Preparing for your golf holiday in Hainan involves more than packing your clubs. Comfortable clothing matters, but so does knowing how you’ll pay for purchases, use your phone and stay in touch with family.
Our China Golf Tour visits Haikou and the Shenzhou Peninsula, combining golf at Mission Hills with coastal rounds and time to enjoy our host hotels. This guide is tailored to that Hainan itinerary, helping you prepare for the conditions and practical details ahead.
Understanding Hainan’s Weather
Hainan is an island off China’s southern coast. Packing for a golf holiday here requires a different approach from visiting northern China.
For our November departure, lightweight golf clothing is a good starting point, with an extra layer for cooler mornings, evenings and breezy rounds. Pack rain protection too, even though Haikou’s historical rainfall averages are lower in November than in the preceding months.
The table below shows average monthly high and low temperatures for Haikou, where our journey begins. Use these as a packing guide, and check the forecasts for both Haikou and the Shenzhou Peninsula shortly before departure.
What to Wear on the Golf Course
Choose familiar golf clothing that allows you to move freely and stay comfortable throughout a full round.
We suggest packing:
- Breathable golf polos: Moisture-wicking fabrics are useful for warmer, humid rounds.
- Lightweight golf trousers, tailored shorts or golf skirts: Bring a combination that suits your preferences and the forecast.
- A light jumper or mid-layer: Useful for cooler starts and air-conditioned transfers.
- A lightweight windproof or waterproof jacket: Choose something that fits in your golf bag without adding much bulk.
- Comfortable golf shoes: Bring a pair you’ve already worn on the course.
- Extra golf socks: Allow for fresh socks each round and a few spares.
Use traditional golf attire as your starting point, and check your final tour information for any specific club dress requirements.
What to Keep in Your Golf Bag
Pack the items you may need during a round where you can reach them easily:
- A hat or visor and sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and lip balm with sun protection.
- Your golf bag’s rain hood.
- A small towel for drying your hands and grips.
- Spare golf gloves to rotate between rounds.
- Enough golf balls, tees and markers for the scheduled golf.
- A pitch repair tool.
- A waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables.
Keep your rain jacket in your golf bag rather than your suitcase. A spare glove and dry grip towel are also useful when humidity or showers leave your usual equipment damp.
Protect your clubs with appropriate padding for the flights, label your travel bag and check the golf baggage allowance for every airline on your itinerary.
Evening and Off-Course Clothing
For dinners and relaxed evenings at our host hotels, pack a few smart-casual outfits that you can mix and match. Lightweight shirts, blouses, trousers, dresses and skirts offer flexibility without filling your suitcase.
Bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing and a light jumper or cardigan for cooler evenings.
Remember your swimwear. Our itinerary includes stays at Mission Hills Haikou and the Sheraton Shenzhou Peninsula Resort, with opportunities to enjoy mineral springs, pools and beachfront surroundings. Sandals and a cover-up are useful additions.
Paying in China: Set Up Your Apps Before You Arrive
Don’t rely on being able to tap your Australian bank card everywhere. International cards are accepted at many larger hotels and establishments, but acceptance varies at smaller shops, restaurants and other businesses. Mobile payments through Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used.
We recommend downloading both Alipay and WeChat before departure, then setting up at least one payment service fully. WeChat is the messaging app; WeChat Pay is its payment feature.
Before leaving home:
- Create your accounts using your mobile number.
- Complete any identity verification requested.
- Link a supported international debit or credit card.
- Familiarise yourself with the payment screen and QR-code process.
- Check applicable fees and your bank’s overseas transaction charges.
International cards can be linked to these services, although supported cards and available functions vary. Complete the setup while you have time to resolve verification or bank approval issues.
Carry some Chinese yuan and a backup bank card as well. Follow your final tour information for guidance on caddie tips and other expenses payable locally.
Social Media and Messaging: Plan How You’ll Stay in Touch
Your usual apps may not work when you connect to local internet services in China, including hotel Wi-Fi. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Google services and WhatsApp are generally blocked on local networks. Don’t rely on Facebook Messenger as your way to contact home either.
Some international roaming and travel eSIM services provide different access. Check with your provider rather than assuming that an app will work throughout your trip. Switching from mobile data to hotel Wi-Fi may also change what you can access.
The practical approach is to agree on a communication plan before departure:
- Set up WeChat: Ask the family members or friends you want to contact to install it too. Add each other and test a message and call before travelling.
- Arrange ordinary calls and SMS as a backup: Confirm your mobile plan supports these in China and check the charges.
- Tell loved ones which method to use: Explain that messages sent through WhatsApp or Messenger may not reach you.
- Share your itinerary and contact details: Leave your host hotel information and an appropriate tour contact with someone at home.
If you choose a data-only travel eSIM, remember that it does not automatically provide ordinary calls or SMS to your Australian number. Check how your usual SIM will remain available if you need it.
Check Your Roaming Plan Before Departure
Keeping your Australian number through international roaming can be convenient, particularly for calls, texts and account verification messages.
Some Australian plans offer daily roaming options around A$5–A$10, but this is not a standard charge across all carriers. Vodafone advertises $5 Roaming on eligible plans, while Telstra offers Day Pass pricing based on destination and plan conditions. Confirm the current China-specific price and eligibility directly with your provider.
Before leaving, ask your provider:
- Does my exact plan support roaming in mainland China?
- What does it cost, and what triggers a daily charge?
- How much data is included?
- Are incoming and outgoing calls and SMS included?
- What happens if I exceed the allowance?
- Do I need to activate anything before departure?
Save your itinerary, hotel addresses and important contacts offline so you can access them without a connection.
Personal Essentials and Travel Documents
Alongside your golf clothing and equipment, remember:
- Charging cables and a travel adaptor suitable for China.
- Insect repellent and travel-size toiletries.
- Tissues, hand sanitiser, plasters and blister pads.
- Personal medication and any required supporting documents.
- A small day bag.
- A separate bag for worn or damp clothing.
- Your passport, flight confirmations and insurance details.
Check airline requirements before packing a power bank, particularly if your journey includes domestic flights within China.
Keep essential medication and important documents accessible in your hand luggage. Review the latest entry and medication requirements through official sources before travelling, including Smartraveller’s China travel advice.
A Final Check Before You Leave
Before closing your suitcase, check the forecasts for Haikou and the Shenzhou Peninsula and review your final Golf Journeys tour information.
Then give your phone the same attention as your golf bag: set up your payment apps, confirm your mobile connection and make sure your loved ones know how to reach you.
If you have questions about preparing for our China Golf Tour, get in touch with our team. We’re here to help you arrive ready to enjoy Hainan, from your first round to our final evening together.
