China
Structured planning leads to a smoother journey. Breaking tasks into phases makes the process manageable.
Follow these steps for a well-prepared trip to Chongqing.
Determine China visa requirements. Begin your application. Confirm passport validity (6+ months, 2 blank pages).
Book major international flights, especially during peak travel periods.
Research and book Yangtze River cruise if applicable; these book far in advance.
Book domestic flights and high-speed train tickets, especially for popular routes or holidays.
Reserve your preferred hotels or other lodging in Chongqing and for excursions.
Arrange for a VPN service (NordVPN for example). Set it up on all devices and test it Before entering China.
Double-check flight times, hotel reservations, and tour confirmations for accuracy.
Install WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, Baidu Maps/Amap, Pleco, and Google Translate (with offline packs).
Inform your bank of travel dates; this avoids card flagging and blocking.
Final checks and research enhance your Chongqing experience.
Preparations at home contribute to a worry-free departure.
A systematic approach to preparations reduces unforeseen issues. Confirming all elements well in advance makes for a calm start to your journey.
Your initial steps upon arrival ease your transition and help you settle in.
Have your passport, visa, and arrival card ready for immigration control. Expect fingerprinting and a digital photo.
Declare any goods as required by customs regulations.
Purchase a local SIM card or connect to airport Wi-Fi to inform contacts of your arrival. A local SIM card offers continuous connectivity.
Familiarize yourself with your hotel's immediate neighborhood. Locate metro stations, convenience stores, and local restaurants.
Take a short walk around the block to get a feel for the area. This aids in local navigation.
Ask hotel staff for local tips or recommendations. Their local insight can be invaluable.
Confirm your mobile payment apps (WeChat Pay/Alipay) function correctly and possess funds.
Mobile payments are useful for many transactions.
Exchange a small amount of local currency at the airport for initial expenses if cash reliance exists.
Some small vendors may prefer cash.
Navigate to your accommodation using pre-planned metro routes or a reliable taxi/DiDi.
Confirm the exact hotel address with your driver.
Having your travel documents organized and essential apps downloaded prior to landing makes for a stress-free entry into Chongqing. Initial planning eases your first hours in the city.
Plan your exit for a smooth and stress-free journey home.
Allocate ample time for airport or train station travel, factoring in city traffic and distance.
Careful planning for your departure date reduces last-minute stress.
All tasks completed beforehand mean a smooth exit from Chongqing.
