Test payment arrangements early
Check the current identity and overseas-card setup instructions from your chosen payment provider. Card acceptance, verification and transaction conditions vary. Have more than one workable payment method and check fees with your bank; do not assume every local merchant takes an overseas card.
Keep the essentials offline
Check your mobile plan’s China coverage, roaming costs and access conditions before leaving. Keep the hotel address in Chinese, transfer instructions and important booking details available offline. Different map apps may show names differently; use the Chinese name and exact location when confirming a meeting point.
