Voyage East · China Ready
Your China
Ready Kit
Use this before you leave, then keep it handy for the details you need on the trip. Your confirmed itinerary contains your actual bookings, meeting points and host contacts.
Checklist
Before you leave
Start with your documents
- Check the entry requirements for your passport, purpose of travel and route with the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate. For transit arrangements, also consult the National Immigration Administration.
- Use the correct passport details for your travel bookings and carry the document used to book.
- Save your itinerary, first-night hotel details and travel insurance contact information offline.
- Check any rules that apply to medicines you need to carry through the relevant official channels.
Set up your phone
- Confirm your phone and chosen data plan work for mainland China.
- Check when the plan activates and whether it includes a phone number, calls or SMS.
- Install the payment and messaging apps you plan to use and complete the available verification steps.
- Save logins and make sure you can access any verification messages you need while away.
- Download Chinese for offline translation where your chosen app supports it.
Save your arrival details
- The hotel's Chinese name, address, phone number and map pin.
- Your arrival airport or station and the onward meeting point.
- Your host's contact details, if included in your booking.
- A payment backup: a physical card and some RMB cash, alongside the apps.
Payments
Payments
Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used for everyday purchases. Check current card support and identity requirements in the apps before you travel. A card added successfully at home may still be declined for a particular transaction.
- Install the apps and sign in.
- Complete the requested checks and add a supported card.
- Find the payment screen so you know how to use it.
- Keep a separate payment method available.
Apps
Apps to consider
| Task | Options | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging | Confirm your login and add any trip contacts | |
| Payments | Alipay, WeChat Pay | Complete the checks available for your account |
| Maps | Amap, Baidu Maps | Save Chinese place names and entrances |
| Ride-hailing | DiDi | Check account access and pickup instructions |
| Rail bookings | China Railway 12306, Trip.com | Check passport details and booking conditions |
| Food searches | Dianping, Meituan | Use as references; language and booking access may vary |
| Translation | Your chosen camera-translation app, Pleco | Download any supported offline resources |
Rail
Getting around
For a train journey, check the full station name in both languages. Cities can have several stations, and the nearest one may not be the one on your booking.
Keep the train number, date, departure time, carriage and seat details together. Carry the passport used for the booking and follow the carrier's advice on arrival time and document checks.
For a taxi or ride-hailing pickup, choose a clear entrance and save its Chinese name or map pin. For a flight, allow for the time needed to reach the airport as well as check-in and baggage requirements.
An address card to fill in
| Detail | Save this information |
|---|---|
| Place | English and Chinese name |
| Address | Full Chinese address |
| Entrance | Gate or entrance specified in your booking |
| Map | Saved pin or screenshot |
| Contact | Hotel, venue or host phone number |
Example station name: 杭州东站 (Hangzhou East Railway Station). Use the station printed on your own booking.
Food
Food and useful phrases
Meals often involve shared dishes. If you have an allergy or strict dietary requirement, prepare a clear Chinese note and confirm ingredients with the person preparing the food. A translation app or a general phrase cannot establish that a dish is suitable.
| Chinese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 你好 | Hello |
| 谢谢 | Thank you |
| 请问，洗手间在哪里？ | Excuse me, where is the toilet? |
| 请帮我点菜 | Please help me order |
| 买单，谢谢 | The bill, please |
| 不要辣 | No spicy seasoning, please |
| 我不吃肉 | I don't eat meat |
The last two phrases are preferences, not complete allergy or vegetarian instructions. Be specific about ingredients, broth and preparation where needed.
Support
Who to contact
Before the trip: email [email protected] about arrangements included in your booking.
During the planned programme: use the local host contact provided for meeting points, timing and coordination. Support hours and channels are set out in your booking information.
For urgent help: contact the appropriate local emergency service first. For insurance or consular matters, use your insurer or embassy's published contact details, then inform your host where relevant.
Contacts to save offline
Your local host · Hotel reception · Insurer's emergency assistance · Embassy or consulate · Local emergency services
Quick reference
If something goes wrong
| Situation | First step |
|---|---|
| Payment is declined | Read the app message and ask which alternative the merchant accepts |
| You can't find the entrance | Show the Chinese address and call the hotel, venue or host |
| Your train details are unclear | Show station staff your booking and passport |
| A delay affects the programme | Contact the local host using the number in your itinerary |
| You need urgent assistance | Use the relevant local emergency service |
Official information
Official information
Check current requirements with the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate, the National Immigration Administration, China Railway 12306 and your payment or mobile provider. Travellers based in the UK can also consult FCDO China travel advice; other travellers should check their government's travel advice.
Ready for the journey
Ready for the journey
Before departure, revisit any unfinished items and keep your arrival details somewhere you can reach without an internet connection.
Voyage East
Your China
Ready Kit
Before departure, revisit any unfinished items and keep your arrival details somewhere you can reach without an internet connection.
[email protected] · voyageeastchina.com