Essential China Travel Tips

Payment & Money

💳 Digital Payments (Alipay & WeChat Pay)

China is almost entirely cashless. Most restaurants, shops, and even street vendors only accept mobile payments.

• Alipay: Now accepts international credit cards! Download app, link your foreign Visa/Mastercard, and you're set. Works for 90% of places.
• WeChat Pay: Harder to set up without Chinese bank account or phone number. Alipay is easier for tourists.
• Cash backup: Always carry ¥500-1000 cash. Taxis, small restaurants, and tourist buses may still require it.

🏧 ATMs & Exchange

• Not all ATMs accept foreign cards. Look for Bank of China, ICBC, or China Construction Bank.
• Withdraw at airport upon arrival for peace of mind.
• Exchange rates are better at banks than at hotels or airports.

Connectivity & Internet

📶 Getting Online

The Great Firewall blocks Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Gmail, and many Western apps.

Solutions:

• VPN (Best): Install ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or similar BEFORE arrival. China blocks VPN downloads.
• SIM Card: Buy Chinese SIM at airport (China Mobile, China Unicom). Tourist packages available with data.
• Portable WiFi: Rent pocket WiFi device at airport—works anywhere, can share with travel companions.

Apps that DO work in China:

• ✅ Bing, Baidu (search engines)
• ✅ WeChat (Chinese messaging—very useful!)
• ✅ Maps.me, Baidu Maps (navigation)
• ✅ Trip.com, Ctrip (booking)

Language & Communication

🗣️ Language Basics

English is NOT widely spoken outside major tourist areas.

Essential Phrases (with Pinyin):

• Hello: Nǐ hǎo (nee how)
• Thank you: Xièxiè (sheh-sheh)
• How much?: Duōshǎo qián? (dwor-shaow chyen?)
• Where is...?: ...zài nǎlǐ? (...zai na-lee?)
• I don't understand: Wǒ bù míngbái (wor boo ming-bye)

Translation Apps:

• Google Translate: Download Chinese offline pack BEFORE arrival (Google Translate app works in China even without VPN for downloaded languages!)
• Pleco: Excellent Chinese dictionary with camera OCR (point at signs to translate)

Pro Tip: Have hotel address and key destinations written in Chinese characters. Screenshot or print for taxi drivers.

Transportation Tips

🚇 Metro Systems

• All major cities have excellent metro. English signage in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen.
• Get a transportation card (¥20 deposit) or use Alipay at gates.
• Operating hours: Usually 6 AM - 11 PM. Plan accordingly!

🚕 Taxis & Ride-Hailing

• Didi (Chinese Uber): Download and link to Alipay. English interface available. Safer than street taxis and shows route.
• Official taxis: Use official taxi ranks only. Avoid touts at airports/stations.
• Always have destination in Chinese: Screenshot from Baidu Maps or hotel booking.

🚄 High-Speed Trains

• Book via Trip.com (English), 12306.cn (official, Chinese), or at station.
• Arrive 30-45 min early for security and finding platform.
• Bring passport—required for ticket purchase and boarding.
• Second class is comfortable and affordable. Business class is luxury but pricey.

Cultural Etiquette

✅ Do's

• Learn basic phrases: Even broken Chinese earns smiles and better service.
• Be patient: Lines, crowds, and slower processes are normal. Stay calm.
• Use two hands: When giving/receiving business cards, money, or gifts.
• Remove shoes: When entering someone's home or certain traditional spaces.
• Queue properly: Chinese cities have gotten better at queue culture. Don't cut—it's now frowned upon.

❌ Don'ts

• Don't tip: Tipping is NOT customary in China. Can even be seen as insulting at local restaurants.
• Don't discuss politics: Especially sensitive topics (Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang). Just avoid entirely.
• Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice: Resembles funeral incense. Very bad luck!
• Don't expect personal space: Crowding on metros and in public is normal. Don't take it personally.

Food & Dining

🍜 Restaurant Tips

• Peak hours: 12-1 PM lunch, 6:30-8 PM dinner. Expect waits or book ahead.
• Ordering: Point at pictures, use translation app, or ask neighboring tables "Zhège!" (this!) while pointing.
• Portion sizes: Family-style sharing is normal. Order multiple dishes to share.
• Tea: Often provided free. Tap table with two fingers to say "thank you" when someone pours tea for you.
• Bill: Say "Măidān!" (my-dan) or make a writing gesture in the air.

🥢 Street Food Safety

• Street food is generally safe if it's busy and freshly cooked.
• Look for high turnover—food doesn't sit around long.
• Avoid raw/uncooked items if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Bottled water recommended over tap water.

Safety & Health

🏥 Health

• Air quality: Check AQI (Air Quality Index) daily, especially in Beijing winter. Wear N95 mask if AQI > 150.
• Pharmacies: Green cross signs everywhere. Many medications available without prescription.
• Travel insurance: Highly recommended. Healthcare for foreigners can be expensive.

🔒 Safety

• China is very safe. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare.
• Watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas, metro, train stations.
• Scams: Avoid "art students" wanting to practice English who lead you to expensive tea ceremonies. Politely decline.
• Keep copies of passport and transit permit separate from originals.

Quick Checklist