Internet, payments, transport, documents, apps, luggage, emergency contacts and a final checklist — everything you need before boarding.
Major Western platforms (Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X/Twitter) are restricted in mainland China. Install ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Astrill on your phone before boarding — VPN websites are also blocked once you arrive.
Hospital staff, your case manager, ride-hailing drivers, and pharmacies all use WeChat. Install it from the Apple/Google Play store and verify your account before travel — overseas number verification can take 1–2 days.
An eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) activated before you land is the simplest solution. A China Unicom or Mobile pre-paid SIM at the airport requires passport registration but gives the best coverage and lowest data rates for stays > 2 weeks.
Your home currency cannot be used in China. Bring USD or EUR — banks at major airports (Bank of China kiosks) exchange to RMB on arrival. Major hospitals also accept USD bank wires for the medical bill.
Both apps now accept Visa / Mastercard / JCB. Set this up before arrival via the in-app "Add Card" flow. Daily transaction limit on foreign cards is roughly USD 2,000 — sufficient for taxis, food, and shopping but not large hospital bills.
Most street vendors and older taxi drivers prefer cash. Bring 2,000–3,000 RMB in small denominations (¥10, ¥20, ¥50) for the first week.
Your case manager will meet you at the international arrivals exit holding a name sign. We monitor your flight in real time and will rebook the driver if your flight is delayed.
Install Didi (English version available, links to Alipay/WeChat Pay). Average city ride is ¥15–40. Show the driver the destination address in Chinese — your case manager will provide a card with the hospital and hotel addresses pre-typed.
Trains are punctual, comfortable, and often faster than flying for distances under 1,000 km. Book through the official 12306 app (English version) or Trip.com. Bring your passport — it doubles as your ticket.
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date with at least 2 blank pages. Carry the M-visa hospital invitation letter — immigration may ask to see it.
Bring originals + 2 copies of: imaging discs (CT/MRI), pathology slides, lab results, current medication list with generic names. Translated records save hours of admission paperwork.
Print round-trip flight bookings and your accommodation reservation. Even with electronic versions, immigration occasionally asks for a paper copy.
Two family contacts, your home physician's name & email, and a copy of your travel/medical insurance certificate (if any). Keep one copy in your luggage and one with you.
WeChat (essential), WhatsApp / Messenger (VPN required), VPN client — ExpressVPN / NordVPN / Astrill.
Alipay, WeChat Pay, your home banking app (HSBC, Standard Chartered, Wise, Revolut).
Didi (ride-hailing), 12306 (China Railway), Trip.com (Ctrip), Amap (Gaode) or Baidu Maps (Google Maps will not work).
Google Translate (VPN required), Baidu Translate, plus the SSAnkang patient portal — your case manager translates live during appointments.
Meituan / Ele.me (food delivery), JD / Taobao (online shopping), HappyCow / Halal Trip (vegetarian / halal restaurant finders).
Bring a 30-day supply of your current prescriptions in original packaging, plus a signed doctor's note listing each medication's generic name and dosage. Customs occasionally inspects.
China uses 220V / 50Hz. Plug types A (US flat) and I (Australian angled) are common — most modern hotels accept multiple types but bring a universal adapter for safety. Voltage converter only needed for old US hair dryers.
Northern China (Beijing/Shanghai) winters are dry and cold (–5 °C). Southern cities (Guangzhou) are mild year-round but humid. Hospital wards are well-heated; pack layers.
All major cities have halal restaurants and kosher options. Tell us 7 days ahead and we will book a hotel near halal/vegetarian dining. Hospital cafeterias offer halal meals on request.
WhatsApp: +86 13501234567 · WeChat ID: ssankanghealth · Email: care@ssankang.net — answered around the clock by your case manager team.
Police: 110 · Ambulance: 120 · Fire: 119 · Tourist hotline (English): 12301
SOS International (Beijing): +86 10 6462 9100 — 24/7 English-speaking medical assistance worldwide. Note your home embassy/consulate number; we provide a local card on arrival.
Tick each item as you pack — print the page for a paper copy you can take to the airport.
From M-visa invitation to airport pickup — your dedicated case manager takes care of it all.