MileHacker Logo
Shanwei Travel Checklist

Shanwei Travel Checklist

Shanwei Guangdong, China Travel Guide

Essential Preparations Before Shanwei

Start planning well in advance to avoid last-eleventh-hour hurry and have a worry-free experience.

Chronological Planning Timeline

Follow a structured strategy for your preparations to cover all bases.

1

Months Before

Passport & Visa Check

Ensure how long your passport is valid for 6+ months and 2 blank visa pages. Begin visa application.

Travel Insurance & Vaccinations

Purchase Comprehensive travel insurance. Consult doctor for recommended vaccinations.

Flight Booking

Book international flights to gateway airports (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, or Jieyang).

2

Month Before

Accommodation Booking

Schedule all Shanwei accommodation and any planned day trips or excursions.

Internal Transport

Book high-speed train tickets for travel between cities within China in advance.

VPN & Mobile Apps Setup

Download and configure a reliable VPN service. Install WeChat, Alipay, Didi, Baidu Maps navigation.

3

Week Before

Document Copies

Make photocopies and digital copies of passport, visa, and all reservations. Store them separately.

Packing & Currency

Begin packing. Order some Chinese Yuan (CNY) for initial expenses.

Bank Notification & Contacts

Let your bank know when you're traveling. Ensure emergency contact information is accessible.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure all critical travel elements to prevent last-minute complications.

Reservations

  • International and domestic flights to and from China.
  • Your Chinese entry visa.
  • All hotel, guesthouse, or apartment stays.
  • Intercity train tickets, especially high-speed rail.

Pre-Trip Research & Home Care

Gather knowledge to improve your trip and ensure peace of mind at home.

Research & Home Actions

  • Research Shanwei's local culture, dining customs, and fundamental etiquette.
  • Familiarize yourself with Chinese phrases for basic interactions.
  • Secure your home (lock doors, windows). Arrange for mail, plants, and pets.
  • Leave itinerary and emergency contact details with a trusted friend.

Packing Essentials & Considerations

Thoughtful packing ensures you have everything you need for ease and comfort.

Clothing & Footwear

  • Light, breathable clothing.
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Swimwear for beach activities.
  • Light jacket for evenings.

Health & Hygiene

  • Basic first-aid kit.
  • Personal prescription medications.
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • Hand sanitizer.

Essentials & Documents

  • Passport, visa, ID, and copies.
  • Local currency and credit cards.
  • Phone, charger, and power bank.
  • Packing organizers like Eagle Creek packing cubes.

Important Planning Reminder

Be certain to download & configure a reliable VPN service on all your devices before arriving in China to ensure access to overseas websites.

Arrival Checklist for Shanwei

Prepare for your first times in Shanwei for a smooth and confident start to your trip.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Immigration Procedures

    Complete immigration, present passport and visa, and provide fingerprints if required.

  • 2
    Customs Clearance

    Clear customs on entering to China.

  • 3
    SIM Card / Mobile Data

    Activate your local SIM card or ensure your international roaming/eSIM works.

Orientation & Initial Purchases

  • Hotel Check-in & Registration

    Check into accommodation and confirm PSB registration if staying in a rental for your vacation.

  • Local Map & Neighborhood Walk

    Obtain a local map or use your navigation app. Take a walk around your neighborhood.

  • Currency & Mobile Payment Setup

    Exchange currency or withdraw cash. Finalize setting up WeChat Pay or Alipay.

Transportation from Entry Point

From Railway Station

From Shanwei Train Terminal, take a taxi, Didi, or local bus to your hotel.

Ensure you have the hotel address written in Chinese.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are readily available. Didi Chuxing offers convenient and quicker service.

Having your a location in Chinese is always a good practice for drivers.

Public Bus System

Public buses are the most economical way to move around the city.

Familiarize yourself with routes or use a local mapping app for direction.

Arrival Tip

Always possess your accommodation address written in Cantonese to facilitate smooth transportation from your arrival point.

Departure Preparation from Shanwei

Plan for a smooth and efficient exit from Shanwei, taking care of all final details.

Souvenirs, Shipping & VAT Refunds

  • Buy any last-minute souvenirs you wish to take home.
  • When planning to ship items home, visit a China Post office well in advance.
  • Inquire about customs regulations for international shipping.
  • Check for VAT refund eligibility at the point of purchase or major airports.

Pre-Departure Timing & Return Trip

  • Arrive 2-3 hours for international flights; 1.5-2 hours for domestic.
  • Arrive at Shanwei Train Terminal at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
  • Confirm your international flight or onward travel bookings.
  • Verify that all your belongings and documents are packed before leaving.

Departure Timings

Allow ample time for departure processes at airports and train stations.

Recommended Schedules

  • International Flights:2-3 hours before
  • Domestic Flights:1.5-2 hours before
  • High-bullet Trains:30-45 minutes before
  • Border Crossings:Allow extra time

Final Financial & Admin Steps

  • Consider spending any leftover Chinese Yuan or exchanging it.
  • Settle all outstanding bills or charges at your accommodation.
  • Ensure all mobile payment balances are cleared or transferred.
  • Collect any final invoices or receipts required for expenses.

Final Document Check

Always double-check you have your passport, visa, and all travel documents secured before heading before you depart point.

Remember to settle any outstanding mobile payment balances or convert remaining currency.