Introduction
You've landed. You're excited. But suddenly you realize: you need to connect to Wi-Fi, find an ATM, book a train ticket, and figure out how to call for help if something goes wrong.
This guide is your survival kit — the practical, no-fluff information you need to handle the first day and any unexpected situation during your trip. Keep it bookmarked or save a screenshot on your phone.
Part 1: Before You Arrive — Documents & Paperwork
1. Passport & visa
Always carry your passport (or a clear color copy/picture on your phone). You'll need it for hotel check-in, train tickets, and sometimes even entering tourist sites. I kept a photo of my passport in my phone and carried the physical one in my daypack — that way I had both.
2. Printed copies — don't rely solely on your phone
Keep a paper copy of your passport information page, visa (if applicable), and hotel reservation for the first night. This is a lifesaver if your phone dies, gets stolen, or you're in an area with no signal. I also printed my first hotel's address in Chinese and kept it in my wallet — showed it to taxi drivers when my phone battery was low.
Part 2: At the Airport — First Steps
3. Airport Wi-Fi — the catch you need to know
Most major airports in China offer free Wi-Fi, but there's a catch: you often need to verify via SMS — which requires a local or roaming phone number that can receive texts. If you don't have one, you're stuck.
Solutions:
- Best option: Have an eSIM (like the ones we cover in the 2026 China Travel Prep guide) already active on your phone before you land — data works immediately, no SMS needed.
- Backup: Use the airport's free Wi-Fi kiosk (some airports have them) where you scan your passport to get a login code.
- Last resort: Ask a staff member at an information desk to help you connect using their phone number.
4. Currency exchange & ATM — where to get cash
Airport exchange counters offer terrible rates — sometimes 5-10% worse than the market rate. Exchange only a small amount (100-200 RMB) for immediate needs like a taxi or snack. Better option: Use an ATM inside the arrival hall. Most international ATMs (with Visa/Mastercard logos) work. Withdraw 500-1000 RMB at once to minimize ATM fees.
Pro tip: Not all ATMs accept foreign cards. Look for ATMs at Bank of China, ICBC, or China Construction Bank — they almost always work. If one ATM rejects your card, try another bank — the issue is often the machine, not your card.
5. Getting from the airport to the city — your options
- Subway/metro: Cheapest (5-10 RMB). Good if you have light luggage and arrive during operating hours (usually 6 AM to 11 PM).
- Airport express bus: Good balance (20-40 RMB). Drops you at major city hubs. Less crowded than subway.
- Taxi / Didi: Most convenient (80-200 RMB depending on city and distance). Have your hotel address written in Chinese ready to show the driver. I showed it on my phone — worked every time.
Part 3: Settling In — Accommodation & Daily Needs
6. Hotel check-in — what actually happens
All hotels in China are required by law to register foreign guests with the local police station. This means you'll need to show your passport at check-in. The front desk will scan it or take a photo. It takes 2-3 minutes. Some hotels also ask for your visa and entry stamp page — have those ready if they ask.
Important: If you're sharing a room with friends, every guest must present their passport — not just the person who booked. This is non-negotiable.
Note for China residents: If you have a Chinese ID card, that works too.
7. Power & charging — what plug to bring
Plug type: China uses Type A (two flat pins, like the US) and Type C (two round pins, like Europe). Voltage is 220V (most modern laptop and phone chargers are dual-voltage — check the label on your charger, it should say "100-240V").
What to bring: A universal travel adapter that works with both plug types. They cost $10-20 and save you from hunting for a store on your first day.
8. Drinking water — don't make this mistake
Do not drink tap water anywhere in China. It's not potable. Do not brush your teeth with tap water. I made this mistake on my first day in Shanghai and spent the next 24 hours in my hotel room regretting it.
Solutions:
- Buy bottled water: 2-3 RMB for 500ml at any convenience store (7-Eleven, Family Mart). 5-8 RMB for 1.5L.
- Use a water purifier bottle with a built-in filter (like Grayl or LifeStraw).
- Hotels provide bottled water — usually two free bottles per day in the room. Ask for more if you need it.
Part 4: Health & Emergencies
9. Pharmacies & common medicines — what you can get
Pharmacies (药店 — yàodiàn) have a green cross symbol. They sell over-the-counter medicines: painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol), cold remedies, stomach medicine, throat lozenges, and basic first-aid supplies.
What you can't get without a prescription: Antibiotics, strong painkillers (like codeine), and some sleep aids. If you need these, bring them from home or see a doctor in China.
Pro tip: Pharmacists in China are trained but often don't speak English. Show them the name of the medicine or the symptom in Chinese (use your translation app). Or better: take a photo of the medicine packaging you use at home and show it — they can find the Chinese equivalent.
10. Seeing a doctor — where to go and what it costs
For serious issues: Go to an international hospital or the international medical center of a major public hospital. They have English-speaking staff and are equipped to handle foreign patients.
Cost: A consultation at an international hospital can cost 500-1500 RMB ($70-210). A public hospital international clinic is cheaper: 300-800 RMB ($40-110).
What to bring: Your passport, travel insurance card (if you have it), and a credit card linked to Alipay for payment (most hospitals accept Alipay).
11. Emergency numbers — save these now
- Police: 110
- Fire: 119
- Ambulance: 120
Note: These numbers work from any phone, even without a SIM card or credit. English-speaking operators are not guaranteed — if you need emergency services and don't speak Chinese, try to find a local nearby who can make the call for you. Or use your translation app to say "Please call an ambulance" (请叫救护车 — Qǐng jiào jiùhù chē).
Part 5: Legal & Safety — Know Your Rights
12. Police checks — what to expect
In public places like train stations, airports, and sometimes on the street, police may ask to see your passport. This is routine and not a cause for alarm.
What to do: Politely show your passport. Don't argue. They're doing their job. If you're staying in China long-term, you might also need to show your residence registration.
What if you don't have your passport on you?: Show a clear photo of your passport on your phone. In most cases, this is sufficient. But for train travel and hotel check-in, you need the physical passport.
13. Lost or stolen passport — the step-by-step
Losing your passport in a foreign country is stressful. Here's what to do:
- File a police report — go to the nearest police station. They'll give you a report (in Chinese) which you'll need for your embassy.
- Contact your embassy/consulate — they'll issue an emergency travel document (usually takes 1-3 days). The US embassy in Beijing is at +86-10-8531-4000. Other embassies are in Beijing or Shanghai.
- Cancel/replace your credit cards — call your bank's international hotline (save this number before you go).
- Get a new passport photo — most embassies have a photo booth, or you can go to a local photo shop.
Pro tip: Keep digital copies of your passport and visa on your phone and in the cloud. If your physical passport is stolen, you can show the digital copy to your embassy to speed up the process.
14. Scams to watch for — and how to avoid them
- Tea house scam: A friendly local invites you to a tea ceremony, then presents a massive bill (500+ RMB). How to avoid: Politely decline any unsolicited invitations from strangers, especially near tourist sites.
- Taxi overcharging: Driver says "meter broken" and quotes a flat rate. How to avoid: Always use Didi (fare is locked in), or insist on the meter (打表 — dǎ biǎo).
- Fake police: Someone in plain clothes flashes a badge and asks for your passport or money. How to avoid: Real police in China wear uniforms and carry official ID. If you're unsure, say "I'll go to the police station with you" — scammers will usually back off.
- Art/student scam: Someone approaches you, says they're an art student, asks you to visit their "exhibition," then pressures you to buy a painting. How to avoid: Just say "No, thank you" and keep walking.
Part 6: Quick Reference — Emergency Card
Save this to your phone or print it out:
- Police: 110
- Fire: 119
- Ambulance: 120
- US Embassy Beijing: +86-10-8531-4000
- UK Embassy Beijing: +86-10-5192-4000
- Australia Embassy Beijing: +86-10-5140-4111
- Canada Embassy Beijing: +86-10-5139-4000
Phrase to show for medical help:
"I need to see a doctor. Please call an ambulance or take me to the nearest international hospital."
Chinese: "我需要看医生。请帮我叫救护车或带我去最近的国际医院。"
Pinyin: Wǒ xūyào kàn yīshēng. Qǐng bāng wǒ jiào jiùhù chē huò dài wǒ qù zuìjìn de guójì yīyuàn.
Final Checklist — Your Survival Kit
- ✅ Digital & printed copy of passport, visa, and flight itinerary
- ✅ Universal travel adapter (Type A/C) and power bank
- ✅ At least 500 RMB in cash (small bills preferred — 10, 20, 50 RMB notes are most useful)
- ✅ Translation app installed with offline Chinese pack downloaded (Youdao or Microsoft Translator)
- ✅ Emergency numbers saved in your phone contacts and as a printed card in your wallet
- ✅ A printed hotel address card (in Chinese) in your wallet — essential for taxis
- ✅ eSIM or roaming plan already set up (see our 2026 China Travel Prep guide for details)
Final Words
China is a safe and incredibly welcoming country, but being prepared makes all the difference. Most emergencies can be avoided with common sense, but when something does happen, having this guide will help you stay calm and get the help you need.
Three takeaways:
- Carry your passport — it's required for hotel check-in, train travel, and police checks
- Keep digital and printed backups — of your passport, visa, and hotel reservations
- Trust your instincts — if something feels off (especially unsolicited invitations), politely walk away
Safe travels — and enjoy your trip to China. You've got this.