Before you come
A practical checklist for arriving in China for medical care. Sort these out before you fly and your first days will be far smoother.
📄 Visa & entry
- Most medical visits use a tourist (L) visa; longer or treatment-specific stays may use a medical (M-type) arrangement.
- Check the latest visa-free and transit policies for your nationality before booking — they change often.
- Carry a copy of your hospital appointment or invitation if you have one.
📱 Phone & mobile data
- An eSIM or a local SIM gets you data from the moment you land — you'll need it for maps, payment and messaging.
- A reliable connection matters in China: many everyday services run entirely through apps.
- Bring an unlocked phone so you can use a local or travel SIM.
💳 Mobile payment
- Alipay and WeChat Pay are used almost everywhere — cash and foreign cards are often not accepted.
- Both apps now let international visitors link a foreign credit card; set this up before you arrive.
- Keep some cash as a backup for the occasional place that needs it.
☎ Numbers worth saving
- 120 — ambulance / medical emergency.
- 110 — police. 119 — fire.
- Your hotel front desk and your companion's contact — the fastest help when there's a language gap.
A note on this page. This is a starting checklist, not legal or medical advice. Visa rules and app procedures change, so confirm the current details with an official source before you travel. A companion can help you handle any of these once you're here.
Questions about getting set up?
A bilingual companion can walk you through visas, payment apps and your first days — just ask.
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