Make the first hour boring
The goal is not to plan every moment. It is to remove the failures that are hardest to fix after landing: identity checks, payment setup, mobile data, hotel address access, and offline communication.
Before departure
- Passport validity and visa or entry permission confirmed.
- Hotel name, address, and phone saved in English and Chinese.
- At least one payment app installed and linked to a usable card.
- Mobile data plan chosen, with setup steps saved offline.
- Maps, translation, airline, and hotel apps installed while your normal app store works.
- Key phrases, emergency contacts, and booking screenshots available offline.
Use this order
- Confirm documents first
Document issues can block boarding or entry, so treat them as the highest priority.
- Set up payments before apps pile up
Payment readiness affects taxis, food, transit, and many small purchases.
- Make an offline kit
Keep screenshots and phrases available without mobile data or hotel Wi-Fi.
