What's on my phone and in my bag when I travel around China
The eSIM, the payment setup, the apps, and the boring things in the bag that save the day. Plus what I deliberately leave at home.
Read →Hi, I'm David. I've spent years being the new foreigner: in the US for a long stretch, then Germany, France, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Australia. Now I live in China, and this is where I write down what actually works here, tested in person and dated so you know it's current. More about me →
Not sure if you need a visa? Check in 1 minute →
Before You Go
Visas, entry rules, apps, packing and what to sort out at home. See all →
Start with the trip prep calculator: visa-free check and a to-do list for your dates.
Who can visit China visa-free for 30 days right now
Fifty passports get 30 days without a visa, including the UK, Canada, most of Europe, Australia, Japan and Korea. The US isn't one of them.
Read →What to pack for China, and what to leave at home
North and south are different trips. Plus plugs, the power bank rule that catches people at airports, medicine, and the small things everyone forgets.
Read →The 240-hour visa-free transit, explained
Up to ten days in China without a visa if you fly on to a third country. The routing rule and airline check-in are where it goes wrong.
Read →The 13 apps I’d install before flying to China
Five you need, four that help, four that are nice to have. With official links and the mistake people make with each.
Read →