China runs on systems. Learn them before you land.

Land → hotel, in order

1. Before you land: data firstActivate your eSIM or roaming while still on the plane's Wi-Fi or in airplane mode queue. If you rely on airport Wi-Fi, note it often needs a local number or a passport-machine kiosk code for the login wall — your eSIM sidesteps it entirely.
2. Immigration: have the address readyFill in the arrival card (paper or the digital version at your port) with your hotel's full address. Transit passengers fill in the Temporary Entry Card for Foreign Nationals instead. Keep your onward ticket handy if you're on the 240-hour scheme.
3. Money backup: hit an ATM in arrivalsWithdraw a few hundred yuan in cash before leaving the terminal. Cash is your bridge while card verification finishes — small vendors and older taxis still take it.
4. Getting out of the airportFollow signs to the official taxi rank or metro — don't negotiate with touts in the hall. Show the driver your hotel's Chinese address card from the phrase section below; hotel name in English is not enough.
5. At the hotel: finish the setupOn hotel Wi-Fi: confirm both payment apps show your card as active, set up DiDi (ride-hailing) inside Alipay, and download your next city's offline map in Amap or Apple Maps.
6. Test with a small paymentBuy something tiny at a convenience store with Alipay. If it works there, it works everywhere. If it fails, you still have cash and a free evening to fix it — not a hungry morning.

Alipay 支付宝

1. Download the international versionInstall Alipay from your home app store and register with your own mobile number — no Chinese number needed.
2. Add your foreign cardMe → Bank Cards → Add. Visa, Mastercard and other major networks are accepted. Enter the name exactly as printed on your passport.
3. Complete identity verificationUpload your passport and complete the face check when prompted. This is the step that can take 24–72 hours — which is why it's step 3 of your week-before list, not of your arrival day.
4. Use the built-in mini-appsAlipay's home screen includes DiDi ride-hailing and a translate tool in English — for most visitors this one app covers rides, metro codes and payment.

WeChat Pay 微信支付

1. Install WeChat and registerUse your home mobile number. WeChat doubles as the messaging app you'll need for hotels, guides and restaurants.
2. Open Wallet and link a cardMe → Services → Wallet → Cards. Link the same foreign card as a second, independent payment rail.
3. Verify with your passportReal-name verification with a foreign passport is supported. Again, allow up to 72 hours.
4. Know why you want bothSome merchants, street stalls and mini-programs only take one of the two. Two apps = no dead ends. Note small per-transaction limits can apply to foreign cards on larger purchases; split big buys or use the card directly at the counter.

The one rule that matters

Tickets go on sale 15 days before departure, at a release time that depends on the departure station. Popular Friday and holiday trains can sell out within minutes of release — the deadline generator above includes trains, so your calendar will carry the date.

Refunds are straightforward and mostly free until 8 days before departure, then tiered (5% / 10% / 20%) as departure approaches. One free-ish change per ticket is allowed online.

At the station

1. Arrive 45–60 minutes earlyStations are airport-sized, with real-name security before the concourse.
2. Enter with your passportScan the passport you booked with at the gate reader. If it won't read, use the staffed manual lane — photos or copies are not accepted.
3. Find your gate by train numberBoards list the G/D train number, not the destination in English alone. Boarding usually opens ~15 minutes before departure and closes 3–5 minutes before — be at the gate, not the coffee queue.

How to claim, step by step

1. Shop at stores showing the “Tax Free” signSpend ¥200+ in one day, show your passport, and ask for the tax-refund application form with your receipts.
2. Instant refund, if offeredAt participating stores and mall refund points: present a credit card for pre-authorisation and receive the refund on the spot. Condition: you must depart China within 28 days of purchase and still clear customs verification on departure — skip that step and the refund is clawed back from your card.
3. Or claim at departureAt the airport, go to customs before check-in and security: officers may inspect the goods, which must be unused and in your luggage. Then take the stamped form to the refund counter.
4. Choose how you're paidCash (refunds capped at ¥20,000), card refund (7–21 days), or mobile payment where offered. Above ¥20,000, transfer is the only option.

Rules that undo claims

90 days: goods must leave China with you within 90 days of purchase.

Unused means unused: worn, opened or consumed items fail inspection. Food and services don't qualify.

Forms matter: no application form from the store = no refund at the airport, whatever your receipts say. Get the form at the till, every time.

Sources: China National Tourist Office — departure tax refund policy update; Eventurus tax refund walkthrough (updated 17 Oct 2026).