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3/3 one more thing, if you want to bring film to Mainland China, most places (metro, HSR, tourist site entrances) don't insist on scanning your film, I only had it happen once at PEK.

Just came back from China it wasn't that bad actually. I downloaded WeChat & AliPay before leaving. Attached a Wise card to AliPay and had no issues.

When it was time to pay my US credit card didn't work. The owner said it was free and welcome to China.

it's just too confusing ... as a foreign tourist. you scan a mini program to buy a coffee and it asks for a +86 number which you don't have. stores like luckin don't even have a scanner to run your alipay code so the bartender has to push you to the side for 3 minutes.

Needs invitation by user. (travel from airport to city? good luck.) Then Wechat and Alipay blocks confirmed users randomly, no help from support, Been blocked while paying taxi. Food delivery also not possible for tourist. How tourist supposed to exist in China with no payments?

AliPay has accepted international credit cards for years. Cash is also accepted by law although it is much less preferred. In major cities like Shanghai lots of places can take a CC as well. Source: I travel to China for business often

I was able to use it just fine, even WeChat pay? ... to set up though. And they have different Didi, Alipay and WeChat payment systems for HK, China and others that you have to sign up for separately.

Many airline staff serving smaller international airports still do not know about 240-hour visa-free travel to China.

When I refused the permission, my cab was canceled

First time traveling to China? Save this! Before you arrive, download Alipay + Amap for payments, transport, food and more.

6 days in China. $0 visa. 100% worth it. The 144-hour visa-free transit policy is your shortcut to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the best food of your life.

A travel from usa to china and destination being lets say japan, then from japan u get to fly back to usa, or if travel to hainan, then u get 30 days visa free

Sometimes, knowing where to go is all you need to feel at ease. At Beijing Capital Airport, clear bilingual signs guide international travelers to transfers, temporary entry and other key passenger areas.

Starting July 1, eligible transit passengers can grab coupons for dining, retail and lounge services at designated terminal counters — just show your boarding passes or booking confirmations for both flights.

Q: Which lounges or resting areas are available for early morning flights or transit passengers?

Did you know? Canadian passport holders can travel to China visa-free for up to 30 days, through December 31, 2026.

Launched in July 2026 and running through July 2027, the Passport Friendly program (GO CHINA IN SANYA) offers exclusive benefits to visitors holding valid foreign passports or HK/Macau/Taiwan travel permits.

Take the Capital Airport Express from the airport to Beixinqiao, then transfer to Subway Line 5 and travel two stops to Dongsi. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the National Art Museum of China.

Eligible travellers can transit through China for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa if they meet the requirements, including having a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.

Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing Daxing with China Eastern, AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines. With visa-free travel between Malaysia and China, it's a great time to discover Beijing.

Eligible travelers from Denmark and Iceland can travel to China visa-free under the current policy.

Do this before you fly: passport verify, bind Visa/Mastercard, install a China travel eSIM while you still have open Wi-Fi. Cash alone strands you at the dumpling window.

Using UnionPay cards to pay for the bus there will get a 10% discount. Kind of surprising since there aren't any information or announcement about this. However, the metro doesn't support credit or debit cards so a China T-union card is required.

Im not trying yo advertise for trip. But for china i needed it as a foreigner. Also i only travelled to big cities - beijing, shanghai. Zhangjiejie, yangshul, yunnan etc. Then didi everywhere. Ordering food with no local number i cant figure it out though.

I just came back from china two days ago. Its EZ to travel. Download alipay and wechat. Link your cc. Get an esim from trip.com. Allow your bank to send you txt msgs. Book hotels and trains on trip.com. Download amap. Use apple translate.

A major focus this year is inbound tourism, with new services like transit visa-free policies, AI interpretation devices, and self-service tax refunds to make visiting Guangdong easier than ever.

This also means I can go into Mainland China visa-free (for business, travel, or investments) for 90 days per trip.

Of the entries into China by foreign nationals from January through August, 23.72 million were visa-free (77.6%). China currently offers unilateral visa-free entry to nationals of 50 countries, while its 240-hour visa-free transit program covers 57 countries.

Beijing ⇄ Bishkek, now more convenient. @airchina operates the Beijing Capital–Bishkek route, connecting China and Kyrgyzstan. Since August 20, 2026, Kyrgyz citizens have been eligible for China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, making it easier to transit through Beijing Capital Airport and explore Beijing and beyond.

China Travel is much easier thanks to China’s unilateral visa-free policy extended to 50 countries including 35 European countries. In H1 2026, China recorded 22.914 million inbound trips by foreign nationals, 77% of whom entered China visa-free.

Eligible travelers from Romania and Croatia can enter China visa-free under the current policy.

Just remember how to say passport (they will ask it a lot at hotel, train station, attractions etc) And download WeChat/alipay

This year, you can just tap an international bank card at the Shenzhen Metro gate and ride.

Alipay + WeChat Pay. Bind a real card to both before you fly. Some merchant QRs are Alipay-only, some WeChat Pay-only. Have both ready.

Option 2 – Tap with Your Foreign Bank Card •You can use your international Visa or Mastercard directly! •Just tap your card on the reader at the gate. •✅ No Chinese phone number, no app, no Chinese needed – super easy!

Since Aug 20, Kyrgyz citizens can also visit China for up to 10 days visa-free.

An American arriving at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport in Guangdong province can buy a coffee with PayPal.

The card can also be linked with Alipay. If you've been to China, you know how important Alipay is for everyday spending.

China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 57 countries. Since Aug 20, 2026, citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam have been eligible for the policy.

G340 took me to the capital in 3h55m, a metro transfer later and I had plenty of time to board. High speed rail rocks.

With visa-free travel between China and Thailand, travelling between the two cities is easier than ever.

I flew yvr→pvg→kmg→dac, unaware I needed a transit visa. With just 1.5 hrs left, airport staff got me a free 24-hr visa

China now offers unilateral visa-free entry to citizens of 50 countries, and 240-hour visa-free transit to travelers from 57 countries, including the United States.

Free hotel in China during layover with Hainan Airlines

One of the under-appreciated features of China's digital transaction apps Alipay and WeChat Pay is how comprehensive they are... your phone replaces your wallet.

Cash is pretty rare in China these days, almost everyone pays with WeChat Pay or Alipay. But in small towns, you'll still often see some older people used to paying with cash.

I am at the Guangzhou night market, and it is unlike any other place I've visited in China. It feels more akin to Vietnam or Thailand than what I'm used to here.

Long queues at Sanya airport — international travelers are flooding in. Direct flights + visa-free access = this is what Hainan's travel boom looks like.

Foreigners share their China travel experiences on high-speed rail: It's like another world.

For those who are moslems that want to visit/work at china, china is halal friendly... To know about halal food, you must see 清真 (qing zhen) word.

We've made a simple video guide to prepare for WMF 2026: how to set up Alipay, how to go to NECC step by step, fast route from Pudong Airport.

You can use a US PayPal account in China by paying with WeChat Pay. Just note that you’re forced to use PayPal’s exchange rate, which is usually a pretty bad deal.

Stayed in a spacious king-size room + this huge buffet breakfast in China. Total cost: 135 RMB (~$19), with Ctrip coupon covered 114 RMB.

For a local flavour, try Ziguangyuan's Yogurt with Milk Skin Layer — creamy yoghurt topped with nǎipí, a classic Beijing dairy treat.

It is much easier to visit China thanks to its expanded visa-free and transit policies for many international travelers.

China is indeed more accommodating for early checking in or late checking out... they're not as strict as western countries

With seamless mobile pay & the 240h visa-free policy, visiting China is easier than ever.

"I have never touched cash in China, even for small vendors at night markets" — AliPay and WeChat Pay are by far the easiest systems to use even as an American.

Planning a trip to China? This episode covers the essentials, including major visa categories and China's 24-hour and 240-hour visa-free transit policies.

A direct connection now links Muscat International Airport with Beijing Daxing, operated by China Eastern; Omani citizens can enter China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days.

Fly from Jakarta to @PEKAirport with Air China and make the most of your China journey. Eligible travelers can enjoy China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy.

One of the most maddening things I experience as a tourist there is the majority will not let people exit the subway car before they start pushing to enter.

Maybe Alipay of China is the rare example of accepting foreign phone numbers.

China offers unilateral visa-free entry to citizens of 50 countries, including Cyprus, and practices mutual visa exemption with 29 countries.

Did it in china.. guide ordered twelve chicken and rice things for us.. arrived at the next station and there they were... Train only stops for four minutes

was nervous almost the whole day bc i couldn't check if my alipay and wechatpay are working like yes card linked successfully but anyway i kinda checked it but still NOT SURE i'll be able to fully check only when i'm in china

Its the same thing when my relatives use TNG e-wallet in China. It also works, and we don't need to sign up using Chinese phone number or something.

Sanya's inbound tourism is on fire, overseas visitors are lining up in an orderly manner at airport, waiting to clear entry. More direct flights + visa-free access = a cross-border vacation boom.

Effective Aug 20, 2026, citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam are included under China’s 240‑Hour Visa‑Free Transit policy, bringing the total number of eligible countries to 57.

Shangdong airlines is actually one I've never flown on, and I've flown on many Chinese airlines!

Yep! Meituan was a bit annoying to setup, my gf had a Chinese number so we got it sorted.

first-time tourists struggle just to set up Meituan or buy subway tickets without a local phone number.

From August 20, Kyrgyz citizens are eligible for China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy, bringing the total to 57 countries.

Make sure you go to Dali, it's not far from Kunming by train. I was there in Feb!

Nope haven't had a delay yet, I was more referring to metro trains, but also haven't had delayed on intra city trains...yet.

Land in Beijing, ride into the city for free. Eligible international and HK/Macao/Taiwan arrivals: complimentary Daxing airport bus, six downtown routes.

China has added Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam to its 240-hour visa-free transit program, bringing the total number of countries eligible for this policy to 57.

Since July, inbound visitors sharing their Sanya moments on social media can get shopping vouchers, duty-free deals, and hotel perks under the new Passport Friendly initiative.

Pretty affordable in China too, chinese food large size bowl is often 18rmb ($2.68)

The population density and huge amounts of orders in Chinese cities, means the delivery fees are low

Traveling with China Eastern from DEL to PVG on Aug 23 was frustrating. Payment counter forced me to pay cash, claiming no card/UPI was allowed.

piggy u just use alipay in china. link ur card on the app. I was just there for 10 days , no cash needed

I didn't realize that the Beijing subway was 6 stories DOWN till I saw the map in person with an english translation.

I honestly can't remember the last time I paid for anything with cash in China. It must be at least five years ago.

Eligible travellers from Denmark and Iceland can enter China visa-free, making it easier to visit Beijing and explore China.

I like how they handled it when I was in China: no tips - the price for a good or service included the wages for the workers.

Canadians can now enter China visa free for up to 30 days (tourism, business, family visits) through 2026.

You can now get up to 10 days visa-free in China. Go visit Shanghai, then Tokyo, Kyoto/Osaka, and Sapporo.

Starting August 20, Vietnamese citizens are eligible for China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy, bringing the total to 57 countries.

The Hotel we stayed prepared it. We stayed at Upper House Chengdu

I was in China a couple times recently and they all use WeChat and Alipay for everything.

Visa-free transit for citizens of 55 countries, for up to 240 hours!

Just fly to China and see her for themselves / Free 30day visa for most countries

when I was in China, I ate at a vegetarian restaurant that had all sorts of meat-like dishes, so there's lots of options for you

I think I spent more on the uber home from airport than I did on didi over 2 months in China

I was in China last year ...visa free....and i did pass four control post in 15 minutes...

China Arrival Card — official form now in Thai; fill in advance on the official site

0928 23 AUG fine food at guangzhoudong train station before DiDi to hotel

on the bright side we can go to china visa free until the end of december

It's a good exercise to walk+APM+walk 30min to get from the gate to the exit in the PEK airport at 10pm.

EU passports visa-free 30 days until 2026-12-31; US 240-hour transit if onward to a third destination.

Kyrgyzstan + Vietnam added; 240-hour transit and Hainan 30-day visa-free.

starting from August 20th, 2026, China has added Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam to its 240-hour visa-free transit program, bringing the total number of countries eligible for the program to 57

China had the best and cheapest metro of all countries / 39 cent per trip and its super easy with alipay.

China Arrival Card online form now has Thai.

You can come Hongkong on 14 days visa free (pre arrival required) and then visit Shenzhen Guangzhou (triangle) in group visa, valid for three days from HK travel agency

Foreigner DiDi is cheap; locals also use Huaxiaozhu for cheaper / scheduled rides.

Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before a SG–China trip.

I spent 14 days in China, and it was my favorite trip in a while… Here is what I liked about China, and what I didn't.

Larger hotels usually accept foreign guests, but many small cheap hotels still don’t, often because they don’t want to deal with passport registration.

Skip random taxis — use Didi; set up WeChat Pay + Alipay; buy eSIM on Trip.com.

Zhangjiajie 5-day route plus 144-hour transit and Alipay/Didi tips.

Is vegetarian and gluten-safe food available for celiac travelers in China?

Henan for a bowl of huimian.

December route: Japan → Beijing → Chengdu.

Foreign tourist late-night street-food clip.

Always carry your physical passport (digital copies don’t work for trains/hotels)

Chongqing's stacked roads — try driving through the 3D terrain.

Xizang: snow mountains, monasteries, ethnic cultures.

$180/night hotel in China (Marriott near Shanghai).

Visa-free from 50+ countries plus more mutual agreements.

US citizens still need a visa stamped in the passport.

Shenzhen 3D-printing fair, then bullet train to Hong Kong.

Gansu/Qinghai: some high-altitude hotels have oxygen rooms.

Food route: Guangzhou → Chaozhou → Quanzhou, and Changsha → Chongqing → Chengdu.

Food is better and cheaper.

Start in Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors, city walls, Mount Hua.

A weekend in Beijing, highly recommended.

With eSim (Airalo), everything worked. WeChat and Alipay and Trip.com is all you need. All email and WhatsApp worked.

China airports give free luggage carts that also charge your phone.

Temporary visa-waiver for some countries (incl. Canada) for short stays.

Food, hotels and transport are high quality and low priced.

Just landed in Shanghai: shrimp wontons, quiet EV streets.

If you are travelling in China as a foreigner... 1. Hotel, train and plane - trip.com 2. Payment - WeChat and Alipay 3. Navigation - Amap Global 4. Ride - DiDi

Vegetarian, no egg/meat/fish — what food options in China?

Lanzhou is a major Hui halal food hub — restaurants, mosques, Lanzhou beef noodles.

the best vegetarian restaurant I kept going back to in Beijing (庆春朴门 / truffle fried rice)

China has several non-spicy pure vegetarian dishes; vegan exists too.

Mainland China Buddhist veggie buffets are the safe option vs fish broth in Japan / pork in HK tofu.

Halal restaurants are easy to find; some campuses cook for Uyghur students.

Many university campuses have a separate halal canteen.

Strictly vegan Indian visitor said options were scarce and he left early.

WeChat and Alipay allow foreign credit cards and they’re accepted everywhere. You can book a car with didi or train tickets with Trip

Tofu in China is often served with meat; vegan is possible but not easy everywhere.

Halal-friendly tourism improving; SG Malay/Indian Muslims trying halal roujiamo in Xi’an.

Beijing arrival is hard: little English; Alipay then makes Didi usable.

Got Alipay working as a proxy into Didi and Meituan.

Shanghai is easy with Amap, metro, bikes, Didi; Alipay onboarding still hard.

240-hour visa-free: subway then Didi; most bars take Alipay/WeChat Pay.