First time in Xiamen: arrival, payments and onward travel
Start here
- Prepare payment apps, access to verification codes and your hotel address before travelling.
- Check your actual arrival terminal and exact onward destination before choosing ground transport.
- Use passport-specific guides for SIM cards, trains and refunds; Taiwan-only offers have separate eligibility.
Before travelling
- Confirm your passport and entry permission for your itinerary with the relevant official authority.
- Set up your payment methods and make sure your verification number will remain usable.
- Save your hotel name and full address in Chinese, plus its contact details.
- If you plan refund shopping, check your departure port and eligibility before buying.
Arriving at Gaoqi International Airport
The airport website provides separate maps for T3 and T4. Check your flight information for the terminal. Its ground-transport page lists airport express services, city buses, BRT and taxis; it identifies BRT access at T4. Confirm the boarding point and current service for your destination.
- Complete immigration, collect your baggage and follow Customs instructions.
- Use the arrival-terminal signs to find your chosen official ground-transport service.
- Before travelling to a railway station, compare the station name in your booking with the destination of the transfer.
Airport ground transport (operator, Chinese) →
Considering arrival through Wutong Ferry Terminal?
Check with the ferry operator and immigration authorities whether your passport, entry permission and route are accepted before booking. The Taiwan-focused guide’s Kinmen connections and offers do not establish eligibility for an international passport. Save the complete terminal name 五通客运码头 and confirm reporting times with your operator.
Your first day: choose what you actually need
| Need | Start with |
|---|---|
| Everyday purchases | Payments: app setup, card acceptance and alternatives |
| A mainland China number | SIM guide: passport applications and contract questions |
| Travel to another city | Railway guide: verification, tickets and boarding |
| Shopping at JD MALL | Refund guide: qualifying goods and departure clearance |
Plan departure before refund shopping
Ask the store about the exact item, refund application and departure service before paying. Keep the invoice and application information, and allow for the required departure checks. Xiamen store-service reports are labelled separately from official refund rules.
Sources and check dates
Source pages were checked on the date above. Government rules, operator information and editorial planning suggestions are distinguished in the text; services may change.