Preparing for China: Last-Minute Panic and Pre-Trip Jitters

Adam Clarkson

02 Sep 2025 — 6 min read

It's 6:30 AM, our flight to China leaves at 4 PM today, and here I am writing a blog post instead of finishing our packing. If that doesn't sum up ADHD procrastination perfectly, I don't know what does.

While Lindsay handles the final logistics with her usual travel advisor precision, I'm doing what I do best - avoiding the important tasks by diving into something that feels urgent but probably isn't. But maybe writing this out will help organize my thoughts and calm the anxiety that's been building for the past month.

The 240-Hour Transit Visa Adventure

We're heading to China on the 240-hour transit visa, which allows us 10 days visa-free as long as we're transiting to a third country. It's perfect for families like ours who want to explore without the complexity of traditional visa applications. The catch? Everything needs to be perfectly organized because there's no room for error with Chinese immigration.

We have physical printouts of all our tickets, hotel confirmations, and onward travel to Japan. Old school? Maybe. But when you're dealing with international travel and three kids, redundancy is your friend. Digital tickets are great until your phone dies at customs.

Money Matters: Digital Payments in China

Setting up payment methods for China has been an adventure in itself. I've configured Alipay with two different debit cards and WeChat Pay with another. China's cashless society is incredibly convenient once you're in the system, but getting there as a foreigner requires some advance planning.

For families considering China travel, expect to spend considerable time setting up digital payments before departure. Having multiple backup cards linked to different platforms isn't paranoia - it's preparation.

Staying Connected Behind the Great Firewall

Our connectivity strategy involves multiple layers. We have Holafly eSIM Asia plans already installed and ready to activate (use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off). These plans include built-in VPN functionality, which should help us stay connected to Western internet services.

But we're not stopping there. We have three VPN services ready: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and a new discovery thanks to our friend Steph from @stephandpete_ - Mullvad VPN. Mullvad's approach is refreshingly simple: one plan, 5 euros per month, no frills. Steph mentioned it worked most consistently during her China travels, which is exactly the kind of real-world feedback we value.

The Anxiety Reality Check

I'll be honest - I've had major anxiety this past month. Not about being in China itself (we're incredibly excited for that part), but about all the logistics. The coordination required for international family travel always feels overwhelming until we're actually doing it.

Our flight schedule doesn't help the nerves. Departing at 4 PM, arriving at 11:50 PM, probably reaching our hotel by 2 AM, then having a full-day tour with Jenny's Tours at 9 AM the next morning. It's going to be a rough first day, but that's travel with kids sometimes.

Today feels different though. The anxiety has shifted to excitement. Maybe it's the early morning clarity, or maybe it's the realization that all our preparation is about to pay off.

Family Travel Reality: When Kids Get Sick

Harper woke up puking two nights ago and was pretty miserable yesterday. This is the reality of family travel - kids get sick at the worst possible times. We're hoping she's feeling better today because there's nothing worse than starting an international adventure with a sick child.

For other families planning similar trips, always pack extra medication and be prepared to adjust plans. Sometimes the best-laid travel plans need to accommodate little stomachs and jet lag.

Last-Minute Tasks and ADHD Travel

As I write this, I should be finishing our packing, double-checking documents, and preparing snacks for three kids on a long-haul flight. Instead, I'm here sharing my pre-trip jitters with you because sometimes writing helps process the chaos.

This is how my ADHD brain works - when faced with multiple important tasks, it often chooses the least urgent one that provides immediate satisfaction. Writing feels productive and calming, even when packing would be more practical.

Essential China Travel Prep Checklist

For families considering their own China adventure, here's our complete preparation checklist:

Documentation (Complete 2 weeks before departure)

Print physical copies of all flight tickets
Print hotel confirmations for entire stay
Print proof of onward travel (essential for 240-hour visa)
Travel insurance documentation printed
Passport photos for emergency documents
Emergency contact list in English and Chinese
Copy of passports stored separately

Digital Payments (Setup 1 week before departure)

Download and setup Alipay app
Link primary debit card to Alipay
Link backup debit card to Alipay
Download and setup WeChat app
Link different debit card to WeChat Pay
Test all payment methods before departure
Withdraw emergency cash in USD/EUR
Notify banks of China travel dates

Connectivity and VPN (Setup 3-5 days before)

Install and test ExpressVPN
Install and test NordVPN
Install and test Mullvad VPN
Purchase Holafly eSIM (use code ADAMANDLINDS)
Install eSIM but don't activate until arrival
Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me)
Download translation apps (Google Translate, Pleco)
Download WeChat for local communication

Health and Safety (Complete 1 week before)

Check CDC recommendations for China
Pack extra medications for kids (double usual amount)
Purchase SafetyWing travel insurance
Research nearest hospitals at destination
Pack thermometer and basic first aid supplies
Update emergency contact information

Pre-Flight Day Tasks

Check-in online 24 hours before
Print boarding passes
Pack carry-on with essentials for first 24 hours
Charge all devices and pack portable chargers
Set phone to airplane mode and test eSIM
Final check of all printed documents
Pack snacks for kids during flight

The Adventure Begins

By the time you read this, we'll probably be somewhere over the China Sea, three kids hopefully sleeping while Lindsay and I try to convince ourselves that 4 hours of sleep is enough.

China represents something special for our worldschooling journey. It's our first visit to a country where the internet, culture, and daily life operate so differently from our Western experience. The girls will see the Great Wall, experience a completely different writing system, and navigate a society that's simultaneously ancient and futuristically digital.

Despite the anxiety, the logistics, and Harper's recent illness, we're ready for this adventure. Sometimes the best family travel experiences come from pushing through the nervousness and embracing the unknown.

Following Our China Adventure

We'll be documenting everything on our YouTube channel and sharing updates on Instagram. From navigating Beijing with three kids to figuring out mobile payments, we'll share the real experience of family travel in China.

If you're considering your own China adventure or just want to see how a worldschooling family handles one of the world's most fascinating countries, follow along. It's going to be quite the ride.

Time to finish packing. The anxiety is officially shifting to excitement, and that's exactly how the best adventures begin.

Planning your own China adventure? Contact Lindsay at [email protected] for expert family travel planning, including complex visa requirements and international connectivity solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 240-hour transit visa for China? The 240-hour transit visa allows citizens from eligible countries to stay in China for up to 10 days visa-free when transiting to a third country. You must have proof of onward travel and can only enter through specific airports.

Do eSIMs work in China? Yes, eSIMs work in China, but you'll need VPN access for Western internet services. Holafly eSIMs include built-in VPN functionality and work well for family travelers (use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off).

How do you set up payments for China travel? Install Alipay and WeChat Pay before departure and link international debit or credit cards. Setup can take several days, so don't wait until you arrive. Bring backup cash as some establishments may not accept foreign cards.

What VPNs work best in China? We're testing ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Mullvad VPN. Many travelers report success with multiple VPN services as backup options. Install and test VPNs before entering China, as VPN websites are blocked there.

Is it safe to travel to China with young children? China is generally very safe for families with children. The biggest challenges are language barriers and internet access restrictions. Proper preparation with translation apps, offline maps, and connectivity solutions makes family travel manageable.

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