Before you land
Download your flight details and accommodation confirmation. Save the hotel’s Chinese name, full address, phone number and entrance location. Keep the pickup contact and meeting instructions offline if you have arranged a driver.
Check which airport and terminal you will use. Beijing Capital and Daxing are different airports; Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao are different airports. A city name alone is not enough for a pickup.
Immigration, baggage and customs
Follow the arrival signs and have your travel documents ready for immigration. Complete the entry information requested through the official process. After baggage collection, check that your suitcase is yours and report a missing bag to the airline’s desk before leaving.
Use the customs declaration channel when required. If you are unsure about an item, speak to Customs before choosing an exit channel.
Get connected before starting the transfer
Turn on your arranged roaming or travel data plan and test a message to someone you trust. If buying a local SIM, use an operator service counter and have your passport ready. Ask the airport information desk where to find communication or visitor services.
Open your hotel address and transport booking while you still have help nearby. Keep the address saved even after your connection works.
Choose a clear route to the hotel
For public transport, check the line, destination station and final walk with luggage. For a taxi, follow signs to the official queue. For a booked pickup, follow the agreed meeting instructions and verify the booking details before leaving with the driver.
If the hotel is in a pedestrian lane or old-town district, agree where the vehicle can stop and how you will manage the final section with bags.
Check in, eat and rest
Show your passport at the hotel desk. Ask for the hotel name card, Wi-Fi details and breakfast information. Hotels handle accommodation registration; a stay in a private home needs a separate registration step.
Try a small payment when buying water or a meal. Keep the first outing close to the hotel, with room to return early after a long journey.
Common questions
Should I book a major attraction on arrival day?
Leave it for another day if you can. Immigration, bags, the transfer and tiredness can take more time than expected.
What if I cannot contact my pickup driver?
Stay at the agreed meeting point, use the booking contact and ask airport staff for help. Keep the booking and hotel address available offline.