ComingTripCOMINGTRIP

Travel Toolkit

Visas, essential travel tools, and answers to your China travel questions — all in one place.

Your Guide to China Visas

Everything you need to know about China visa policies, types, application process, and requirements.

About the 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy

China has expanded its transit visa-free policy to multiple countries. Eligible foreign travelers and business people can enter through designated ports and stay in designated areas for up to 240 hours (10 days) without prior visa application.

54
Eligible Countries
240h
Max Stay
24
Open Provinces
60+
Entry Ports

Visa-Free Entry to China

Learn More →

China Visa Types

Learn More →

Visa Photo Requirements

Learn More →

Visa Fee Standards

Learn More →

How to Fill the Application Form

Learn More →

Arrival Card Guide

Learn More →

Essential Tools for Your Trip

Handy apps and services to make your journey in China smoother.

WeChat Pay

China's most widely used mobile payment. Link an international bank card to pay by QR code.

Visit →

Alipay

Payment app supporting international cards, covering shopping, rides and dining.

Visit →

eSIM / SIM Card

Buy a China eSIM data plan before departure and get online the moment you land.

Visit →

Currency Converter

Check live CNY exchange rates to plan your budget before the trip.

Visit →

Translation

DeepL offers Chinese-English translation for menus and directions.

Visit →

Emergency Numbers

Police 110, Ambulance 120, Fire 119; consular protection hotline 12308.

Visit →

12306 Railway

China Railway's official ticketing platform, supporting passports and an English interface.

Visit →

Maps & Navigation

Apple Maps offers navigation with an English interface and works in mainland China.

Visit →

Weather

Weather.com offers English forecasts for destination temperature and rain before your trip.

Visit →

Ride Hailing

DiDi Global supports international card payment for airport transfers and city rides.

Visit →

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions from international travelers.

What is the 240-hour transit visa-free policy?
Eligible citizens of 54 countries holding onward tickets to a third country/region can enter through 60+ designated ports and stay within the permitted areas for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa. See the Visa Info section on this page for ports and areas.
What types of Chinese visas are there and how long does it take?
Common types include L (tourism), M (business) and F (exchange). Apply 1-2 months in advance; processing usually takes 4-7 working days, subject to your local embassy/consulate.
How do I pay in China? Can I use cash or foreign cards?
WeChat Pay and Alipay cover most scenarios and support linking Visa/Mastercard. Hotels and large stores accept foreign cards; small vendors may be mobile-payment only. Carry a small amount of cash as backup.
Can I withdraw RMB from ATMs with a foreign bank card?
Yes. Most bank ATMs accept Visa/Mastercard/UnionPay foreign cards with per-transaction fees. Use ATMs at bank branches or airports and mind the daily limit.
Should I use international roaming or an eSIM?
Roaming is convenient but pricier; eSIMs are cheaper and work on arrival. Note: some overseas services like Google and Facebook may not be directly accessible on China's mobile networks.
What if I don't speak Chinese?
Airports, star-rated hotels and major attractions usually have English service. Use offline translation apps for daily needs and ask hotel staff to help with taxis and Chinese addresses.
How do foreigners buy high-speed train tickets?
Register on the 12306 website/app with your passport to book — English interface and international card payment supported. Board with the passport used for booking; no paper ticket needed.
Are taxis and the metro convenient?
Very. Metros cover major cities with QR-code tickets; DiDi Global accepts international cards. Taxis take cash — have the hotel write the Chinese address for the driver.
Who do I contact in an emergency?
Police 110, Ambulance 120, Fire 119 (English available). Consular protection hotline +86-10-12308 (24/7). In urgent situations also contact your hotel front desk and your embassy.
When is the best time to visit China?
Spring (Apr-May) and autumn (Sep-Oct) offer the most pleasant weather. Winter suits northern snow destinations (e.g. Harbin Ice Festival); summer is hot in the south but great for mountains and rivers. Avoid Chinese public holidays (Spring Festival, May Day, National Day) for a better experience.

Ask the AI Assistant

Ask any question about visas, payments, transportation and more — or connect with a human agent.

Ask the AI Assistant

Ask any question about visas, payments, transportation and more — or connect with a human agent.

Hi! I'm your China travel assistant. Ask me anything about our tours, destinations, or travel tips!

Ready to Explore China?

Once you've got the visa info, let us help plan your perfect trip.

Explore Tour Packages