After a long flight, arriving somewhere new can feel overwhelming. China’s major airports are well organised and widely signed in English; once you know the sequence, getting from the aircraft to your hotel is straightforward.
The airport arrival flow
Most international arrivals follow the same three stages:
Immigration
Present your passport, visa if required and completed arrival information.
Baggage claim
Follow the screens to your assigned carousel and collect all checked luggage.
Customs
Choose the appropriate declaration channel and follow any inspection instructions.
Complete your arrival information
Foreign visitors can submit arrival information online before travelling. The official system is free and is available through the National Immigration Administration website, its government-service channels and authorised WeChat or Alipay mini-programs. If you cannot complete it in advance, use an airport kiosk, scan an authorised on-site QR code or fill out a paper card.
Information to have ready
- Personal and passport details
- Flight number and reason for visiting
- Your hotel name and full address
- Onward or return travel details
At immigration and customs
At immigration, have your passport, any required visa and your arrival information ready. Officers may ask about your accommodation, trip purpose or onward journey, so keep the answers and documents easy to reach.
After baggage claim, follow signs for Customs. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare and the red channel if you are carrying declarable items or are unsure. Customs officers may inspect baggage regardless of the channel selected.
Quick setup at the airport
If you did not arrange connectivity or backup cash before travelling, the arrivals hall is usually the easiest place to sort out the essentials.
Local SIM card
Airport mobile counters can register and activate a Chinese SIM using your passport. It may cost more than a city shop, but staff assistance makes setup easier.
- Useful when you need a Chinese phone number
- Ask staff to confirm data, calls and plan duration
- Local-network access restrictions still apply
Backup cash
China is largely cashless, but a small amount of cash can help if a foreign card or mobile-payment app fails.
- ATMs usually offer better rates than exchange desks
- Look for an English-language option and international-card logos
- Wait for the transaction to finish and take both cash and card
Getting from the airport to your hotel
Choose based on arrival time, luggage, budget and how comfortable you are navigating a new city after a flight.
Metro or airport rail
Usually the cheapest and most predictable option for daytime arrivals in major cities.
- Avoids road traffic
- Best for solo travellers and light luggage
- Check the last train before leaving baggage claim
Official airport taxi
Follow signs to the official taxi rank and ignore unsolicited offers inside the terminal.
- Show the hotel address in Chinese
- Ask the driver to use the meter
- Check the approximate route and journey time first
Didi ride-hailing
Convenient once you know the airport layout, but designated pickup areas can be confusing for a first arrival.
- Follow signs for “Ride Hailing”
- Drivers may call to confirm the pickup point
- Photograph your location if you need to message the driver
Private airport transfer
The most expensive option, but also the simplest after a late flight or when travelling with a group.
- Driver meets you with a name sign
- No language or pickup-point uncertainty
- Book through your hotel or a trusted platform
Useful arrival reminders
- Check the airport code: Beijing and Shanghai have multiple airports that are far apart. Confirm both arrival and departure airports.
- Allow time for queues: immigration can take longer when several international flights arrive together.
- Keep your hotel address in Chinese: save it as text and as a screenshot.
- Use official transport: follow airport signs rather than accepting unsolicited ride offers.
- Keep essentials accessible: passport, phone, charger and transport details should stay in your hand luggage.
You’re all set
Once you reach your hotel, the hardest part is over. Take a moment to settle in, connect to Wi-Fi and confirm your plans — then start exploring.
