Travel To China Checklist

Before You Go: The Visa

The first item one needs is a visa to China. Without a visa, one will get deported at their own expense and even get fined. When applying for a visa, one needs to state the intention of the trip and how many times they wish to come back. As a tourist, a person will go for the tourist visa. There are options for this: single, dual, or multiple entry visa. That applies to US citizens. If one needs a passport or needs to renew it, they should do so before applying for the visa.

Important Things To Bring To China

• Passport with visa
• Credit/debit cards
• Travel/medical insurance
• Cell phone or laptop
• Install the WeChat app (for communication and payments)
• Photos of important documents (passport/visa)
• Money (bring Chinese currency if possible)
• Luggage with locks
• Any maps, guides, embassy contact info, etc.

What to bring when traveling to China are the essentials one would take on any trip. They include passport copies and other forms of identification like a driver’s license. A person should also bring emergency cash and ATM/credit cards to withdraw additional funds upon arrival and on a needs basis. Make sure you inform your bank back home that you will be coming to China and will need to make purchases as well as take out cash from the ATM using your card. Though not everyone goes for it, one should consider getting travel insurance, especially because policies are increasingly tailor-made and affordable. That extra peace of mind makes all the difference when traveling. Other items are a pen to fill in the entry information, and other things that make the flight and stay convenient.

Personal Care

Depending on where you are going to stay in China and whether you will be in a hotel or not, you will need some basic essentials as well. It is better to buy these things after you arrive, since not only will the cost be cheaper, but you will save extra room in your luggage. Some of the basic essentials you may need are:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Comb
• Towels
• Blow dryer
• Deodorant
• Shaving products

You may want to bring your own deodorant instead of trying to buy it once you arrive. Deodorant in China is not commonly used and is often difficult for foreigners to find. This is one thing you should consider bringing from home. One should also bring medication and supplements for treating common ailments such as diarrhea or a cold. There are also some universal things a person can carry. They include an adapter needed for China, a power converter if needed, and everything required to charge electronics.

Clothing To Bring To China

When packing for a trip to China, one also has to consider the season they are traveling in. For the clothes, it helps to know the climate when packing. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures around 31 °C (88 °F), and December and January are the coldest, with average temperatures of -10 °C (14 °F). Overall, one ought to consider carrying comfortable shoes that can withstand any terrain, and flip-flops for when taking a shower or roaming around. What to pack for a trip to China is often overlooked and should be given more attention.

Other Useful Items

• Camera for taking photos
• Phone charger with Chinese adapter
• Books, reading material
• Games
• Umbrella
• Hand sanitizer
• Flashlight
• Extra tissue paper

There is also the question of what not to bring to China. For starters, any animal product is not accepted. The same goes for fresh fruits and seeds. Look up the travel information for China given by the embassy to know what to take and what not to take. Everyone should adhere to the rules to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law, especially when one fails to declare these items. Hopefully this travel to China checklist makes it easier for you to know what to bring. If you still are wondering what to know when traveling to China, be sure to check out our China travel guide for more information to help you during your trip. You can also hire us as your tour guide in China.