First Week Checklist
The first week in China beyond sightseeing: SIM card, payments, hotel registration, transport cards and the admin nobody warns you about.
Last reviewed October 23, 2026 · policies change — confirm the official sources before travel
Your first week involves essential tasks beyond sightseeing. This checklist ensures you handle everything to settle in smoothly.
Key points
What works in practice
Prioritize payment and communication setup first
Keep copies of important documents
Establish daily routines quickly
Build relationships with local vendors
Join expat groups for tips
Be patient with adaptation period
Mistakes to avoid
Prioritizing sightseeing over setup
Not learning basic phrases
Isolating from local community
Overwhelming yourself too much
Frequently asked
Forget something important?
Major cities have everything you need. Explore local stores.
How long to adapt?
Most feel comfortable in 1-2 weeks with active engagement.
Questions about your trip?
If you want help with routes or want to ask me something directly, you can find me here.