Travel Guide
Practical Tips for China
Before You Travel
Practical Tips for China
Everything you need to know before you land — from SIM cards to social customs, money to mobile apps.
The Essentials
What Every Traveller Should Know
China rewards preparation. These are the practical realities that shape every trip — the things experienced travellers wish someone had told them before they arrived.
Connectivity
Mobile & Internet
Most Western apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram) are blocked in China. Download a reliable VPN before you board. We recommend ExpressVPN or Astrill — install and test them at home. For a local SIM, China Mobile and China Unicom both offer affordable tourist data packages at the airport.
Payments
Cash vs Mobile Pay
China is rapidly cashless. Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for almost everything — street food, taxis, museums. Tourists can now link foreign Visa/Mastercard to Alipay's international version. Carry some RMB cash as backup; most major banks have ATMs that accept foreign cards.
Entry
Passport & Visas
Many nationalities now qualify for China's 15-day or 30-day visa-free policy (2025 expansion). Always check current requirements for your passport. Keep your passport with you — hotels are required to register foreign guests, and you'll need it at some museums and transport hubs.
Getting Around
Transport Made Simple
China's infrastructure is world-class. The high-speed rail (高铁) network connects all major cities — Beijing to Shanghai in 4.5 hours, Beijing to Xi'an in 3.5 hours. Trains are punctual, comfortable, and far more scenic than flying.
In cities, subway systems are modern, cheap, and signed in English and Mandarin. Didi (the Chinese Uber) works with foreign credit cards and has an English interface. For longer routes between cities, domestic flights are affordable — book via Trip.com which accepts foreign cards.
- Book trains on Trip.com or the 12306 app (English available)
- Download Didi and register before you arrive
- Metro cards work in most major cities and save time
- Always screenshot your hotel address in Chinese characters
Health & Safety
Staying Well in China
Health Prep
Before You Go
China is generally safe for travellers with standard hygiene precautions. Drink only bottled or purified water — tap water is not safe to drink, though fine for brushing teeth in most cities. Carry stomach remedies; street food is delicious but rich. For Tibet, prepare for altitude above 3,600m — consult your doctor about Diamox.
Safety
On the Ground
China is one of Asia's safest destinations for foreign tourists. Petty crime is low. Be aware of tourist-area scams (tea ceremony invitations from strangers, art student tours). Keep digital copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance. The emergency number is 110 (police) and 120 (ambulance).
Communication
Language & Apps
English is spoken in upscale hotels and tourist sites, but less so elsewhere. Download Pleco (offline Chinese dictionary), Google Translate (offline Chinese pack — use before you go), and Baidu Maps which works without VPN. Learning five phrases — hello, thank you, excuse me, how much, and toilet — goes a long way.
Cultural
Customs & Etiquette
Remove shoes when entering homes and some guesthouses. Accept business cards and gifts with both hands. Refusing food at a local's home is considered rude — try a little of everything. In temples, dress modestly and speak quietly. Photographing military facilities and some government buildings is prohibited — when in doubt, ask.
Essential Apps
Your China Toolkit
Download these before you board — some require a foreign phone number to register.
Messaging, payments, maps, and everything else. Essential. Register your account from home.
Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard. Pay everywhere — restaurants, attractions, taxis.
Reliable ride-hailing with English interface. More consistent than street taxis in major cities.
Book trains, flights, and hotels. Accepts foreign cards and has strong English support.
The definitive offline Chinese dictionary. Scan characters with your camera to translate menus and signs.
Install and test before departure. Lets you access Google Maps, Gmail, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Ready to Visit?
Let Us Handle the Details
From visa paperwork to in-country logistics, our team manages every practical detail so you can focus on the experience.
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