Question 1

Is DayOne China an official government guide?

Accepted Answer

No. DayOne China is an independent travel-prep guide. We are not affiliated with the Chinese government, any embassy, airline, or visa service. For binding rules, always verify with official Chinese authorities.

Question 2

Why do some official links not open?

Accepted Answer

Some Chinese government, airport, and app-provider pages may behave differently depending on your browser, country, VPN, DNS, company network, or PDF preview app. The kit includes visible URLs and QR codes where possible. If a link does not open, copy the visible URL, scan the QR code, turn off VPN, or try another browser/network. Always verify critical information directly with official sources before travel.

Question 3

Does this guarantee I can enter China visa-free?

Accepted Answer

No. Entry rules depend on your passport, route, and current Chinese policy — none of which we control. The kit helps you prepare and points you to official sources, but it cannot promise entry.

Question 4

Can I use the PDF offline?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The kit is a downloadable PDF you can save to your phone, tablet, or laptop. It works without internet — useful right after landing while you set up data.

Question 5

Is this useful if I already have a visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The visa gets you to the border. The kit covers everything after that: payments, internet, taxis, metro, hotel check-in, arrival card, and backup plans for your first 24 hours.

Question 6

Do I need both Alipay and WeChat Pay?

Accepted Answer

We recommend setting up both. Most places accept either, but some merchants, vending machines, or transit gates only support one. Having both removes a single point of failure.

Question 7

Can I use Visa or Mastercard in China?

Accepted Answer

Most local merchants do not accept foreign cards directly. Higher-end hotels and some chains do. The realistic path is linking your foreign card inside Alipay or WeChat Pay — the kit walks you through it.

Question 8

What if I cannot set up payment before I fly?

Accepted Answer

You can still land safely. The kit includes a cash-and-card backup plan: how much RMB to carry, where to withdraw, and which airport options accept foreign cards while you finish setup.

Question 9

Why not just use Google Maps?

Accepted Answer

Google services are blocked in mainland China without a VPN, and transit data is often outdated. Amap is more accurate for metro, walking, and ride-hailing. The kit shows how to set it up in English.

Question 10

What if I land late at night?

Accepted Answer

The kit covers late-arrival scenarios: official taxi queues, DiDi pickup zones, 24-hour airport options, and how to confirm your hotel will check you in after midnight.

Question 11

How are updates handled?

Accepted Answer

When rules, apps, or airports change, we publish a new edition and you get it free through 2026. Every change is recorded on the Update Log page so you know exactly what was checked and when.

Questions before you fly.

Ready to land prepared?