Payments
Can foreigners use Alipay in China?
Yes. Many foreigners can use Alipay with passport verification and a supported bank card, though acceptance can vary by card and merchant.
FAQ
Clear answers before you get stuck.
Short, practical answers to common China setup questions for foreigners.
Quick answers
Clear routes into the right guide
Short answers, next steps, and links into the right operating manual.
Payments
Quick answers plus a path into the deeper guide library when the task needs step-by-step setup.
Connectivity
Quick answers plus a path into the deeper guide library when the task needs step-by-step setup.
Transport
Quick answers plus a path into the deeper guide library when the task needs step-by-step setup.
Hotels & Travel
Quick answers plus a path into the deeper guide library when the task needs step-by-step setup.
Planning
Quick answers plus a path into the deeper guide library when the task needs step-by-step setup.
Checklist
Quick answers plus a path into the deeper guide library when the task needs step-by-step setup.
Connectivity
Do I need a Chinese phone number to use China apps?
Some apps work with foreign numbers, but a Chinese number often makes registration, verification, delivery, and customer support easier.
Transport
Can foreigners use DiDi in China?
Yes, but payment setup and phone verification should be handled before you need a ride urgently.
Hotels & Travel
Can foreigners stay in any hotel in China?
Not always. Choose hotels that clearly accept foreign guests and expect passport registration at check-in.
Planning
What should I set up before arriving in China?
Prepare payment apps, connectivity, maps, transport, hotel details, passport copies, and backup cash or cards.
Checklist
Can I get the First 72 Hours Checklist?
Yes. The First 72 Hours Checklist is free and helps you prepare payments, connectivity, hotels, transport, food delivery, and backup options before arriving in China.
Next step
If an answer mentions an app or task, open the full operating manual.
FAQ is for orientation. Guides and app manuals are where the actual steps, failure points, and fallback paths live.
Browse guide library