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Tanggu Travel Resources

Tanggu Travel Resources

Tanggu Tianjin, China Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

Organize your preparations chronologically to manage tasks effectively.

Travel Preparation Timeline

A phased approach to a seamless journey.

1

+ Months Before

Visa Application

Submit an application for your China visa. This process can take several weeks.

Research Flights & Accommodations

Start researching flight options and main accommodations for pricing and availability.

Set Up VPN Subscription

Purchase and set up a reliable VPN subscription Before you arrive in China.

2

Month Before

Book Flights & Main Accommodations

Finalize and book your international and domestic flights, and your main hotels.

Arrange Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance for your trip.

Familiarize with Basic Mandarin

Start learning essential phrases and download translation apps. Babbel helps.

3

Week Before

Confirm All Reservations

Double-check flight, train, hotel, and tour bookings for accuracy.

Pack According to Climate

Ensure your clothing matches the expected weather conditions for your visit.

Download Essential Apps

Ensure WeChat, Alipay, Baidu Maps/Amap, Didi, and your VPN are set up.

Required Advance Bookings

Important items to make a reservation in advance.

Travel Elements

  • Visa for China.
  • International and domestic flights.
  • High-speed train tickets (especially for popular routes like Beijing-Tianjin).
  • Main hotel accommodations.

Pre-Trip Research Recommendations

Valuable knowledge for your trip.

Cultural & Practical Insights

  • Familiarize yourself with basic Chinese customs and etiquette.
  • Understand how WeChat Pay and Alipay work and how to set them up.
  • Learn common greetings, thanks, and basic questions in Mandarin.
  • Research local navigation options.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Ensure everything is ready at home for a worry-free departure.

Notifications

  • Notify family or trusted friends of your itinerary.
  • Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans.
  • Pay bills or set up automatic payments.
  • Confirm Travel insurance coverage.

Home Security

  • Secure your home before leaving.
  • Hold mail delivery or arrange for a neighbor.
  • Arrange for pet care if you have animals.
  • Organize plant care for extended trips.

Digital & Packing

  • Power up all your devices.
  • Make physical and digital copies of documents.
  • Download essential apps like WeChat, Alipay, VPN (NordVPN).
  • Ensure mobile payment apps link to foreign cards.

Insider Tip

Remember to make digital copies of your passport, visa, and important documents. Keep them on your phone and in cloud storage.

Arrival Checklist

These steps will help you settle in quickly upon arrival.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Clear Immigration and Customs

    Pass through border control and customs at Tianjin Binhai International Airport or Tianjin Port.

  • 2
    Orientation Strategies

    Locate the airport/port information desk for any immediate questions.

  • 3
    Connect to Wi-Fi

    Connect to available Wi-Fi for initial communications and app setup.

Initial Purchases & Transport

  • Currency Exchange

    Exchange a small sum of money or withdraw from an ATM.

  • Local SIM Card

    Purchase a local SIM card (if not done pre-trip) to get connected right away.

  • Transport to Accommodation

    Use official taxis, Didi, or pre-booked transport. Have your hotel address in Chinese.

Departure Preparation

Souvenir and Shipping

Consider purchasing last-minute souvenirs.

Check your airline's baggage allowance to avoid excess fees. Arrange shipping well in advance.

VAT Refund Procedures

China has a limited VAT refund scheme for foreign tourists on particular goods.

Check specific rules and procedures at the airport's customs office. Keep receipts and forms ready.

Pre-departure Timing

Arrive at the airport or station with enough time.

Allow 2-3 hours for international flights, 1.5-2 hours for domestic flights, 30-45 minutes for trains.

Final Check

Create a physical folder or digital folder on your phone for all confirmation numbers, booking details, and emergency contacts. This centralizes all your important travel information.

Return Trip Preparation

Ensure a smooth exit from Tanggu/Binhai New Area.

Departure Logistics

  • Confirm your flight or train details well in advance.
  • Pack your bags, ensuring all belongings are accounted for.
  • Dispose of any remaining the local money or exchange it if you can.
  • Double-check all essential travel documents before leaving.

Last-Minute Checks

  • Ensure all personal devices are charged.
  • Disconnect from any local Wi-Fi networks securely.
  • Mentally prepare for re-entry procedures in your home country.
  • Share your safe return with family and friends.

Baggage Guidelines

Avoid unexpected fees and ensure a smooth check-in.

Weight & Size Limits

  • Carry-on weight:Varies by airline
  • Checked baggage weight:Typically 20-30kg
  • Carry-on dimensions:Standard small suitcase
  • Personal item:Handbag or laptop bag

Customs Declarations

  • Complete any required customs declaration forms.
  • Declare all objects as required via your home country's regulations.
  • Be honest and transparent to avoid issues.
  • Research restricted or prohibited items before packing.

Smooth Departure

A well-planned departure ensures you leave China with wonderful memories, not last-minute stress.

Confirm all bookings and prepare documents in advance.

Tanggu Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts