EVERYTHING you MUST KNOW before Traveling to CHINA in 2025

You absolutely need to prepare for your China trip – and I mean really prepare, not just book a flight and wing it.

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What it is: WeChat isn’t just messaging – it’s THE communication platform in China. Think WhatsApp, Facebook, Uber, PayPal, and Yelp all rolled into one superapp
Why you need it: Everyone will want to add you on WeChat – hotel staff, tour guides, new friends, business contacts. It’s how Chinese people communicate.
The superapp factor: WeChat contains thousands of mini-apps within it. Want to order food? There’s a mini-app. Book a massage? Mini-app. Pay bills? Mini-app. Access to restaurants, services, and experiences often requires WeChat
How to: Download WeChat, verify with your phone number, upload your passport photo, complete profile setup

What it is: WeChat’s built-in payment system, integrated directly into the messaging app
Mini-app integration: Some restaurant ordering systems and services within WeChat require WeChat Pay specifically
Backup payment: Having both WeChat Pay and Alipay ensures you’re never stuck unable to pay
How to: Open WeChat, go to “Me” → “Services” → “Wallet”, then link your international credit card

Essential for payments: Alternative payment system.
Works everywhere: Subways, taxis, convenience stores, restaurants, vending machines – literally everywhere
Foreign card linking: You can now link international credit cards, but set this up before you arrive
How to: Download Alipay, verify with passport, link your international credit card

China’s Uber equivalent: The dominant ride-hailing app, essential for getting around
Why you need it: Regular taxis can be challenging for foreigners (language barriers, severe overcharging for foreigners)
Built-in translation: The app helps bridge language gaps between you and drivers
Transparent pricing: No haggling, no surprise charges, everything is upfront
How to: Download Didi, register with your phone number, add Alipay or WeChat Pay as payment method, and save your hotel address

Google Maps is useless: Completely blocked in China, won’t work even with a VPN reliably
Apple Maps disappoints: Limited data, often shows incorrect or outdated information

Always use Didi for airport transfers: Show the driver your hotel booking confirmation on your phone
Phone verification process: Drivers will confirm the last 4 digits of your phone number as a security measure
Language barrier workaround: The app translates your destination, reducing miscommunication
Toll road transparency: Any toll charges are automatically added to your fare – no need for cash or separate payments

Scam awareness: Many Chinese taxi drivers will try to overcharge tourists
Didi protection: Using the app protects you from overcharging and provides a paper trail

Singapore-level quality: China’s metro systems are modern, clean, efficient, and extensive
Incredible value: Most rides cost 30 cents to $1 USD, even for long journeys to airports
Alipay integration: Simply scan the QR code with Alipay to enter and exit – no need for physical tickets
English signage: Major cities have excellent English signage and announcements
Frequency and coverage: Trains run every 2-3 minutes during peak hours, extensive network coverage

Everything Google: Gmail, Google Search, Google Maps, YouTube, Google Drive – completely inaccessible
All Meta products: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp – blocked entirely
Other major sites: Wikipedia, most news sites, streaming platforms

Popular VPNs are blocked: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost – the ones everyone knows about are actively blocked

eSIM providers: Airalo, Mobimatter, Maya Mobile, Saily offer international data plans that bypass restrictions, links / discount codes in the description.
Set up before travel: Download the eSIM app and configure your plan before leaving home
Unrestricted access: These typically provide access to blocked services without VPN complications

Here are my recommendations:

#1 Maya Mobile (great deals). Here is the Link: https://maxkuch.com/go/maya/
#2 Mobimatter (Hong Kong Phone Number). Here is the Link: https://maxkuch.com/go/mobimatter/
#3 Saily (great UI). Here is the Link: https://maxkuch.com/go/saily/ – 5% off use code: MAXI5
#4 Airalo (often fastest internet). Here is the Link: https://maxkuch.com/go/airalo/ -15% off use code for ALL future purchases: MAXIMILIAN

Blocked services: Other taxi apps, food delivery platforms, bike-sharing systems, many vending machines
The phone number barrier: These services require Chinese mobile verification, blocking foreign tourists

Mobimatter + Three HK: Use the provider Three HK on Mobimatter to get a +852 Hong Kong phone number. Check it out here.
Domestic recognition: Hong Kong numbers are often accepted by Chinese apps as “domestic”
Setup timing: Arrange this before travel as verification can take time

Foreigner processing experience: Large hotels have staff trained in foreign guest requirements and documentation
Surprisingly affordable: $50-100 USD per night for genuine luxury – incredible value compared to Western prices
English-speaking staff: Front desk staff typically speak English and can help with local navigation

Documentation challenges: Smaller establishments often struggle with foreign passport registration requirements
Language barriers: Staff may have limited English, making communication difficult
System limitations: Their booking systems might not handle foreign guests properly

Country-specific requirements: Visa requirements vary significantly based on your passport
Return ticket mandatory: Chinese authorities WILL ask for proof of departure – this isn’t optional
Strict enforcement: Unlike some countries that are flexible, China enforces this requirement consistently
Multiple checkpoints: Hotels, domestic flights, at some tourists sights they’ll check for your visa
True transit only: If using a transit visa, you must actually transit (A → B → C), not back and forth

Ferry terminal check-in: If flying from Hong Kong International Airport, you can check in at the Shenzhen ferry terminal
Luggage forwarding: Your luggage goes directly to your flight, eliminating Hong Kong customs hassles
Time savings: Skip Hong Kong immigration and customs entirely
Booking requirements: This service must be arranged in advance through specific ferry operators
Documentation: Ensure you have proper documentation for both mainland China exit and Hong Kong transit