China Arrival Guide

Your first hour after landing: grab your bags, get online, sort transport, and get to your hotel without drama.

When to read

From landing to leaving the airport or station.

What it covers

Rules and services change. For anything important — entry, transport, payment, hotels, telecom — double-check with official sources before you travel.

Before leaving the airportThe airport is the last place with free Wi-Fi, English signs, and staff who deal with confused foreigners all day. Use it. Sort your stuff here, not on the street.SourcesState CouncilNational Immigration AdministrationRead details Address and route checksA Chinese address that locals can actually read will save you so much trouble. "Hilton Shanghai" means nothing to a taxi driver — he needs the Chinese street address.SourcesNational Immigration AdministrationRead details Payment backupDon't discover your payment doesn't work while a taxi driver is staring at you. Check it before you leave the arrivals hall.SourcesState CouncilBank of ChinaRead details Low-stress first mealYou just survived a long flight and immigration. This is not the night for that authentic hole-in-the-wall place across town. Eat something simple, close to your hotel.SourcesState CouncilRead details