Shenzhen Arrival Checklist
A timeline-ordered list of what to sort before you fly, on the day you land, and during your first 24 hours in Shenzhen. Skip these and you lose hours at the border, with broken payment apps, or stranded without working data. Do them in sequence and Shenzhen becomes straightforward.
A Month Before You Fly
Give yourself time to resolve account, card, and travel-document requirements before departure.
- 01
Set up a payment app and link an eligible card
Try Alipay or WeChat Pay before departure. Follow the current identity-verification and bank-authorisation prompts; requirements and processing times depend on your account. Keep a backup card and a plan to obtain RMB cash.
- 02
Buy a VPN subscription and test it
You cannot download VPN apps from inside China. Subscribe, install on every device, and confirm it connects before you fly.
- 03
Check your visa status
Many nationalities now qualify for 30-day visa-free entry, but U.S. ordinary passport holders should plan around a China tourist visa or a qualifying 240-hour transit itinerary with onward travel to a third country or region.
- 04
Check your bank's travel and authentication requirements
Check overseas-payment settings, fees, and how you will receive authentication requests while abroad. Submit a travel notice if your bank requires one.
Two Weeks Out
Lock in tour bookings, transport, and the apps you will need to use immediately on landing.
- 01
Book your tech tours in advance
Our most popular tour (Inside Shenzhen Technology) sells out 7-10 days ahead during peak season. Booking direct with us avoids the 10-20% marketplace markup.
- 02
Order your eSIM (or plan a SIM purchase at the airport)
Check that your chosen plan works in mainland China. Data access and an SMS-capable phone number are separate: check the login and verification requirements of any transport apps you plan to use.
- 03
Decide your border crossing route (if coming from Hong Kong)
West Kowloon high-speed rail is fastest (14 min to Futian Station). Lo Wu MTR is cheapest. Lok Ma Chau is least crowded weekday mornings. Each suits different itineraries.
This Week
Final research so you know what you are looking at when you arrive.
- 01
Read about robotaxi DIY vs guided
For an independent ride, check the current booking channel, accepted phone numbers, payment method and language options. A guided itinerary can help with its included ride; choose the approach that suits your preparation.
- 02
Plan which districts you want to visit
Nanshan is tech (robotaxis, drones, Chinese EVs, and robotics). Futian is electronics + business (Huaqiangbei). Luohu is the Hong Kong gateway. Each is a 30-45 min metro ride from each other.
- 03
Save offline metro maps + key addresses
Google Maps does not work in mainland China without a VPN. Save the Shenzhen metro map and any meeting points (e.g. our private tours start at 3019 Houhaibin Road).
The Day Before You Fly
Last 24 hours: verify everything is installed, charged, and accessible.
- 01
Confirm all apps are installed and logged in
Alipay logged in. WeChat logged in (cannot easily register a new account from inside China). VPN logged in and tested. Translation app downloaded.
- 02
Check your linked card and backup payment method
Confirm that your linked card is available and you can complete bank authentication abroad. Eligible merchant payments can charge a linked international card; preloading an Alipay balance is not a default requirement.
- 03
Print or screenshot your tour confirmations
WiFi at Bao'an Airport is patchy until you connect via Chinese phone number. Have your meeting point and guide WhatsApp number on a screenshot, not buried in email.
Your First 24 Hours in Shenzhen
The order matters. Do these in sequence and your first day is smooth.
- 01
Buy a Chinese SIM at the airport (if not on eSIM)
China Unicom and China Mobile counters at Terminal 3, ¥150 for 30 days. Bring your passport — required by law for SIM registration. Daytime English-speaking staff usually present.
- 02
Take Metro Line 11 to Houhai Station
35 minutes direct from Bao'an Airport to the Nanshan tech corridor. ¥7 with Alipay metro QR. No transfers needed. This drops you at the heart of Shenzhen Bay.
- 03
Test your payment apps at a convenience store
Try a small purchase at a staffed merchant and check the app's final payment screen. If it fails, use your backup method and follow the app or bank's instructions. Carry some RMB cash for a practical alternative.
- 04
If you booked a tour today: head to the meeting point
Follow the meeting instructions for your booked tour and format. Inside Shenzhen Technology Small Group guests go directly to Houhai Metro Station, Exit D1, and arrive a little before their booked departure.
Once You Are Settled
Now you can explore — knowing what is worth your time and what most tourists waste hours on.
- 01
Read the Huaqiangbei scam guide before you go
The world's largest electronics market sells genuine, refurbished, fake, and stolen — all next to each other. Knowing what is OK to buy where matters.
- 02
Try a robotaxi if you have not yet
Check the operator app for your actual pickup point, destination, fare, and availability. Service areas and operating hours vary; our complete guide explains the current options.
- 03
Order coffee via drone delivery at Talent Park
Check the current delivery station, menu, operating status, account and payment requirements before ordering. A guide can help with the process; a park address alone does not confirm an available drone delivery.
- 04
Pick a tech experience cluster for tomorrow
Five clusters worth a day each: Nanshan tech corridor, Huaqiangbei electronics, Dapeng heritage, Hong Kong cross-border tech, or food + light show evening.
The simplest way to skip the friction
Half of this checklist disappears if you book a private guided tour. Your English-speaking guide handles app registration, robotaxi pickup, drone delivery ordering, and Mandarin-only menus on the day.
Book direct with us — no marketplace markup, and live availability on a single calendar.
View Shenzhen tech tours