In your first 24 hours after landing, handle three things in order: accommodation registration, mobile connectivity and payment.
First, registration. Hotels register foreign guests automatically (free); if staying in a homestay or with friends, register at the local police station within 24 hours of check-in or risk a fine.
Second, phone and data. Airport and city stores (China Mobile, Unicom, Telecom) sell prepaid SIMs with your passport; eSIMs and pocket Wi-Fi also work. Download offline maps and translation apps first.
Third, payment. Once online, set up Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to an international card - many stalls and attractions are mobile-only, though small cash reserves help.
Food: find a highly rated local eatery near the hotel, or start with the hotel breakfast. Drink boiled or bottled water; start with mild spice.
Jet lag: Beijing time is UTC+8, and most visitors need little adjustment. Rest early and start exploring fresh the next morning.
