Set up payments before you land
The smoothest first trip to China starts with payment setup. Your goal is not just to install apps, but to prepare one main payment method and one backup.
Step 1: understand what works most often
Most first-time visitors should start with WeChat Pay and Alipay, then keep a backup card and a small cash fallback for edge cases.
Step 2: make sure you can get online
Payment apps are only useful if your phone works on arrival. Decide in advance whether you will use a local SIM, an eSIM, or roaming for the first day.
Read the SIM and internet guide
Step 3: plan your first airport transfer
If your apps are not fully working at the airport, your first city transfer becomes harder than it should be. Save your route before departure.
Your first-trip payment checklist
- WeChat and Alipay installed before departure
- At least one working international card added
- Hotel address saved offline
- Airport transfer plan saved offline
- SIM or eSIM plan decided in advance