First Time Visiting China? Everything You Need to Know Before You Go | WeekendGoWhere Singapore
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First Time Visiting China? Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

  wgw     2026-01-31

First Time Visiting China? Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

First Time Visiting China? Everything You Need to Know Before You Go — yes, you can plan a smooth trip if you sort your visa or transit status, arrange reliable mobile data (eSIM or local SIM), and prepare for China’s digital payment and app environment. Read this checklist-first guide for step-by-step visa info, travel tips, sample itineraries, rough costs and practical advice (ferry schedule alternatives and short-package ideas included).

First Time Visiting China? Everything You Need to Know Before You Go — Quick checklist

  • Check whether your nationality is eligible for 30-day visa-free entry or 72/144-hour transit exemption.
  • Book flights early and decide whether you’ll use domestic flights or high-speed trains (book via 12306 or Trip.com).
  • Buy an international eSIM and activate before landing, or plan to buy a tourist SIM at the airport (passport required).
  • Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay (link a foreign card) and bring a backup Visa/Mastercard + some cash (RMB).
  • Learn a few Mandarin phrases and have an offline map alternative (Amap/Gaode or Apple Maps).
  • Buy travel insurance and check healthcare, entry and quarantine rules before departure.

Why this guide is useful for Singapore travellers

This guide is written with Singapore travellers in mind: it gives short practical steps, local app and payment tips, sample 5–7 day itineraries, ferry schedule alternatives (if you want quick weekend escapes), and links to curated packages and guides to help you book.

Before you go: visas, transit rules & documents

Do I need a visa?

Visa rules change often. Many nationalities now enjoy short visa-free stays (commonly up to 30 days) or transit exemptions (72-hour / 144-hour) at specific ports. If you are a Singapore passport holder you may be eligible for short visa-free entry or transit exemptions — but always verify with the Chinese Embassy / consulate before booking. If you need a tourist visa (L visa), apply through the China Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) or the embassy — prepare passport, photo, flight & hotel bookings and any invitation letters if required.

Step-by-step: applying for a standard tourist visa (if required)

  1. Fill the online visa form and print it.
  2. Gather documents: passport (6+ months validity), photo, flight bookings, hotel bookings, any invitation letters.
  3. Book an appointment with CVASC (or embassy) in Singapore; submit application in person (fingerprints may be collected).
  4. Pay the fee and pick up on the stated date (rush options available in many centres).

Transit visa exemptions (72 / 144 hours)

If you have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country, you may be eligible for 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit in certain Chinese cities/ports. Check which entry ports and cities are covered for your itinerary before relying on transit exemption.

Connectivity: eSIMs, local SIMs and VPNs

  • Best practice: Buy an international eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, SimOptions, etc.) and install/activate it before you land. Many travellers find eSIMs convenient and instant — but check compatibility and reviews for China-specific plans.
  • Physical tourist SIMs are available at major airports, but you must register with passport details. If you prefer a physical SIM, buy at the airport arrival hall counter.
  • Mobile payment apps and maps require reliable internet. Activate and test your eSIM or roaming before departure.
  • About VPNs: Mainland China blocks many western apps and services (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.). Some travellers choose to bring a reputable VPN, but be aware of local laws and the sensitive nature of VPN use — read up on the legal and practical implications before you travel.

Money & payments: cash, cards, Alipay and WeChat Pay

China is highly digital. Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate daily payments, but major shops, hotels and restaurants in large cities also accept international Visa/Mastercard. UnionPay is widely accepted.

  • Set up Alipay/WeChat Pay before you go and link a supported international card if you can (Visa, Mastercard, JCB). You’ll typically need to do a quick real-name verification using passport and eSIM/mobile number.
  • Carry a small amount of RMB cash for markets, taxis in smaller towns, or when card/mobile payment fails.
  • A quick rule of thumb: big-city merchants = mobile payments usually OK; small vendors/markets = cash preferred.

Apps you should download

  • Amap / Gaode (best local navigation; English available in many versions)
  • Baidu Maps (very detailed, Chinese interface)
  • 12306 (official train ticket app) or book through Trip.com / Ctrip for English support
  • WeChat, Alipay, Google Translate (download offline Mandarin pack), and your eSIM app

Transport basics: flights, high-speed trains & local taxis

High-speed trains (G/D trains)

  • Book via the official 12306 app/website (English version is available) or Trip.com if you prefer English support.
  • Use your passport for ticket purchase and identity verification. You may need to collect a physical ticket at the station if you can’t use the e-gate.
  • Seat options: second class (economy), first class, business class or premium-first on select services. Popular routes (Beijing–Shanghai) have multiple daily departures.

Domestic flights and taxis

  • Domestic flights are affordable and quick for long distances; book early in busy seasons (Golden Week, Chinese New Year).
  • Ride-hailing: Didi is the dominant app. You will need a registered phone number to use Didi reliably.

Packing & practical items

  • Power plugs: China uses Type A, C and I. Voltage is 220V. Bring a travel adapter and a USB power bank (check airline rules).
  • Medicine: bring basic meds and prescriptions (English/Chinese label recommended).
  • Weather: check the city season. Northern China can be very cold in winter; southern China is mild/wet in spring and typhoon season in summer.

Sample itineraries (Singapore travellers) with estimated costs (S$)

Costs below are rough estimates per person (mid-range traveller) for planning only.

Short & classic: 4–5 days — Beijing (3 days) + Xi’an day trip

  • Return flight from Singapore: S$300–700 (cheaper in advance)
  • Accommodation (3 nights mid-range): S$210–450
  • Transport & entry fees (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army): S$120–250
  • Food & local transport: S$90–180
  • Estimated total: S$800–1,600

City-hopper: 7 days — Beijing → Shanghai → Suzhou

  • Return flight + 2 domestic high-speed train legs: S$450–900
  • Accommodation (6 nights): S$420–900
  • Meals, attractions, metro: S$200–350
  • Estimated total: S$1,200–2,200

Ferry schedule, short escapes & packages (for Singapore weekenders)

If you’re comparing a first trip to China with quick nearby escapes, consider short ferry packages to Batam/Bintan as easy alternatives or warm-up weekends before a longer China trip. WeekendGoWhere has curated weekend ferry + hotel deals that are fast to book and very budget-friendly — great if you want a practice run for passport control, packing and mobile setup before a longer China trip.

Want ferry schedules from Singapore? Check the Batam/Bintan ferry schedule guides on the site before you travel — they show HarbourFront and Tanah Merah departures, operators and approximate timings.

Language, culture & etiquette

  • Mandarin is the main language; Cantonese is common in Guangdong. Learn basic phrases (hello, thank you, how much, toilet).
  • Politeness matters: avoid loud phone calls on trains, queue patiently, and present business cards with two hands during introductions.
  • Tipping: not mandatory in most mainland settings (restaurants/hotels may include service fees). For guides/drivers on packaged tours a small tip is appreciated.

Safety and healthcare

  • China is generally safe; keep standard travel precautions for belongings and avoid unlicensed taxis at night.
  • Bring travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. Carry digital copies of your passport and insurance policy.
  • Hospitals in big cities usually accept international insurance; have emergency contacts ready.

How to book trains (12306) — step-by-step

  1. Register an account on the Railway 12306 app or website and enter your passport details for foreign passport verification.
  2. Search route & date, choose train & seat class, pay with a supported card or Alipay/WeChat.
  3. If required, collect a physical ticket at the station counter (carry passport). Some stations allow e-gates for passport holders — check the station signage.

Useful internal guides & related reading

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need travel insurance to go to China?

A: It’s highly recommended. Choose a policy that covers medical expenses, hospitalisation and medical evacuation.

Q: Does Google Maps work in China?

A: Google Maps is unreliable in mainland China due to restrictions and map coordinate differences. Use Amap (Gaode), Baidu or Apple Maps for navigation.

Q: Can I use my Visa/Mastercard everywhere?

A: Large hotels, shopping malls and major restaurants accept international cards, but many street vendors and smaller shops prefer mobile payments like Alipay/WeChat or cash.

Q: Is it safe to use mobile payments as a foreigner?

A: Yes — major platforms (Alipay/WeChat) now support foreign card linkage and real-name verification. Keep a backup payment method (card + cash).

Q: Should I bring a VPN?

A: Many travellers bring a reputable VPN for privacy and access to blocked services; check legality and choose a trusted provider. If you rely on Google/WhatsApp frequently, plan alternatives (WeChat, e-mail, offline maps).

Final tips & things most first-time travellers forget

  • Activate eSIM before landing — many travellers lose time trying to install once inside China.
  • Keep a printed copy of your hotel booking and onward ticket if you plan to use a 72/144-hour transit exemption.
  • Test mobile payments with a small purchase first to confirm successful card linking.
  • Book high-speed train tickets early for popular routes and holidays.

Ready to start planning? If you want a guided entry into China travel, try a short organized option like our 5D4N Chaoshan package — it’s a great first-timer itinerary that handles logistics and local guides for you.

Prefer a nearby practice run before a longer China trip? Consider these weekend ferry + hotel deals: Batam | 1 Day City Tour + Ferry at Only S$99! or relax at Montigo Resorts Batam to rehearse passport checks, eSIM activation and quick packing.

👉 Check our latest China packages and WhatsApp us to book now.

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