-carrier travel eSIM, buy and install it before you lose access to the provider’s download flow; keep your primary number available for SMS (eSIM facts)
• Turn on data roaming for the line you intend to use for data when you land (no extra charge beyond your prepaid plan if the plan includes China—confirm with your provider)

3. Getting around

• Install DiDi (mainland China ride-hailing app as listed in official travel materials) and try login with your international number (guide)
• Install Railway 12306, switch to the English version if needed, and start passport verification early—manual review can take time (guide)
• For street bikes: wallets must usually work first; read shared bike setup so you are not stuck at a QR code on day one

4. Documents and device

• Passport validity matches your trip plans
• Phone unlocked / eSIM-capable if you plan a travel eSIM
• Offline screenshots of hotel address in Chinese characters
• Power bank and cable

5. After you land (China time)

• Enable the data line you prepared; confirm SMS still reaches the number tied to Alipay / WeChat
• Make a tiny test payment under ¥200 if possible
• If something fails, open the matching troubleshooting guide

FAQ

Do I need both Alipay and WeChat Pay?
Many visitors set up both. Merchants vary. Start with one, add the second when you can.

Can I skip the checklist and set up at the airport?
Sometimes volunteers or counters help, but outbound SMS, card 3-D Secure, and app downloads are easier on reliable home connectivity. Prepare early when you can.