Things you should know before you travel to China
Technology & Communication (The Digital Prep)
This is the most critical difference between traveling in China and many other places.
| Topic | What You Need to Know/Do |
|---|---|
| Mobile Payment (WeChat Pay/Alipay) | China is an almost cashless society. You must be set up with a mobile payment system to function easily. Download both WeChat and Alipay and connect a foreign Visa/Mastercard before you leave. You will need them for almost everything (taxis, food, stores). |
| The Internet Firewall (VPN) | Websites like Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and most Western news sites are blocked. Download and install a reliable VPN on your phone and laptop before you leave, as the app stores inside China often cannot be accessed without one. |
| Translation App | Download the Baidu Translate app (often better than Google Translate for Chinese-to-English) and Google Translate (for its excellent camera-based translation feature). Download the Chinese language pack for offline use beforehand. |
| Maps | Google Maps may not work reliably. Download and learn to use a local app like Baidu Maps (百度地图) or Amap/Gaode Maps (高德地图), which are far more accurate for public transport. |
| Local SIM/eSIM | Arrange a local SIM card or an International eSIM (like Airalo or Holafly) that can use a stable connection immediately upon arrival. Do not rely on airport Wi-Fi. |
Visa-Free Transit (240-Hour Rules)
Since Dec 2024, Visa-Free Transit had been changed from 72-hour or 144-hour to 240-hour, so you have 10 full days to explore China.
Always check the current official rules for your specific nationality and transit city before flying, as airline staff will check this before boarding.
Financial and Money Matters
| Topic | What You Need to Know/Do |
|---|---|
| Currency and Cash | Although mobile payment dominates, have a small amount of cash (Yuan/RMB) for tiny vendors, rural areas, or emergencies. You will need a functioning card to withdraw cash at most major bank ATMs. |
| Currency Exchange | Exchange rates are often better in China at a major bank (Bank of China, ICBC) or ATM than at your home airport. |
| Credit Card Prep | Inform your bank that you will be traveling to China to avoid security holds on your card. Ensure your card is a Visa or Mastercard accepted by the mobile payment apps. |
Cultural and Etiquette
| Topic | What You Need to Know/Do |
|---|---|
| Noise & Personal Space | Cities are often loud and busy. Expect less personal space in crowds and on public transport. Queuing can be more aggressive than in many Western countries. |
| Dining Etiquette | Tipping is not customary and can be offensive. Slurping is often seen as a sign of enjoyment. Sharing dishes is standard; do not order one dish for yourself. Leaving some food on your plate can signal you were satisfied. |
| Greetings | A polite smile and a slight nod are common. Handshakes are common in business. When addressing people, use titles (e.g., 老师 lǎoshī - teacher, 师傅 shīfu - master/service worker). |
Language Prep (If You Don't Speak Chinese)
| Topic | What You Need to Know/Do |
|---|---|
| Survival Phrases | Learn the basics! 你好 (Nǐ hǎo), 谢谢 (Xièxie), 对不起 (Duìbùqǐ), 多少钱 (Duōshǎo qián), and 在哪里 (Zài nǎli) are essential. |
| Numbers and Tones | Practice the tones for numbers (especially for ordering food/negotiating prices) and the basic system for numbers 1 to 100. |
| Writing System | Learn to recognize a few key characters for places: 出口 (chūkǒu) - Exit, 入口 (rùkǒu) - Entrance, 厕所 (cèsuǒ) - Restroom, 火车站 (huǒchē zhàn) - Train Station. |
Want to learn a bit more Chinese? Check out our Chinese pages.
Electrical and Devices
| Topic | What You Need to Know/Do |
|---|---|
| Plug Type | China uses Type A (two flat parallel pins, like the US/Japan) and Type I (three angled pins, like Australia). Modern hotels often use universal sockets that accept Type A, C, and I. Bring a universal adapter just in case. |
| Voltage | The standard voltage is 220V/50Hz. Most modern phone/laptop chargers are dual-voltage (100V-240V), so you'll only need a plug adapter. Older or non-dual-voltage appliances (like some hair dryers) will require a voltage converter. |
| Power Bank Restrictions (Crucial!) | Strict regulations apply to power banks for flights: They MUST be carried in carry-on baggage, not checked luggage. Max capacity is typically 100 Watt-hours (Wh) (usually 20,000 to 27,000 mAh). The capacity must be clearly labeled—banks without a clear label may be confiscated by security. |
Transportation
High-Speed Rail
For travel within China, High-Speed Rail (高铁 gāotiě) is the best way to travel long distances. It is fast, efficient, and frequent. You must book tickets with your passport.
- Booking: Use the official 12306 app (difficult for foreigners) or reliable third-party services like Trip.com (Ctrip).
- At the Station: Arrive an hour early. You must pass security and have your ticket/passport checked multiple times before boarding.
Flights
Domestic Flights: Domestic flights are reliable but often subject to delays due to air traffic control (especially in major cities). Book through a platform like Trip.com.
Taxis/Ride-Sharing
Use DiDi (滴滴), China's equivalent of Uber/Grab. It's the most reliable way to get around. You will need to link it to your mobile payment (WeChat/Alipay) to use it. Street taxis are also common but cash is rarely accepted. |
City Tier System (Understanding Development)
China's cities are often categorized into tiers, which affects prices, development, and convenience.
- Tier 1 (e.g., Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen): Global, highly advanced, most expensive, most international amenities (often easier to find English/Western food).
- New Tier 1 / Tier 2 (e.g., Chengdu, Hangzhou, Wuhan): Rapidly growing, excellent infrastructure (subways/airports), lower cost of living than Tier 1, but less English spoken.
- Tier 3 and below: Localized feel, very little English, slower pace, much lower costs, requires more local knowledge and Chinese language ability.
Health and Safety
- Air Quality: Check the Air Quality Index (AQI), especially in Northern China (Beijing, etc.) in winter. Carry an N95 mask if you are sensitive to pollution.
- Water: Do not drink tap water unless boiled. All hotels will provide bottled water or a hot water kettle.
- Medicine: Bring a small supply of common over-the-counter medications (headache, stomach relief, cold/flu) from home, as recognizing or finding equivalents can be difficult.
- Traffic: Be highly aware. Pedestrians rarely have the right-of-way, and motorbikes often drive on sidewalks.