What gear to buy before you fly
These are the six categories first-timers actually pack, not a generic packing checklist. We focus on the tech and small items that are hard to replace once you’re on the road in China — seasonal clothing is covered in our what to pack for China guide.
The six categories, picture by picture
Power & plugs
China runs 220V, 50Hz. Wall sockets accept Type A (two flat pins), Type I (three flat pins) and Type C (two round pins) — most hotels use a hybrid socket that takes all three. One universal travel adapter with built-in USB-C covers the whole trip and charges phone and laptop from a single brick. Pack a power bank around 20,000mAh (under 100Wh) so it clears airport security. 2026 update: China’s domestic flights now require a visible 3C certification mark on the power bank — fine on international legs, but double-check the mark before a China-domestic connection.
Internet & eSIM
Get online before you land. An eSIM (Airalo, Nomad, Holafly) activates on arrival with no physical SIM swap, or grab a China Mobile/Unicom tourist SIM at the airport. Pair it with a VPN app installed before you fly — app stores and many VPN sites are blocked inside China, so set it up while you still have normal internet.
Payments that work without cash
Cash is fading fast. Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay with an international card before you go (both now support foreign cards and show a translation toggle). Link them to your card, screenshot your QR, and you can pay in almost any shop, taxi or restaurant. Carry a little cash only for tiny street vendors.
A VPN you trust
Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram and many news sites are blocked in China. A reliable VPN (paid, not free) is the single item most first-timers wish they’d sorted earlier. Install and test it at home, and keep a backup service in case one gets throttled.
Phone & charging kit
Bring a phone with a good camera, a second USB-C cable, and a small plug adapter for trains and cafés. A pocket Wi-Fi or your phone’s hotspot keeps your laptop online when hotel Wi-Fi is weak. A cheap pair of noise-cancelling earbuds turns long high-speed-rail rides into quiet work time.
Comforts from home
Pack the small things hotels don’t provide: tissues (public toilets often have none), a refillable water bottle, slip-on shoes for the many shoe-off moments, and any medication you take regularly — bring the prescription, as brand names differ. A light scarf doubles as a plane blanket and temple cover-up.
One checklist, the whole pre-trip
The gear is one piece. Our free China pre-trip checklist covers the VPN, eSIM, Alipay, train bookings and the documents to screenshot before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a travel adapter for China?
Yes. China uses 220V/50Hz with Type A, I and C sockets. A single universal adapter with USB-C covers all of them and charges your phone and laptop from one brick.
Can I use Google or WhatsApp in China?
No — they’re blocked. Install a paid, tested VPN before you fly (app stores and VPN sites are blocked inside China) and keep a backup service.
Should I bring cash to China?
A little, for tiny street vendors. Alipay and WeChat Pay (with a linked international card) cover almost everything else, and cash is increasingly rare.
Which eSIM works in China?
Airalo, Nomad and Holafly all sell China eSIMs that activate on arrival. Alternatively, grab a China Mobile or Unicom tourist SIM at the airport.
Is a power bank allowed on planes?
Yes, up to 100Wh (about 20,000–27,000mAh) in carry-on. From 2026, China domestic flights require a visible 3C mark on the power bank.
Got the gear? Now plan the days.
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