Kina 
A blank mobile screen in China can become more expensive than a taxi.
Preparations at Home Before Packing for China
China is a country where everyday logistics rely on mobile devices, from maps to payments and ticket purchases. Therefore, a good packing list starts with securing items that work without unrestricted access to Western apps.
First, check the entry regulations that apply to your route and purpose, as document requirements can vary between tourist trips, business trips, and transit. At VIZA.se, you can find out exactly what documents are required for your trip.
Also, keep in mind that many Swedish bank cards work less effectively in China than at home. Plan for a combination of cash and mobile payments, and ensure you have a physical backup in case your mobile device malfunctions.
Application and Digital Preparations Affecting Packing
If you need a visa for China, you will want to have printed documents and screenshots ready, as you may sometimes be asked to show bookings and address details. Save your hotel address in Chinese characters, as this will make it easier for both taxi drivers and during check-in.
A VPN is a practical packing issue, as it must be installed and tested before departure. Many VPN providers’ websites may be difficult to access from China, so do the installation at home, log in, and test the connection on both your mobile network and wifi.
Download offline maps for the cities you will be visiting, such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. Also, save an offline translation for Chinese in your translation app, and add important addresses as favorites.
Install the VPN and offline maps before departure, and test them thoroughly, not just by opening the app.
At the Airport and During Travel to China
When departing and during layovers, staff may ask you to show your return ticket, hotel booking, and sometimes contact details in China. Have this information both digitally and on paper, especially if you are changing flights with a short transfer time.
A power bank is more than just a convenience on long flights to China; it is your insurance against being without QR codes, tickets, and addresses. Check that your power bank is approved for carry-on luggage according to the airline’s rules, and label it clearly with its capacity.
Once you are on your way, it is wise to have a small toiletry bag easily accessible. It should contain hand sanitizer, tissues, and any prescription medications, as toilets and services can vary greatly between airports and domestic terminals.
Arrival in China and the First Hour in the Country
After passport control, you will want to quickly get your data or wifi up and running, but expect apps to behave differently. If you plan to buy a local SIM or eSIM, have your passport ready and an address for your accommodation, as this may be requested during registration.
Cash is still useful in China, especially for smaller purchases, markets, and some regional transportation. Exchange a small amount in advance or withdraw on-site, but be aware that ATMs may have varying support for foreign cards.
Save your accommodation’s name and address in Chinese characters, and have a version that you can show without internet access.
The Packing List for China That Makes a Difference
Focus on items that are difficult to replace quickly or that require prior preparation.
- Passport, any visa, copies of bookings, and an address list
- VPN installed, logged in, and tested, along with offline maps and offline translation
- Travel pharmacy with prescriptions, fever reducers, electrolyte solutions, and band-aids
- Adapter for China and an extra charging cable, as well as a power bank
- Cash in CNY or a small starting amount in another currency for exchange
Travel Pharmacy and Health in China
In China, pharmacies can be well-stocked, but the language barrier makes it harder to find the exact right product. Bring your basic medications from Sweden, especially if you are sensitive to specific brands or dosages.
For stomach issues, electrolyte solutions and something for diarrhea are often more practical than searching for the right product in a new city. If you are traveling for an extended period, face masks may also be worth having in your bag, as air quality can vary greatly between regions and seasons.
If you are taking prescription medications, keep them in their original packaging and preferably have a certificate in English. If you need to show contents at security checks, it will go faster when everything is clear.
Adapter, Electricity, and Charging in China
China uses several types of outlets, and in many hotels, both flat and round pins fit, but not always. A travel adapter that covers China is therefore safer than taking a chance, especially if you plan to travel between different provinces.
Bring at least one extra charging cable and a small charger that can handle multiple devices. In practice, you will charge more often than at home, as navigation, camera use, and payment apps drain the battery.
Payments, Apps, and Safety in Everyday Life in China
Mobile payments dominate in China, and even though support for foreign cards has improved, it can still be uneven. Prepare by having two payment methods, and double-check that your bank card is open for purchases abroad before departure.
From a safety perspective, the biggest risk for many travelers is not pickpockets, but losing their mobile device. Use a screen lock, activate find my device, and write down important numbers, including the bank’s blocking number.
When moving around cities, offline maps are your plan B in case of poor coverage or if apps do not load. This also allows you to navigate without stopping to search, which is helpful in large stations and narrow streets.
Small China-Specific Items That Are Often Forgotten
Wet wipes are unexpectedly useful, especially at simpler eateries. A small flashlight can also help in hotel corridors, on night trains, or during power outages in smaller towns.
Finally, write down your hotel on a piece of paper. In a taxi in China, a handwritten address in Chinese can be more valuable than the most advanced phone.
