Travel Tips
Things Nobody Tells You About China
Practical, honest advice from people who live here. Skip the culture shock and avoid the mistakes every first-time traveler makes.
Money & Payment
Cash is dying — go digital
China is nearly cashless. Street vendors, taxi drivers, even temple donations use QR codes. Set up Alipay with your foreign card before arriving.
Always carry some cash anyway
Keep ¥200-300 in your pocket. Rare occasions (rural areas, old machines, bad internet) when digital payment fails.
No tipping culture
Tipping is not expected anywhere — restaurants, taxis, hotels, tours. Service charge is included. Don't tip, it confuses people.
Bargain at markets (not malls)
At street markets and souvenir stalls, start at 30-40% of the asking price. In malls and chain stores, prices are fixed.
Internet & Connectivity
Install VPN before you go
Once in China, you can't download VPN apps. Install, test, and update your VPN while still at home. Bring a backup VPN too.
eSIM is the easiest option
An eSIM from Airalo or Holafly gives you data that routes through Hong Kong — Google and Instagram work without VPN. But you won't have a Chinese phone number.
Free WiFi requires phone verification
Most public WiFi (airports, cafes) requires a Chinese phone number to receive a verification code. Don't count on free WiFi.
Getting Around
Get a metro card on day one
Every city has a transportation card. Buy one at any metro station — it works on metro, bus, and even some taxis.
Crossing the street is... different
Green pedestrian light doesn't mean cars will stop. Cars can turn right on red. Watch for electric scooters — they're silent and come from all directions.
DiDi is your best friend
China's Uber with full English interface. Cheaper than taxis, no language barrier, no need to explain directions.
Toilets: carry tissues and hand sanitizer
Public toilets rarely have toilet paper, soap, or sometimes even doors. Carry a pack of tissues and hand sanitizer everywhere. Western toilets exist in hotels and nicer restaurants.
Culture & Etiquette
Don't be alarmed by staring
In smaller cities and rural areas, foreigners are still a novelty. Staring is curiosity, not hostility. Smile and wave — people usually smile back.
Queueing works differently
Lines aren't always orderly. People may crowd around a counter. Be politely assertive or wait your turn patiently.
Gifts are refused first (the polite dance)
If you offer a gift, it may be refused 2-3 times before being accepted. This is politeness, not rejection. Insist gently.
Learn 5 words of Chinese
Hello (nǐ hǎo), Thank you (xiè xiè), How much? (duō shǎo qián), Too expensive! (tài guì le), Delicious (hǎo chī). These 5 words will transform your trip.
Safety & Health
China is extremely safe
Violent crime against tourists is virtually zero. Biggest risks are traffic, scams (tea ceremony scam, art student scam), and stomach issues.
Don't drink the tap water
Never. Bottled water is ¥2-3 everywhere. Hotels provide complimentary bottles or water dispensers.
Air quality varies by day
Check AQI daily. Beijing winters can be bad (200+ AQI). Pack N95 masks if visiting northern cities in winter. Southern cities are generally fine.
Travel insurance is a must
Chinese hospitals require payment upfront before treatment. Get insurance that covers China and keep the policy number handy.
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