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Dazhou Travel Checklist

Dazhou Travel Checklist

Dazhou Sichuan, China Travel Guide

Planning Timeline

Follow this timeline for a smooth and worry-free journey to Dazhou.

Comprehensive Planning Steps

Detailed steps to guide your preparations from months to days before your trip.

1

Months Before

Passport Check

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from China and has at least two blank pages.

Visa Application

Begin the visa application process. This can take several weeks, especially with document gathering or delays.

Vaccinations

Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for recommended vaccinations and ensure they are up-to-date.

2

Month Before

Bookings

Book your international and domestic flights to Dazhou. Secure your hotel or guesthouse reservations.

VPN Subscription

Purchase and install a reliable VPN service on all your devices. Test its function.

Medical Kit

Assemble a Basic first-aid kit and gather any medications you are prescribed with a doctor's note.

3

Week Before

Confirmations

Reconfirm all flight, hotel, and train reservations.

Currency

Order some Chinese Yuan (CNY) from your bank or plan for ATM withdrawals upon arrival.

Copies of Documents

Make photocopies and digital copies of your passport, visa, and insurance policy. Store them separately.

Advance Bookings

Secure these items well in advance to avoid last-minute availability issues.

Reservations

  • Flights: International and domestic flights to Dazhou.
  • Accommodation: Hotels or guesthouses.
  • Train Tickets: Especially for high-speed trains or during peak travel seasons.
  • Tours/Activities: Any specific tours or unique experiences.

Home Preparation

Ensure your home affairs are in order before you leave.

Pre-Departure Home Tasks

  • Secure Home: Arrange for mail collection, pet care, and reserve your home.
  • Bills: Pay any outstanding bills or arrange for automatic payments.
  • Inform Contacts: Let trusted neighbors or family know you is going to be away.

Pre-Trip Research

Gather knowledge that makes your trip more enjoyable and respectful.

Local Customs

  • Learn about Chinese and Dazhou-specific cultural norms and etiquette.
  • Practice a few Mandarin phrases.

Dietary Needs

  • Research must-try dishes and common ingredients, especially if you have dietary restrictions.

Transportation Details

  • Understand local transportation options (buses, DiDi) and how to use them.

Physical Document Copies

Print out hard copies of your most important documents (passport, visa, flight, hotel) in case your phone battery dies or you lose access to digital information.

Arrival Checklist

These steps ensure a smooth and organized arrival in Dazhou.

First Steps on Arrival

  • 1
    Immigration & Customs:

    Pass through border control and customs at your first point of entry into China.

  • 2
    Currency Exchange/ATM:

    Withdraw some CNY from an ATM or exchange currency at the airport.

  • 3
    SIM Card/VPN:

    Purchase a local SIM or activate your VPN to access international apps.

Orientation & Setup

  • Hotel Check-in:

    Head directly to your accommodation, check in, and drop off your luggage.

  • Local Map:

    Familiarize yourself with your hotel's immediate surroundings using a map app.

  • Walk Around:

    Take a short walk around your neighborhood to get your bearings.

Arrival Essentials

Currency Exchange

Ensure you have small denominations of CNY for initial purchases (bus fares, street food).

Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay as soon as feasible for common mobile payments.

Airport Transport

Use designated airport shuttle buses, taxis, or DiDi (ride-sharing) from Dazhou Jinya Airport.

Transport is also available from Dazhou Railway/Bus Stations to your hotel.

Transportation Tips

Familiarize yourself with local transportation options.

Buses are economical, while DiDi offers convenience and speed.

Payment Readiness

Ensure your mobile payment apps (WeChat Pay/Alipay) are functional upon arrival, as they are the main transaction method in Dazhou.

Departure Preparation

Plan your departure to avoid last-minute rush and ensure a smooth exit.

Souvenir Shopping

  • Purchase Early: Buy souvenirs for the duration of your journey rather than waiting until the last day.
  • Shipping: For large items or many purchases, inquire about shipping options at a local China Post office.
  • Customs: Be aware of customs regulations for your home country.

VAT Refunds

  • China has a VAT refund scheme for foreign tourists on certain goods.
  • Usually processed at key international airports (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou).
  • May not be easily accessible or practical for Dazhou as a result of its smaller size and domestic airport.
  • Research specific requirements for major purchases.

Departure Timing

Allocate ample time for your journey to the airport or station.

Timing Recommendations

  • Confirm Travel:24-48 hours before leaving.
  • Domestic Flights:1.5-2 hours at airport.
  • Trains/Buses:30-60 minutes at station.
  • Packing:The night before departure.

Return Trip Essentials

  • Passport/Visa Check: Ensure validity for re-entry to your home country or next destination.
  • Leftover Currency: Plan to spend any remaining CNY or exchange it before leaving China.
  • Mobile Data/VPN: Disable your Chinese SIM card or roaming if not needed.
  • Next Destination: Reconfirm trip arrangements for your next journey.

Luggage Documentation

Take a photo of your luggage and its contents before leaving.

This is useful for insurance claims if your bags are lost or damaged.