Airport Arrival 30-Minute Checklist for China

The arrivals process at major Chinese airports runs smoothly when you know the sequence. This checklist gets you from gate to city within 30 minutes of clearing customs.

Minutes 0–5: Immigration. Have your arrival card filled in with the hotel's Chinese address. Cards are available at stands near the queue entrance if you missed them on the plane.

Minutes 5–12: Baggage claim. Check the screens for your carousel number. If you have no checked luggage, go directly to customs.

Minutes 12–15: Customs. Walk through the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare. Use the Red Channel for cash over USD 5,000, excess alcohol, or commercial goods.

Minutes 15–20: SIM card — the most important stop. Kiosks from China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are in the main arrivals hall. Bring your passport. A 30-day data SIM costs ¥50–100. Without a working SIM you cannot use maps or hail a Didi.

Minutes 20–24: Currency. ATMs in arrivals halls accept foreign cards. Withdraw ¥500–1,000 for the first day.

Minutes 24–28: Transport. Rail is faster and cheaper: Beijing Airport Express 25 minutes ¥25, Shanghai Pudong Maglev 8 minutes ¥50. For taxis, join the official queue outside — do not accept offers inside.

Minutes 28–30: Screenshot your hotel address in Chinese. The English address is useless for most taxi drivers.