Start Planning with Confidence
A successful relocation begins well before your arrival. Preparing the right documents, understanding what to bring and organizing essential arrangements in advance will make your transition to China much smoother.
This guide covers the key steps to consider before departure, so you can arrive prepared and focus on settling into your new life.
Essential Documents to Prepare
Before leaving for China, make sure that all important personal, professional and family documents are ready and easily accessible. Some procedures may require original documents, certified copies or official translations.
- Passports and valid visas for every family member
- Employment and work permit documents
- Marriage and birth certificates, if applicable
- Diplomas, professional certificates and reference letters
- Medical records, vaccination certificates and prescriptions
- School records and recent reports for accompanying children
- Digital and printed copies of all essential documents
Health & Medical Preparation
Before your departure, review your healthcare coverage and prepare for any medical needs you may have during your first weeks in China.
- Check that your international health insurance is valid in China
- Complete any recommended vaccinations before departure
- Bring an adequate supply of regular medication
- Keep prescriptions and medical documents in English
- Carry essential medication in your hand luggage
- Check whether any medication is restricted in China
- Prepare contact details for your insurance provider and emergency assistance service
What to Bring to China
Most everyday items are readily available in China, especially in major cities. However, bringing a few familiar or essential products can make your first weeks more comfortable.
- Prescription medication and a copy of each prescription
- A small supply of preferred personal care products
- Clothing and shoes in sizes that may be difficult to find locally
- Essential items for babies or young children
- A few familiar foods or comfort items for your first days
- Power adapters for Chinese electrical sockets
- Important electronics and their chargers
- Personal items that will help your new home feel familiar
Digital Preparation Before Departure
Preparing your phone and essential digital services before departure will make your arrival much easier. Some international websites and applications may be difficult to access from China, so complete the main installations and settings in advance.
- Purchase, install and test a reliable VPN on all your devices before travelling to China, including your phone, tablet and laptop.
- Check that your phone is unlocked and compatible with a Chinese SIM card
- Activate international roaming for your arrival day
- Download Alipay, create your account using your international mobile number, complete the identity and two-step verification process, and add an international bank card before departure. Once in China, you can easily replace your international mobile number with your new Chinese number.
- Download WeChat before departure, but wait until you have a Chinese mobile number before creating your main account. WeChat normally requires users to wait 180 days before changing the mobile number linked to an account. Creating the account with an international number shortly before departure could therefore prevent you from switching immediately to your Chinese number and complicate local verification, payments and account recovery.
- Download essential apps such as Amap (navigation and maps), Didi (ride-hailing, like Uber), and Trip.com (booking flights, hotels, and trains).
- Install a translation app and download offline language packs
- Save digital copies of important documents in a secure and accessible location
- Make sure you can access your email, banking applications and account verification methods abroad
Final Arrangements Before Departure
In the final weeks before departure, confirm the main arrangements for your arrival and keep all essential information easily accessible.
- Confirm your flight details and baggage allowance
- Arrange temporary accommodation if your permanent home is not yet available
- Organize airport transportation for your arrival
- Confirm your relocation, moving and shipment arrangements
- Inform your bank that you will be travelling or living abroad
- Keep some accessible funds and at least one international payment card
- Share your travel details with your employer or relocation consultant
- Save the address of your accommodation in both English and Chinese
- Keep important contact numbers available offline
- Prepare essential items for your first few days in your hand luggage
Before You Leave Checklist
Before heading to the airport, take a moment to confirm that the essentials are ready.
- Passports, visas and travel documents are in your hand luggage
- Flight, accommodation and airport transfer details are confirmed
- Important addresses are saved in English and Chinese
- VPN and essential applications are installed and tested
- International roaming is activated for your arrival
- Medication, prescriptions and essential personal items are packed
- International payment cards and accessible funds are available
- Digital copies of important documents are securely stored
- Your employer or relocation consultant has your arrival details
- Emergency and insurance contact numbers are available offline
Explore More Relocation Guides
Every successful relocation happens step by step. Explore our practical guides to help you prepare, settle in and make the most of your new life in China.
Preparing Your Move → Your First Days in China → Housing & Schools → Daily Life & Essential Apps
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