ARRIVAL SETUP / READY TO USE

Set up the
first hour in China.

Prepare connectivity, payment, maps and communication in landing order.

Open arrival checklist →Pick an eSIM first ↗

CSG / ARRIVAL BOARD SETUP PATH

Recommended orderPAY → CONNECT → MOVE

FOUR PREP MODULES

Handle the blockers first.

Four modules. One next action each.

Pick a China eSIM

Match device, trip length, data habits and hotspot needs before checkout.

Open module ↗PAY

Set up payments

Prepare an overseas card, Alipay or WeChat Pay, and a small cash fallback.

Open module ↗MOVE

Plan your map stack

Download offline context and keep a second route option for the first day.

Open module ↗ARRIVE

Use the first-hour checklist

A short sequence for landing, activating data and reaching your hotel.

Open module ↗

01

Payment stack

China is highly digital, but a resilient setup uses more than one payment path.

Add an overseas card to Alipay or WeChat Pay before departure and complete identity checks while you have stable internet.
Keep a small amount of cash for a taxi, a kiosk or a terminal that does not accept your preferred wallet.
Do not treat one app's support as a guarantee for every merchant; keep a card and a backup wallet available.

02

Maps and navigation

The best map choice depends on whether you need search, transit, walking routes or a familiar global interface.

Download the apps you already know and save your hotel, airport and first meeting point before the flight.
Keep the Chinese name and address of your destination in a note or screenshot for drivers and station staff.
Use two sources when a route matters: a familiar map for context and a local transit source for current station details.

03

Communications

A travel eSIM is usually a data connection, not a local phone number.

Confirm whether the exact plan advertises international routing or app access; treat that as a provider statement, not a permanent guarantee.
Keep your home number available for verification, but check roaming costs before using it for mobile data.
Save provider support links and your order information offline before you leave.