Your China departure checklist

Check the document and every transit, entry, exit and side trip. Use the current authority or responsible visa center rather than assume a nationality list applies on your future date.

Follow your application location's current forms, appointment, supporting documents and fee instructions. Do not rely on an unofficial processing guarantee.

Compare open-jaw and return options, actual airport codes, arrival time and the first-night transfer before purchasing an inflexible fare.

Apply the validity and blank-page requirements of the relevant authority and carrier. Keep the traveler name and document consistent across flight, rail, hotel and venue bookings.

Ask the specific property about foreign-guest check-in, passport, deposit, late arrival and the Chinese address. Do not treat a generic website filter as a guarantee.

Review insurer contact, emergency and documentation requirements. For regular or controlled medication, ask a qualified clinician and check official import rules for the exact item and quantity.

Set up the wallet, messaging, map, translation and only the transport or booking apps your trip uses. Preserve errors rather than repeatedly creating accounts.

Complete requested wallet identity steps, link eligible cards and understand the displayed fees and limits. Prepare a separate card and some lawful local-currency backup.

Use 12306's official channel early and inspect the passenger status. Keep exact station names and the actual passport used for the booking.

For each venue, verify its current reservation channel, opening day, document rules and release window. Do not apply one attraction's timing to every city.

Check device compatibility, activation, coverage, price and the provider's actual terms. Save recovery and support instructions offline.

Check transit-country documents, through-baggage, terminal changes and separate-ticket consequences with official carrier and government sources.

Open the map and hotel address, use translation offline where supported, check wallet access and retrieve rail or flight details. A single test does not prove universal acceptance.

Review the operating carrier's latest notice, airport code and baggage instructions. Allow for your actual transfer instead of a generic minimum-time rule.

Use only the official NIA website, app or mini program. Save the confirmation if supplied. Paper and on-site options remain for travelers unable to fill it in advance.

Review the effective policy, complete onward ticket and geographic limits. Screenshot or print the official page you relied on, with its date.

Keep passport and visa copies securely, plus flight, onward-ticket, hotel Chinese address, phone numbers, insurance and embassy information. Do not expose them in public groups.

If your bank offers travel notices or overseas-transaction controls, configure them directly. Give a trusted person your itinerary and two contact routes without sharing account passwords.

Do not place the passport or required entry documents in checked baggage. Keep them secure and accessible for inspection and hotel check-in.

Check current airline and route rules for watt-hour marking, cabin-only carriage, quantity and condition. Do not rely on an old mAh number copied from a guide.

Check your device voltage and plug requirements against the accommodation and destination. A plug adapter does not convert voltage.

Keep regular medicines in original packaging with the prescription or clinician letter when appropriate, and verify restricted-ingredient and quantity rules before travel.

Tissues, hand sanitizer within transport limits, a secure bag, essential chargers and any accessibility or child items your route needs.

Keep a paper Chinese hotel address, important phone numbers and critical booking references separate from the phone.

Follow immigration and customs directions, answer the actual itinerary and declare items when required. Use the arrival-card alternatives if online filling was not completed.

Follow the provider's exact activation and roaming instructions. Check the selected data line and avoid accidental home-carrier charges.

Refresh a known page and open the hotel address or another essential app. If one fails, identify the current network before changing settings.

Check that you can access the wallet and support. If a transaction spins, inspect the bill and merchant order before trying again.

Check the machine's supported cards, displayed fees and your bank's terms. Review the currency choice and retain the receipt; do not assume every ATM or amount is appropriate.

Use the official airport transport, taxi queue or a prearranged provider. Show the Chinese address, confirm the pickup point and keep a staffed alternative.