Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to China for the First Time

30-second conclusion (best option)

For a first trip to China, the best option is arrive with WeChat + Alipay installed and verified, plus working data (ideally an eSIM). That single setup prevents the most common first‑day failures: no payments, no navigation, and no ride‑hailing or delivery.

Comparison table

Option	Best for	Cost	Risks
Travel eSIM	First‑timers who want instant data on arrival	Medium	Coverage and plans vary by provider
Local SIM	Longer stays, budget‑conscious travelers	Low	Store paperwork, setup delays
International roaming	Short trips, business travel	High	Expensive, data caps

Step-by-step (actionable)

Essential setup (before you fly)

1. Set up WeChat + Alipay (not just chat & payments). You can do 80% of daily travel tasks inside them:

   • Pay in shops, restaurants, metro, convenience stores
   • Call taxis / ride‑hailing
   • Use public transport QR codes (in many cities)
   • Book tickets or services via mini programs
   • Order food delivery, buy tickets, and more

   Mini program tip: many mini programs have a city selector inside the app (sometimes hidden near the top). If the interface looks “empty,” switch the city first.

   Practical checklist:

   • Add your bank card(s) if available
   • Complete identity verification if prompted
   • Enable notifications (payment + delivery updates)

2. Get data that actually works (eSIM is often the smoothest).

   • Flexible packages (roughly 7–180 days)
   • Works immediately after landing (no store visit)
   • Essential for navigation, translation, booking, and messaging

   If you need one:

   • Trip.com Mainland China 5G eSIM (promo link)

   If you don’t use eSIM: a local SIM can work too, but it may take extra time and paperwork, and your experience can vary by store and city.

3. Use AMap for navigation (it’s what locals use).

   • Transit directions are often more accurate
   • POIs and metro exits are more up to date
   • Better tuned for walking routes and Chinese address formats

4. Install a translation app and download offline packs.

   • Menus, taxis, hotel questions, allergies and preferences

5. Install DiDi for ride‑hailing.

   • Faster than hailing on the street
   • Pickup points can be confusing in big malls; zoom in for “pickup” zones
   • Screenshot your destination in Chinese when possible

6. Install Meituan for delivery.

   • Food, drinks, pharmacy items, small errands
   • Delivery can be ~30 minutes in many urban areas
   • You can also use Meituan via WeChat mini programs in some cases

   Phone‑number workaround (use with caution):
   Delivery platforms often require a China number. Some travelers try 13100000000 (131 + eight zeros), then add a note:

   • “Please don’t call. Message in‑app / WeChat only.”
   • Include clear landmarks + building + floor + room number.

   Important: this may not work reliably and could violate platform rules. Safer fallback: ask your hotel, buy a local SIM, or get front‑desk help.

Good to know (small habits that prevent big headaches)

• Carry your passport (or know how to access it quickly). It can be requested for hotels, attraction tickets, and transport checks.
• Bring toilet paper + hand sanitizer. Public restrooms vary a lot.
• Bring a power bank. If you buy in China, look for CCC certification. You can find decent options at Miniso and other local retailers. Airline enforcement varies, so buying a compliant one locally is low‑stress.
• Expect more security checks. Metro stations, big attractions, museums, and venues often use airport‑style scanning.
• Don’t be shy about asking for help. A screenshot, a map pin, or a translated sentence goes a long way.
• Learn 3 phrases:
  • Hello: 你好 (nǐ hǎo)
  • Thanks: 谢谢 (xiè xie)
  • Excuse me / May I ask: 麻烦问一下 (má fan wèn yí xià)

Hidden “free” services that make travel easier

• Free phone charging: milk‑tea shops with seating often have sockets.
• Free bottled water from hotels: ask for two extra bottles at the front desk when you check out for the day.
• Free supermarket food samples: bakery/kitchen areas often offer tastings. Big names you’ll often see include Hema (Freshippo), Carrefour, Walmart, and RT‑Mart.
• Free restaurant Wi‑Fi (guess first): try 8888 8888, 6666 6666, 6666 8888, or the restaurant name in pinyin. If that fails, just ask “WiFi?”
• Cheap McDonald’s fallback combo: look for the “1+1” deal—pick one main + one side/drink/dessert. Portions can be smaller than you expect.

Quick pre‑trip checklist (copy/paste)

• WeChat installed + payment ready
• Alipay installed + payment ready
• eSIM purchased/activated (or SIM plan decided)
• AMap installed
• Translation app installed (+ offline pack)
• DiDi installed
• Power bank packed (or plan to buy locally)
• Toilet paper/tissues + hand sanitizer packed
• Passport plan (carry it + keep a photo copy separately)

Internal links:

• Tool: Google Maps list
• Destination: Shanghai
• Related guides: Payments & Money, Connectivity & VPN, Transport & Booking, First-time checklist

Common failure scenarios (differentiators)

• Apps look empty or irrelevant: many mini programs default to the wrong city. Change the city selector first.
• No data on arrival: eSIM/roaming avoids store delays. Local SIMs can take time and paperwork.
• Delivery app asks for a China number: ask your hotel/front desk for help or get a local SIM.
• Pickup points are confusing: screenshot the map pin and use the pickup zone label.
• Battery anxiety: China is QR‑heavy—carry a power bank.
• Security checks take longer than expected: metro stations and attractions often use airport‑style scanning. Budget time.
• Restrooms without supplies: carry toilet paper/tissues and sanitizer.

FAQ

Do I really need both WeChat and Alipay?
Yes. Travelers report edge cases where one works and the other doesn’t.

Is AMap required?
No, but it’s usually more accurate for local transit routes and POIs.

Can I use delivery apps without a China phone number?
It’s unreliable. A local SIM or hotel help is the safest path.

Should I carry my passport all day?
Yes. It can be requested for hotels, attraction tickets, or transport checks.

How do I find Wi‑Fi without a China SMS code?
Many restaurants have simple passwords; try common patterns or ask “WiFi?” directly.