Know Before You Go: China
The laws, local rules, safety tips, and cultural things I’d want to know before landing
China is one of those destinations where a little preparation can make a huge difference.
The biggest things I’d want sorted before landing are entry requirements, payments, internet access, medication rules, train bookings, and accommodation registration. Once those are handled, the trip gets a lot easier.
Check Whether You Need a Visa
China’s entry rules depend on your nationality and the type of trip you’re taking.
As of 2026, China offers unilateral visa-free entry to nationals of many countries for stays of up to 30 days, but U.S. passport holders are not on that general 30-day visa-free list. U.S. travelers typically still need a visa for an ordinary tourist trip unless they qualify for a specific visa-free transit policy. National Immigration Administration
So before booking, check the official Chinese embassy or National Immigration Administration guidance for your passport.
The 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Rule Can Be Useful
China’s 240-hour visa-free transit program now covers 57 countries, including the United States.
Eligible travelers can stay for up to 10 days in designated areas if they are transiting through China to a third country or region and meet the required routing and ticket conditions. National Immigration Administration
The important part is that this is for transit.
For example:
Los Angeles → Shanghai → Tokyo can potentially qualify.
Los Angeles → Shanghai → Los Angeles does not meet the third-country transit requirement.
Always verify your exact itinerary before relying on this option.
Set Up Alipay or WeChat Pay Before You Arrive
This is probably one of the most useful things you can do before China.
Mobile payments are a major part of everyday life, and international visitors can link eligible foreign bank cards to Alipay or Weixin Pay / WeChat Pay. Tianhe District
You can use them for things like:
Restaurants
Transportation
Hotels
Convenience stores
Shopping
QR-code payments
I would download at least one of them before the trip and set up your card while you still have easy access to your normal phone service.
Keep Some Cash Too
China is heavily mobile-payment based, but cash is still legal and useful as a backup.
Official guidance says foreign visitors can use mobile payments, bank cards, or RMB cash. State Council of China
I would not make cash your main payment method, but I also would not travel with zero.
Know About Mobile-Payment Fees
If you link an international bank card to Alipay or WeChat Pay, small transactions may be free of platform service fees, while larger purchases can sometimes carry a fee.
Current guidance says transactions of 200 yuan or less are generally exempt from the 3% service fee, while transactions above that amount may incur one depending on the platform and current promotions. Shanghai Government
Check the payment screen before confirming.
The Internet Works Differently
This is a big one.
Some websites and services commonly used elsewhere may not work normally in mainland China, and internet access is subject to local restrictions.
The U.S. State Department also warns that travelers should not expect privacy on Chinese mobile or internet networks and notes that unauthorized VPN use can create legal risk. Travel.state.gov
So before your trip:
Download anything important
Save hotel addresses offline
Download maps
Screenshot reservations
Make sure you can access important documents without relying on your usual apps
Do not make “figure out how my phone works in China” your first activity after landing.
Check Your Medications Before Packing
China allows reasonable quantities of many medications for personal use, but medicines containing certain narcotic or psychotropic substances can be restricted or require supporting documentation.
Official guidance recommends carrying prescriptions, medical records, or diagnostic certificates when appropriate and declaring controlled medications to Customs. Chongqing Municipal Government
Do not assume a medication that is legal at home is automatically fine to bring in.
Cannabis Is Prohibited
China prohibits the import of marijuana and other addictive narcotics or psychotropic substances. Tianhe District
I would not bring:
Marijuana
THC products
Cannabis vapes
Edibles
Anything you are unsure could fall into a prohibited category
This is not a destination where I would take chances with drug laws.
Hotels Register You Automatically
If you stay in a hotel, the hotel handles your accommodation registration with local public security authorities.
If you stay somewhere other than a hotel, such as a private residence, you or your host generally need to register your accommodation within 24 hours of arrival. China began piloting online registration in several regions in 2026. State Council of China
If you are staying in an Airbnb-style rental or with friends, I would ask how registration is being handled.
Trains Are Excellent, But Your Passport Matters
China’s high-speed rail system is one of the easiest ways to move between major cities.
Foreign travelers can use their passport to buy train tickets through the official 12306 website or app, but identity verification is required before purchasing. State Council of China
I would set this up before you actually need to book a train.
Keep Your Passport With You
Your passport is used for more than just immigration.
You may need it for:
Hotels
Train tickets
Certain attractions
Identity verification
I would keep it secure and accessible rather than leaving it somewhere inconvenient.
Check Customs Rules Before Packing Food or Specialty Items
China restricts or prohibits certain items, including weapons, narcotics, some animal and plant products, and other regulated materials. Tianhe District
If you are bringing unusual food, plants, medicine, or specialty products, check first.
Download Translation Help
Even in major cities, you will encounter situations where English is limited.
I would have:
A translation app
Offline language support if available
Your hotel name and address written in Chinese
Important destinations saved in Chinese characters
That can make taxis and asking for help much easier.
Be Ready for QR Codes Everywhere
QR codes show up constantly for:
Menus
Payments
Mini-programs
Tickets
Reservations
Your phone is going to do a lot of work on this trip.
Keep it charged and carry a portable battery.
Tipping Is Not Generally Expected
China does not have a broad tipping culture like the United States.
At most everyday restaurants, taxis, and services, tipping is not expected.
Pay the listed amount unless a specific service says otherwise.
Respect Local Laws and Public Rules
China has laws and enforcement practices that may be very different from what you are used to at home.
Do not assume that something being normal or legal in another country means it is treated the same way here.
Follow posted rules, be mindful when photographing sensitive places, and avoid getting casual about anything involving government, military, border, or security areas.
💡 SHANE’S TIP
Before China, I would set up payments, phone access, train booking, and offline backups before I even get on the plane.
Download Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Set up your card.
Save important addresses.
Screenshot your reservations.
Get your translation tools ready.
That prep will make the first 24 hours way smoother.
The Bottom Line
China is very manageable once you understand the systems.
The biggest things I would know before going are:
Check your visa or transit eligibility
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay
Keep some RMB as backup
Understand internet restrictions
Check medication rules
Do not bring cannabis or prohibited drugs
Know how accommodation registration works
Set up 12306 for trains
Keep your passport accessible
Download translation and offline travel information
A little prep here goes a long way.
Go somewhere. Make it worth it.