FAQ / PAY · CONNECT · MOVE
Landing FAQ
High-frequency China arrival failures — practical answers with sources where we have them.
Each question has its own page and FAQPage markup. Answers are preparation help: sourced where linked, speculation labeled, no false guarantees.
What should I do if Alipay or WeChat Pay is declined?Use a backup method, then troubleshoot privately — not in a checkout queue.I missed my high-speed rail train — what now?Keep the original booking document, ask station staff about same-day options, and do not invent a new ticket rule.My phone has no network after landing — how do I recover?Use offline saved addresses first; then fix the data line before chasing apps.How do I get medical help as a visitor in China?For emergencies call 120; keep insurance contacts offline; this is not medical advice.Do I need to register if I stay with friends instead of a hotel?Yes — visitors staying outside hotels generally must register with local public security within the required window.How do I give a Chinese address to a taxi or driver?Save the Chinese name and a precise point; show it on screen rather than improvising English directions.What are common WeChat Pay / Alipay limits for foreigners?Eligibility, linking and merchant acceptance vary — treat setup and a real small payment as separate checks.Should I use a travel eSIM or home-carrier roaming?Compare device unlock, coverage, activation trigger, SMS needs and total cost — not only the headline price.Do I still need cash in China?Yes — carry some RMB as the ultimate backup when apps or cards fail.How do I get from the airport to my hotel?Decide the mode before landing; save the Chinese hotel address; confirm the destination before the car moves.Do I need a VPN in China?Many foreign apps and sites behave differently on mainland networks — plan connectivity honestly; we do not sell or endorse bypass tools.How do departure tax refunds work for visitors?Ask participating stores about eligibility, keep receipts, and follow the airport refund desk process — rules and thresholds change.How do I ride the metro with a QR code or card?Cities differ — prepare a transport code in a supported app, a compatible bank card, or a single-journey ticket with staff help.How do foreigners buy train tickets on 12306?Use official 12306 channels, complete passport identity verification before purchase, and keep the original document.Do China apps require a Chinese phone number?Some flows accept foreign numbers; some features still expect SMS you can receive — test before you need them.What if I do not speak Chinese?Save key Chinese names offline, test translation on a low-stakes sign, and use humans for medical or legal clarity.Why must my booking name match my passport?Rail, flights and many hotels check the travel document — mismatches block boarding or check-in.What emergency numbers should visitors save?110 police, 119 fire, 120 ambulance — plus your own embassy/consulate. 12308 is not for foreign visitors in China.Do I need an arrival / entry card?Use only official channels if an online foreigner arrival card is available for your entry path — avoid lookalike scam sites.Why do I need a second payment method?Because one working login is not the same as one accepted payment at the merchant in front of you.