🇨🇳 China Travel FAQ

Most travelers need a visa, but China offers several visa-free options:

• Transit Visa-Free: 24-72 hours for transit passengers in major cities
• Hainan Visa-Free: 30 days for certain nationalities
• 15-Day Visa-Free: Available for some countries (check current status)

Always verify the latest requirements with your local Chinese consulate as policies change frequently.

Essential documents for China entry:

• Valid passport (6+ months remaining validity)
• Chinese visa (if required) or proof of visa exemption
• Return/onward flight ticket
• Hotel booking or invitation letter
• Proof of sufficient funds

Yes! Both platforms now support foreign cards:

• Alipay Tour Pass: Supports Visa, Mastercard, and other international cards
• WeChat Pay: Foreign cards can be linked for mainland China use
• Digital RMB: Available to foreign visitors in pilot cities

China is largely cashless, but having some RMB cash is still recommended for:

• Small vendors and street food
• Temples and tourist sites (donations/entrance fees)
• Emergency situations
• Areas with poor internet connectivity

Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange counters for better rates.

Limited acceptance - mostly at:

• International hotels and restaurants
• Major shopping malls
• Airports and high-end establishments

Mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay) are the primary payment method for most places.

Popular options for internet access:

• eSIM with global roaming: Often bypasses restrictions
• Airport SIM cards: Some offer international access packages
• Hotel Wi-Fi: International hotels may offer unrestricted access

Recommended connectivity solutions:

• eSIM: Convenient, activates immediately, often includes global access
• Local SIM card: Cheapest for long stays, available at airports
• Pocket Wi-Fi: Good for groups, rental available at airports
• International roaming: Expensive but convenient

Several options for purchasing train tickets:

• 12306 app/website: Official booking platform (Chinese interface)
• Trip.com, Ctrip: English-language booking platforms
• Station ticket counters: Bring passport, arrive early
• Authorized ticket vendors: Small service fee

Recommended flight booking platforms:

• Trip.com: English interface, good customer service
• Expedia, Kayak: International booking sites
• Airline websites: Direct booking, often best prices
• Local travel agents: Helpful for complex itineraries

Consider flight time, airport location, and baggage policies when booking.

Essential transportation tips:

• Metro cards: Available at all stations, often rechargeable
• Mobile apps: Alipay and WeChat Pay work on most systems
• Taxi apps: Didi (Chinese Uber), regular taxis
• Bike sharing: Mobike, Ofo available in most cities

Payment & Communication:

• Alipay: Mobile payments, mini-programs
• WeChat: Messaging, payments, mini-programs

Maps & Navigation:

• Amap (Gaode Map): Most accurate Chinese mapping
• Baidu Maps: Alternative mapping option
• Maps.me: Offline maps backup

Translation:

• Google Translate: With offline Chinese pack
• Pleco: Comprehensive Chinese dictionary
• Microsoft Translator: Good alternative

Transportation:

• Didi: Ride-hailing (Chinese Uber)
• 12306: Train ticket booking
• Trip.com: Flights, hotels, attractions

Many apps are now accessible to international users:

• Alipay Tour Pass: Designed for tourists, no Chinese number needed
• WeChat: Can register with international number
• Didi: Accepts international phone numbers
• Trip.com: International version available

Phone checks are rare for typical tourists:

• Random checks possible but uncommon for leisure travelers
• More likely for business travelers or sensitive professions
• Journalists, researchers, or government workers face higher scrutiny

Standard precautions apply as anywhere:

• Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi
• Use hotel Wi-Fi when possible
• Consider cellular data for important transactions
• Keep devices updated with latest security patches

China is generally very safe for tourists, with low crime rates and good infrastructure.

China is one of the safest countries for travelers:

• Very low violent crime rates
• Petty theft is uncommon but use normal precautions
• Police are helpful and professional
• Emergency number: 110 (police), 120 (medical), 119 (fire)

Before You Go:

• Get a Chinese SIM card or eSIM at the airport
• Download essential apps: Alipay, WeChat, Amap, Google Translate
• Learn basic Chinese phrases or have translation app ready
• Bring portable charger and appropriate power adapter

Communication Tips:

• Speak simple English slowly - many Chinese people understand basic English
• Use translation apps with camera function for menus and signs
• Have your hotel address written in Chinese characters
• Screenshots of important information work when internet is poor

Cultural Awareness:

• Tipping is not expected in most situations
• Business cards should be received with both hands
• Loud talking on phones/public spaces is normal
• Queue culture varies - be patient and observant

Effective strategies for communication:

• Translation apps: Google Translate with camera and offline mode
• Picture menus: Point to what you want
• Write it down: Numbers, hotel names in Chinese
• Body language: Gestures are often universal
• Learn key phrases: Hello, thank you, excuse me, how much

Basic dining tips for visitors:

• Sharing dishes is common - order several dishes for the table
• Don't finish everything on your plate (shows host provided enough)
• Tea culture is important - refill others' cups before your own
• Chopstick etiquette: don't stick them upright in rice
• Hot pot and BBQ are popular social dining experiences

Food safety is generally good in reputable restaurants and street food is often delicious and safe.

Yes, with proper planning:

• Enter through Meridian Gate (south entrance)
• Focus on central axis: Hall of Supreme Harmony, Imperial Garden
• Book timed tickets in advance online
• Consider audio guide for efficient touring
• Allow extra time during peak seasons

Beijing: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace

Shanghai: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, French Concession

Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter

Guangzhou: Canton Tower, Shamian Island, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall