2026 articles
Every 2026 article on the China eSIM blog, newest first.
Shanghai Pudong: the Visa-Free Transit Counter, Step by Step
Visa-free transit at Shanghai Pudong as of September 2026: the 240-hour rule, the transit entry check, checked bags and getting back in time.
China's M Business Visa vs the L Tourist Visa, for US Travellers
What separates a Chinese business (M) visa from a tourist (L) visa in 2026, why the invitation letter exists, and how to keep a work line reachable on the trip.
Canton Fair 2026: A Practical Trip Plan for Attendees
How the Canton Fair's phased structure shapes a business trip to Guangzhou in 2026, and what to arrange for connectivity, payment and paperwork before you fly.
Using the 12306 App in English as a Foreign Traveller
How to book China's high-speed rail on the official 12306 app with a passport and a foreign card: the fields that trip people up and how to avoid them.
Linking a Foreign Card to WeChat Pay: What to Expect
WeChat Pay accepts foreign cards, but it is an account inside a messaging app. What that changes about setup, limits, and when Alipay cannot stand in for it.
Alipay With a Foreign Card: Fees and Limits, Explained
What kinds of fee and spending cap apply when a foreign Visa or Mastercard is linked to Alipay in 2026, and how to see the real number before you tap confirm.
China's 240-Hour Transit Rule and the Greater Bay Area
How the 240-hour visa-free transit that replaced the 144-hour rule works in 2026, and why Greater Bay Area cities can count as one permitted stay.
144-Hour Transit Visa: What Replaced It and Who Qualifies
China's 144-hour transit rule was replaced by 240 hours on 17 December 2024. What that means as of September 2026 and where to confirm your passport and port.