Passport & visa-free eligibility
Check that your passport is valid well beyond your travel dates, and confirm your visa-free eligibility or visa requirements with official Chinese embassy or consulate sources before booking anything.
The practical things that make the biggest difference on the ground. Clients receive a personalised version of this checklist tailored to their route — this is the short version.
Check that your passport is valid well beyond your travel dates, and confirm your visa-free eligibility or visa requirements with official Chinese embassy or consulate sources before booking anything.
Strongly recommended for every China trip. Choose a policy that covers medical care, trip changes and your specific activities — especially for high-altitude or outdoor routes.
China runs on mobile payments. Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay with your Australian cards before departure, and carry backup cards plus a small amount of cash for the rare exceptions.
Arrange a travel eSIM, local SIM or roaming plan before you fly so maps, translation and messaging work from the moment you land. Compare data allowances against your trip length.
Some overseas apps and services work differently in China. If you need access to specific platforms, check your options and set things up before departure — not after you arrive.
Maps, translation, ride-hailing, train booking, payment and messaging apps do the heavy lifting in China. We include a set-up checklist with every plan so your phone is ready before you fly.
China's high-speed rail is superb — fast, comfortable and punctual. Book early during peak seasons and holidays, and keep your passport handy: it's your ticket ID at the station.
For domestic flights, your passport is your ID at every step — check-in, security and boarding. Allow generous connection times at large hubs, especially on your first trip.
Hotels in China register foreign guests with local authorities — it's routine and handled at check-in with your passport. We recommend hotels experienced with international travellers.
Queuing habits, restaurant ordering, mobile payments and public transport all have their own rhythm. Tipping is generally not expected. Our pre-trip briefing covers the etiquette that matters.
China spans many climates: subtropical south, dry north, alpine west. We include a seasonal packing list matched to your specific route and travel month.
Save local emergency numbers, your insurer's assistance line, and the Australian embassy or consulate details for the cities you're visiting. We include these in every itinerary document.
Every package includes a personalised preparation checklist — and our pre-trip briefing walks you through it face to face.