A First-Timer's Guide to China: What to Know Before You Go

Traveling to China is an unforgettable experience. From the imperial landmarks of Beijing and the ancient history of Xi'an to the dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie and the modern skyline of Shanghai, every destination offers something entirely unique. While China operates a little differently from many Western countries, there's no need to feel intimidated.

When you travel with SA Expeditions, we'll help you prepare before departure so you can arrive with confidence. From practical travel tips to destination-specific guidance, we'll make sure you know exactly what to expect before your journey begins.

Here are top things we ensure all our first-time China clients should know before traveling to China.

Check Whether You Qualify for Visa-Free Transit

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Depending on your nationality and travel plans, you may be able to visit China without applying for a traditional tourist visa!

China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows eligible travelers from many countries to stay in designated regions of China for up to 10 days while transiting to a third destination. For example, flying from the United States to China and then continuing on to another country may qualify, provided your itinerary meets the program's requirements.

Visa regulations can change, and eligibility depends on your passport and routing. Before your trip, our team will help you understand the current requirements for your specific itinerary so you know exactly what documentation you'll need before you depart.

Stay Connected with an eSIM or Portable Wi-Fi

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Reliable internet access makes traveling around China much easier, and we recommend arranging it before you leave home.

Many travelers choose to install an eSIM before departure, allowing them to connect as soon as they land. If your phone isn't eSIM compatible, a portable Wi-Fi device is another excellent option, especially for couples or families traveling together.

Having internet access allows you to communicate with your guide, navigate unfamiliar cities, check train schedules, and access digital tickets throughout your journey.

It's also worth noting that many websites and apps commonly used outside China—including Google services, Gmail, Google Maps, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and others—are restricted within mainland China. Many international eSIM providers route data outside of mainland China, allowing travelers to continue accessing these services without needing additional setup. We're happy to provide our clients eSim recommendations before their trips, so they can choose the option that best fits their travel style.

Download a Translation App Before You Leave

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While you'll encounter English at many hotels and major attractions, it is less common in neighborhood restaurants, local markets, and smaller shops.

We recommend downloading a translation app before your trip and saving the Chinese language pack for offline use. Features such as camera translation make it easy to read menus, signs, and product labels, while voice translation can help with simple conversations.

Not sure which translation apps will be available in China? We’re happy to point our clients in the right direction. 

Set Up Alipay and WeChat Before Arrival

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China is one of the world's most cashless societies, with mobile payments used for everything from restaurants and taxis to convenience stores and souvenir shops. While it's always wise to carry a small amount of cash as a backup, most travelers find themselves using mobile payments for the majority of their purchases.

Two apps dominate daily life: Alipay and WeChat. Both now allow many international visitors to link eligible foreign credit cards, making payments quick and convenient throughout much of the country. 

Beyond payments, WeChat is also China's primary messaging platform and is commonly used by hotels, guides, and local businesses.

We have tools to help walk you through setting up these apps before your departure so you can arrive ready to use them. 

Keep Your Passport Handy

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Your passport won't just be needed at the airport.

Throughout your trip, you'll likely use it when checking into hotels, boarding high-speed trains, and entering certain attractions or cultural sites. It's a normal part of traveling in China, so we recommend always asking your guide if you’ll need your passport during your day so you can be prepared. 

For added peace of mind, it's also helpful to keep a secure digital copy and a printed photocopy stored separately from the original. We'll cover these practical details and more in your pre-departure information so you're fully prepared before you arrive.

Travel with Confidence

China blends thousands of years of history with cutting-edge modern infrastructure, creating one of the world's most fascinating travel experiences. While there are a few practical differences to be aware of before you go, they're easy to navigate with a little preparation.

When you travel with SA Expeditions, you won't be figuring it out on your own. Our team will guide you through everything from visa requirements and recommended apps to connectivity, payment methods, and other practical travel tips before departure. That way, once you arrive, you can focus on what matters most: experiencing China's remarkable history, culture, landscapes, and people.