NihaoPass
Are you ready for China?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you exactly what to sort out before you fly.
Let's get you sorted before you go.
Check whether your phone is unlocked
Most phones bought outside a carrier contract are unlocked. Check your settings or ask your carrier — it changes what connectivity options you have.
Feeling overwhelmed?
Add NihaoPass VIP concierge to your airport transfer — a real person checks your setup before you fly and is on call for your first 48 hours in China.
Download WeChat before you land
The essential app for messaging, translation, and paying at many local shops — app stores can be slow or restricted once you're in China, so grab it now.
Set up mobile payments before you go
Alipay now lets foreign travelers link a Visa/Mastercard directly in the app — no Chinese bank account needed. Do this before you land.
Arrival formalities at the airport
You'll fill in an arrival card and give fingerprints at immigration before you reach baggage claim — have your passport, flight details and the address you're staying at ready. Customs declaration and health rules change from time to time, so check the official sources rather than a travel blog.
Not staying in a hotel? Register within 24 hours
Hotels file your accommodation registration for you. In an Airbnb, a rental or a friend's home it's your own responsibility, within 24 hours of arriving — at the local police station, or through the Immigration Administration's online service.