China Travel Tips 2026: Entry, Customs, Safety and What Not to Pack
PEANUTMO China Pre-Departure Checklist
Most problems on a China trip happen in the first six hours — at immigration, at customs, or in the taxi queue when you realise your maps app will not load. This is the practical checklist: what to confirm before you fly, what not to pack, what safety actually looks like on the ground, and the two setup jobs that must be done before departure.
1. Confirm your entry requirements — and confirm them recently
China's entry rules for visitors have changed several times in recent years, and they depend on your passport, your purpose of travel, your length of stay and sometimes your exact port of entry. Anything you read on a blog — including this one — can be out of date by the time you read it.
- Check the rules on the official Chinese embassy or consulate website for your country, not a summary.
- Confirm your passport validity meets the requirement, and that you have enough blank pages.
- If a visa is required, allow more processing time than the stated minimum.
- Print or save your accommodation booking and return flight — these are commonly asked for.
- Note whether an arrival card or online declaration applies to your port of entry, and complete it in advance if so.
2. What not to pack
Customs enforcement is stricter than many visitors expect, and the categories that catch people out are rarely the obvious ones.
| Category | What to watch for |
|---|---|
| Food | Fresh fruit, meat and dairy products are restricted. Sealed commercial snacks are usually fine; homemade or fresh items are not. |
| Medication | Bring prescriptions in original packaging with a doctor's letter. Some common over-the-counter ingredients elsewhere are controlled substances in China. |
| Power banks | Airlines cap capacity and require them in carry-on. Check your airline's stated limit before you pack. |
| Drones | Require prior permission. Do not assume you can fly one, even in rural areas. |
| Printed material and media | Large quantities of printed matter can attract questions. Travel light on this. |
| E-cigarettes and vapes | Rules vary and enforcement is inconsistent. Check before travelling with them. |
3. Is it safe?
China ranks well on most visitor-safety measures. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon, cities are well lit and heavily monitored, and public transport is safe late at night. Solo travellers, including women, generally report feeling comfortable.
The realistic risks are practical rather than dangerous:
- Tourist-area overcharging — particularly restaurants without printed prices. Check before ordering.
- Taxi detours — use a ride-hailing app with a fixed quoted fare rather than hailing on the street.
- Being stranded without a phone — this is the big one. Carry a power bank and download offline maps as a fallback.
- Tea-house and art-gallery scams — friendly English-speaking strangers who invite you somewhere. Common in tourist districts in Beijing and Shanghai. Decline politely.
4. The two setup jobs that must happen before you fly
Both jobs share the same trap: you cannot easily fix them after arrival, because fixing them requires the working internet you do not yet have.
Frequently asked questions
How much cash should I carry?
A small amount for the rare vendor that will not take a wallet app, and as a backup if your phone dies. Most travellers find they barely touch it.
Can I bring my own medication?
Yes, in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's letter. Check ingredient restrictions in advance — some substances sold freely elsewhere are controlled in China.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is not usually a formal entry requirement, but medical costs for visitors are not covered by any public scheme, so it is worth having.
Will my usual apps work?
On a standard domestic connection, many will not. On an internationally routed eSIM, they work normally.
What do I do if my phone is lost or dies?
Keep your accommodation address written down in Chinese characters, carry some cash, and know your embassy's location. That combination covers most worst cases.
In summary
A China trip goes wrong through under-preparation, not through danger. Verify entry rules from an official source close to your departure date, pack conservatively, set up payments and connectivity before you fly, and the country turns out to be one of the safer and more straightforward places to travel independently in Asia.
Related reading
Permits, visa rules and what to prepare before departure.
Which options reach international apps, and why the choice must be made before you fly.
