Hosted China

Guides

The practical side of a first trip: getting in, paying, staying online and catching trains. Each guide shows when it was last checked.

Before you go

Passengers walking along the glass-walled international arrivals corridor of Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 3Shoppers walking past traditional-style shopfronts under a tiled roof in Kuanzhai Alley, ChengduA passenger checking his phone on the Line 1 platform at Xujiahui station, Shanghai, with bilingual signs abovePassengers walking along a platform beside a high-speed train at Nanjing South station in early morning light
  1. China visa-free entry in 2026: 30-day and 240-hour rules29 October 2026

    Citizens of 50 countries, including the UK, Canada and Australia, can stay 30 days visa-free until December 31, 2026. Americans need a visa or the 240-hour transit rule.

  2. Paying in China: Alipay, WeChat Pay, cards and cash29 October 2026

    Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay with your own Visa or Mastercard before you fly, carry some cash as backup, and expect a 3% fee on QR payments over ¥200.

  3. Apps and internet in China: data, eSIMs and local apps29 October 2026

    Sort out data before you fly, expect Google, WhatsApp and Instagram not to load on Chinese networks, and install Alipay, WeChat, a local map app and 12306 at home.

  4. China high-speed trains: booking on 12306 with a passport29 October 2026

    Book on the official 12306 app with your passport up to 15 days ahead, arrive with time for security and ID checks, and choose second, first or business class.

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