# Do these 5 things before landing in China

> Five essential pre-flight steps so your dream China trip doesn't start with a headache.

Canonical: https://chinatravelhelpdesk.com/guides/5-things-before-landing

## Guide metadata

- Last updated: 2026-05-21
- Author: China Travel Helpdesk Editorial

## Quick answer

Before you fly, set up payments, download the right apps, reserve the critical train legs, verify your hotel details, and write down the first route from airport to hotel.

## Key facts

- When to do it: Before departure, on home Wi-Fi
- Priority tools: Alipay, WeChat, maps, translator, ride-hailing, data plan
- Trip saver: A first-day plan with offline screenshots

## Full guide

Your dream trip to China shouldn't start with a headache. While China is an amazing destination, it operates on a unique digital ecosystem. Here are 5 essential steps to ensure a smooth arrival:
1. Sort Your Payments. China is largely cashless. Ensure your Visa/Mastercard works with Alipay or WeChat Pay before you leave home. Set it up on Wi-Fi to avoid verification issues.
2. Get the Essential Apps. Download a reliable translator, a VPN (if you rely on Google services), and Didi for transport. App availability can vary by region once you are in China.
3. Reserve High-Speed Trains. It's the best way to travel between cities, but seats fill up quickly. Book in advance to secure your preferred schedule.
4. Verify Accommodation Details. Confirm your hotels have your full passport name and number. This prevents check-in delays and ensures a smooth arrival after a long flight.
5. Map Your First Day. Have a clear plan from the airport to your hotel. Whether it's a pre-booked transfer or an offline map, knowing your route eliminates arrival anxiety.
Prepare properly, and you'll spend less time troubleshooting and more time exploring.

## Steps

1. **Set up payments**: Link an international card in Alipay first and prepare a fallback for WeChat Pay or card failures.
2. **Load the right apps**: Install mapping, translation, transport, and data-access tools before you leave.
3. **Protect the arrival**: Save the hotel address, airport transfer option, and first payment fallback offline.

## Next step

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