📱 Phone & Connectivity

Your phone can be one of your most important travel tools in China. It may be needed for navigation, payments, bookings, translation and contacting your accommodation.

Prepare Before Departure

• Check whether your phone is compatible with your intended eSIM or SIM option.
• Arrange an international eSIM, roaming plan or suitable local SIM option before relying on mobile internet.
• Install essential apps and complete any required account setup while you have reliable internet.
• Keep your phone updated and carry a suitable charging cable and power bank.
• Save hotel addresses, booking confirmations and important travel details for offline access.

Keep a Backup Connection

Do not depend on a single internet connection. Consider what you will do if your data plan stops working, your phone battery runs low or you cannot access an app.

Keep important information available offline and have a way to contact your accommodation without relying entirely on mobile data.

Explore the Internet & eSIM Guide →

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💳 Payments & Backup Cash

Payment preparation can help reduce difficulties when shopping, dining, booking transport or paying for services. Set up your payment options before you travel.

Prepare Multiple Payment Options

• Set up the mobile payment services you intend to use and complete any required verification in advance.
• Check whether your international bank cards are supported by your chosen payment services.
• Inform your bank about your travel plans if required and check international transaction fees.
• Carry a reasonable amount of RMB cash as a backup for situations where mobile payments or cards are not accepted.
• Keep your cards and cash in separate, secure places.

If a Payment Fails

Check your internet connection, payment app status and available balance. If one payment method does not work, try another prepared option or use cash where accepted.

Avoid relying entirely on one card, one payment app or one device for every transaction.

Explore the Money & Payments Guide →

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🗺️ Apps & Navigation

Having the right digital tools ready can make it easier to find destinations, communicate and manage everyday travel tasks.

Essential Digital Tools

• Maps: Prepare a map service suitable for your travel destinations and learn how to search for locations.
• Translation: Install a translation app and download language resources for offline use where supported.
• Transport: Prepare relevant apps for ride-hailing, train information and local transport.
• Communication: Set up a way to contact your accommodation, travel companions and important contacts.
• Bookings: Keep hotel, train and flight confirmations accessible without needing to search through your email.

Prepare for Limited Access

Some international services may be restricted or may not work as expected in China. Check the availability of the services you plan to use and prepare alternatives before departure.

Save important addresses in Chinese where possible, take screenshots of key directions and keep essential booking information offline.

Explore Apps & Technology →

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🚄 Transport Problems

Transport disruptions can affect your itinerary, especially when traveling between cities or connecting with flights, trains and accommodation.

Before Starting Your Journey

• Check departure times, station or airport details and booking information before leaving.
• Allow sufficient time to reach transport terminals, particularly in unfamiliar cities.
• Keep your ticket details and identification information accessible.
• Save the address of your destination and accommodation in a format you can show to a driver or station staff.
• Have a backup plan in case a connection is delayed or missed.

If Your Journey Is Disrupted

• Check official transport updates and booking information for changes.
• Contact the relevant transport operator or booking provider to understand your available options.
• Inform your accommodation if you expect to arrive late.
• Keep receipts and updated booking details if you need to make alternative arrangements.

Explore the Transport Guide →

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🧳 Documents & Belongings

Passports, travel documents, payment cards and personal belongings are important during your journey. Organizing them in advance can help you respond more calmly if something goes missing.

Protect Your Important Documents

• Keep your passport and essential travel documents secure.
• Store digital copies of important documents in a secure location that you can access when needed.
• Keep your hotel booking, travel itinerary and relevant contact information available offline.
• Carry only the documents and cards you need for the day’s activities.
• Use a secure bag and regularly check that your belongings are with you in crowded places.

If Something Is Lost

• Retrace your steps and contact the places you recently visited, such as your hotel or transport provider.
• If a bank card is lost, contact your bank promptly to block or secure it.
• If your passport is lost or stolen, contact your country’s embassy or consulate for guidance on the next steps.
• If theft is suspected, seek assistance from local authorities and keep a record of relevant details.

Keep important contact details accessible separately from your phone and wallet, so you have another way to retrieve them if needed.

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🆘 Unexpected Situations

Unexpected situations can include illness, travel delays, communication difficulties, lost belongings or sudden changes to your itinerary. Having a basic response plan can help you decide what to do next.

When You Need Assistance

• Move to a safe, appropriate place if you are facing an immediate difficulty.
• Contact your accommodation, travel companion or a trusted contact if you need help.
• Use a translation tool or prepared written information to explain your situation where language is a barrier.
• For urgent medical or safety issues, seek local emergency assistance.
• Contact your country’s embassy or consulate for consular guidance when appropriate.

Prepare an Emergency Information Note

• Your full name and relevant identification details.
• Your accommodation name, address and contact details.
• Emergency contact details for someone you trust.
• Your travel insurance provider and policy information, if applicable.
• Relevant medical or accessibility information you may need to communicate.

Keep this information secure, accessible and available offline. Check official sources for current emergency contact details relevant to your destination.

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