When traveling to China, preparing in advance for documents, payments, and cultural adaptation—while paying attention to differences in daily habits and policy regulations between China and other countries—can make your trip smoother. Below is a practical guide organized by category:
I. Essential Preparations (All Required)
1. Documents and Visas (Basic Requirements)
- Apply in advance for an L-type tourist visa (you’ll need to submit an itinerary and hotel booking through a travel agency or official website). For visa-free entry cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou), confirm your permitted stay duration (usually 144 or 72 hours).
- Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. Make photocopies of your passport’s main page and visa page, and save digital copies in your phone’s cloud storage (as backup).
- You must complete a Health Declaration Form upon entry (you can fill this out in advance via the “Customs Passenger Fingertip Service” mini-program to speed up customs clearance).
2. Payments and Communications (Key Tools)
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay international versions first: link your foreign credit card to use them for 90% of scenarios including ride-hailing, shopping, and dining—no need to carry large amounts of cash.
- Keep a small amount of cash as backup: some remote scenic spots or street vendors may only accept cash. It’s advisable to exchange RMB 500–1,000 (available at airports or banks).
- Communication options: purchase a local SIM card (e.g., from China Mobile or China Unicom) at a domestic airport, or enable international roaming on your foreign number to ensure connectivity for navigation and payments.
3. Transportation and Accommodation (Plan Ahead)
- High-speed trains/flights: book via the official “12306” website (supports registration with foreign phone numbers) or platforms like Ctrip and Fliggy. Present your passport (real-name verification required) when boarding.
- Accommodation: choose hotels that accept foreign guests (look for the “Foreign Guest Reception” label when booking). For homestays, confirm their eligibility in advance (some don’t accept foreigners).
- Navigation tools: use Amap or Baidu Maps (both support English) domestically. For ride-hailing, use the international version of “Didi Chuxing,” which accepts foreign credit cards.
II. Key Differences Between China and Other Countries (Pay Close Attention)
1. Payment Habits: Mobile Payments Dominate; Cash/Credit Cards Rarely Used
- Unlike abroad where “credit cards + cash” prevail, Chinese stores, restaurants, taxis—even street stalls—primarily accept Alipay or WeChat Pay.
- Credit cards are only widely accepted at high-end hotels and large malls; small transactions (e.g., buying water or taking a taxi) rarely accept them.
- No tipping required: China doesn’t have a mandatory tipping culture. Simply saying “thank you” suffices for good service at restaurants, hotels, or taxis.
2. Traffic Rules: Pedestrians Have Priority; Security Checks Are Strict
- Always use crosswalks when crossing streets. Jaywalking may result in fines. In some cities (e.g., Hangzhou, Shenzhen), vehicles often yield to pedestrians.
- Subways, high-speed trains, and airports require security screening: liquids (e.g., drinks), knives, lighters, etc., have restrictions (max two lighters allowed), and backpacks must go through X-ray machines.
- High-speed train etiquette: arrive 30 minutes early, sit in your assigned seat (no seat-swapping), and avoid loud talking or eating strong-smelling food onboard.
- Drunk driving is strictly prohibited and may lead to detention.
3. Dining Etiquette: Chopstick Use and Avoiding Waste
- Chopsticks are standard; request a spoon if needed (restaurants always provide them). Avoid pointing at people or sticking chopsticks upright in rice (considered impolite).
- Portions are typically large—share dishes among your group to avoid waste (“Clean Plate Campaign” is widely promoted).
- In shared meals, multiple dishes are placed centrally on the table. Request extra communal chopsticks from the restaurant to serve yourself.
- Some restaurants charge separately for tissues and sanitized tableware.
- Drinking water: tap water isn’t safe to drink directly. Hotels provide free bottled water; buy bottled water or use a thermos at public drinking fountains (available in some scenic areas/malls).
4. Cultural and Public Etiquette: Be Discreet, Respect Taboos
- Avoid loud talking or playing music aloud in public spaces (subways, buses, restaurants). Don’t cut in line—Chinese value order, and queue-jumping causes offense.
- Photography taboos: don’t photograph strangers (especially elderly or children), military sites, government buildings, or airport runways without permission. Some attractions (e.g., temples) prohibit indoor photography—check signs.
- Religious sites: dress modestly (no shorts or sleeveless tops) when visiting temples or mosques. Don’t touch statues or religious objects; follow on-site instructions.
- Restrooms: all public restrooms are free. You may also use facilities at restaurants or beverage shops without charge.
- Toilets: hotels and large malls usually have seated toilets, but scenic spots or street-side public restrooms may not.
5. Policies and Internet: Comply with Local Regulations
- Internet access: using unapproved VPNs is prohibited. Overseas social platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) are inaccessible within China; use domestic alternatives (WeChat, Weibo).
- Medication: keep original packaging and prescriptions for prescription drugs (e.g., blood pressure or pain medication). Avoid carrying large quantities of traditional Chinese medicine (some ingredients may be restricted).
- Drugs and cannabis: strictly forbidden to carry or consume; violations carry severe penalties.
- Smoking bans: most cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) prohibit smoking indoors (restaurants, hotels, subways). Smoke only in designated outdoor areas; violations may incur fines.
6. Other Details: Voltage, Weather, and Health
- Voltage is 220V, with two-prong (Type A) or three-prong (Type I) sockets. Bring a plug adapter for foreign devices (available at Chinese supermarkets or e-commerce platforms).
- China’s vast size means significant climate variations (e.g., -20°C in northern winters, +35°C in southern summers). Pack clothing according to your destination’s season and check weather forecasts.
- Health precautions: bring common medications (e.g., cold, stomach, or motion sickness remedies). Consider short-term travel insurance. For high-altitude areas (e.g., Tibet, Qinghai), prepare anti-altitude sickness medication.
- Power banks: choose models under 20,000mAh, and verify they have China’s 3C certification (e.g., some iWALK international models comply). Avoid uncertified products from platforms like Amazon. Shared power banks are available at malls, airports, and train stations in major cities, rentable via WeChat/Alipay QR codes.
III. Handling Emergencies
- If in trouble, ask anyone for help—police are the most reliable option and generally courteous and helpful.
- Remember emergency numbers: police 110, ambulance 120, fire 119. Some cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai) offer English-language police services.
- Save your country’s embassy/consulate contact in China for assistance with lost documents or medical emergencies.
- Keep your hotel address and tour guide’s contact (if on a group tour) saved on your phone for easy reference if lost.