critical
Clear immigration with purpose-aligned answers
Have lodging address and return/onward plans ready. Stay consistent with your entry category.
Directory
Arrive
First 24–72 hours on the ground: border → SIM → money → registration → movement.
Pure navigation — official links and notes. No checkboxes here.
Hour 0–2 · Airport
recommended
Baggage & customs
Follow red/green channel rules posted on site. Declare when required.
critical
Buy a mainland SIM / activate eSIM
Passport registration is standard at operator kiosks. Your number unlocks SMS verification for wallets and ride-hail.
critical
Exchange a starter amount of RMB
If card binding is not ready, cash covers metro food and taxis. Keep the exchange receipt.
—
critical
Get into the city
Maglev/metro/airport bus/taxi/ride-hail all exist in major hubs. Pick one you can pay for with cash or a working wallet.
Hour 2–24 · Money online
critical
Finish Alipay / WeChat Pay and test a tiny purchase
Complete any SMS steps with your new mainland number. Buy water or a snack via QR to prove the loop works.
Hour 2–24 · Registration
critical
If you are in a hotel: confirm registration happened
Reception typically scans your passport into the police system at check-in. Ask once: “Has my temporary residence registration been done?”
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critical
If private lodging: plan the police station visit
Many cities expect foreigners in non-hotel lodging to register at the local 派出所, often within 24 hours of arrival or move-in. Bring passport and address proof. Ask your host for the exact station and any forms they use.
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Day 1–3 · Movement
recommended
Default to Amap for every trip
Save hotel, subway station, and convenience store pins. Offline/poor signal still happens underground — screenshot routes when needed.
recommended
Set up metro / bus payment + maps
Many cities support metro QR inside Alipay or WeChat city services, or physical cards from service centers. Keep an official line map handy; use Amap for exits and transfers.
optional
Check local weather
Pack for rain and heat swings. Live city forecasts are on the Essentials page.
optional
Only now: find easier places to pay
Once SIM + wallet (or cash) work, use the Places directory for foreigner-friendlier payment tags. Always reconfirm at the counter.
Day 1–3 · Stability check
critical
72-hour stability checklist
You are “landed” when all of the below are true.