China Practical Guide
Payments, connectivity, and visa-free basics. Check official sources for current rules.
Payments
Cash (CNY) and local apps (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are dominant. International cards work in some hotels and ATMs; for tours and small vendors, having local payment options or cash is useful. We can advise on what to prepare for your trip.
Connectivity
Roaming and local SIMs are available; some international sites and apps may require a VPN. Plan ahead if you need to stay in touch or use maps/translations.
Visa-free transit
Some nationalities can get 24–144 hour visa-free transit when connecting through certain Chinese airports. Rules vary by airport and nationality; always confirm with official sources or your airline before relying on a layover tour.
Plan your trip
- China tour planning (consulting)
- Beijing layover guide