Arrive

Have lodging address and return/onward plans ready. Stay consistent with your entry category.

1. Queue for foreigner / visitor immigration as signed
2. Keep passport, forms, and booking screenshots accessible
3. Receive entry stamp / endorsement — photograph it later for your records

Follow red/green channel rules posted on site. Declare when required.

1. Collect baggage
2. Use the channel that matches what you are carrying
3. Keep receipts for high-value items if relevant to your situation

Passport registration is standard at operator kiosks. Your number unlocks SMS verification for wallets and ride-hail.

1. Find China Mobile / Unicom / Telecom after arrivals
2. Bring passport; ask for a tourist/visitor plan with data + SMS
3. Test a call/SMS before leaving the counter
4. Save the SIM packaging / ICCID photo if provided

Kiosk hours and stock vary by terminal and flight time.

If card binding is not ready, cash covers metro food and taxis. Keep the exchange receipt.

1. Use bank counters / licensed airport exchange
2. Start small; you can exchange more later
3. Photograph the receipt

Maglev/metro/airport bus/taxi/ride-hail all exist in major hubs. Pick one you can pay for with cash or a working wallet.

1. Open Amap and enter your Chinese hotel address
2. If using taxi, show the Chinese address screen to the driver
3. Avoid informal touts in arrivals halls

Complete any SMS steps with your new mainland number. Buy water or a snack via QR to prove the loop works.

1. Attach mainland phone number if the app requests it
2. Retry foreign card bind if it failed earlier
3. Pay one real merchant QR under ¥20–50
4. If both wallets fail, use cash and retry after rest / bank unlock

Reception typically scans your passport into the police system at check-in. Ask once: “Has my temporary residence registration been done?”

1. Check in with passport
2. Ask for confirmation registration was filed
3. Keep your room card and booking record

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.

1. Message host for station name + what to bring
2. Go with passport, lodging contract/confirmation, and host contact
3. Keep any stamped registration paper with your passport
4. Re-register if you change address later

Checklist only — not legal advice. Local practice varies; hotel staff and hosts are your first practical guide.

Save hotel, subway station, and convenience store pins. Offline/poor signal still happens underground — screenshot routes when needed.

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.

1. Search your city name inside Alipay/WeChat transport mini programs
2. Or buy a rechargeable card at a metro customer center
3. Open Essentials for official metro site links

Pack for rain and heat swings. Live city forecasts are on the Essentials page.

Once SIM + wallet (or cash) work, use the Places directory for foreigner-friendlier payment tags. Always reconfirm at the counter.

You are “landed” when all of the below are true.

1. Mainland number receives SMS
2. At least one wallet paid a real QR — or you have enough cash while fixing wallets
3. Lodging registration handled (hotel or station)
4. You can navigate hotel ↔ food ↔ metro without guesswork