First Timers

New to Beijing? This guide shows foreign travelers the easiest ways to get a metro card — from tourist cards at the airport to mobile QR codes and refillable Yikatong cards. Fast, simple, and tourist-friendly.

eSIM + local SIM = full access
Alipay/WeChat Pay ready + cash backup
Translator app + WeChat chat
AMap Global / Apple Maps navigation
Grab coffee smart via Meituan
Trip.com for travel logistics
Keep tissues on you
Smile and learn a phrase or two

Planning a trip to China? One of the most confusing things for travelers is how to pay for things once you arrive. Most locals use apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay—often you won’t e…