China travel checklist
Tickets, money, passport! Your essential China to-do list and packing list.
Before you go
A checklist of the most important things you need to do and pack before your trip to China:
To do
- Passport: Is it up to date? It must have at least six months' validity.
- Visa: Have you secured your Chinese visa?
- Vaccinations: Have you checked which shots you may need?
- Travel insurance: Are you covered?
- Safety: Have you checked the latest safety advice on the region you're travelling to? Subscribe to the latest Smartraveller updates for safety information on your destination.
- Money: Have you told your bank you're going overseas and do you know how you'll be paying for things in China?
- Booking: Have you booked accommodation?
- Transport: Do you know how you'll get from the airport to your accommodation?
- Getting around: Do you know how you'll get around China, and do you need to pre-book any tickets?
- Phone: Have you switched off data roaming and voicemail? If you're planning to use a local or travel SIM, is your phone unlocked?
- Apps: Have you downloaded offline maps, travel apps, or the CHOICE China travel guide onto your mobile?
- Medication: If you're travelling with prescription medication, do you have the original prescriptions and a letter of explanation from your doctor?
To pack
- Tickets
- Money (cash and cards)
- Passport
- A copy of your travel insurance details
- A list of emergency contacts at home and in China
- Your hotel address written in Chinese characters (and any other important information such as food allergies)
- Chargers and a power adapter
- Mosquito repellent and mosquito-proof clothing if travelling to sub-tropical areas
- Any regular medication (in original packaging, with prescriptions and doctor's letter)
Tip: You can bring medication into China as long as it's a "reasonable amount for personal use". No matter where you travel, you should carry all medications (even vitamins) in their original packaging, along with their original prescription. It's also a good idea to carry a letter from your doctor explaining what the medications are (using generic names), what they're for and dosage instructions.
Need to know
Weather, public holidays, culture, language, vaccinations, emergency contacts and more.
Need to do
How to get a visa, access the internet, pay with your phone and more.
Transport and accommodation
Flights to China, airports, key destinations, transport, accommodation, tours and more.