China airport arrival checklist
From terminal to hotel — five steps to nail your first 60 minutes on the ground.
Just landed in China? Here's your survival guide. China is massive, but we've got you covered. Here is your ultimate airport arrival checklist to get you from the terminal to your hotel seamlessly.
1. Get Connected. Before you leave the terminal, hop on the airport Wi-Fi or grab a local SIM/eSIM. Download WeChat and Alipay immediately — they are your keys to everything here.
2. Sort Out Payments. Link your international credit card to Alipay or WeChat Pay. It works like a charm most of the time, but keep some RMB cash as a backup. Trust us, you don't want to be stuck if the app glitches.
3. Clear Customs Smoothly. Have your visa or TWOV (Transit Without Visa) documents ready. Double-check that your hotel name matches your arrival card. Keep your passport handy at all times.
4. Secure Your First Night. Confirm your hotel booking and airport transfer. Whether you're taking the Maglev, DiDi, or a taxi, screenshot your destination in Chinese. Show, don't tell.
5. Plan Your Next Move. Check local transit apps for your next leg. Review those high-speed train times now while you still have reliable airport Wi-Fi.
Grab the full pre-trip setup guide. Safe travels!
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