China is one of the most rewarding countries to travel, and one of the few where a little preparation changes the whole trip. Most of the friction is at the planning stage: payments, internet and the visa. Sort those before you fly and the country itself is smooth, safe and modern. Here are twenty things to know before you go. For the full overview, see our China travel guide.
Before you leave home
- Check the visa early. Most nationalities need a tourist visa applied for in advance, and some now get visa free entry or transit. Confirm your own passport and start two to three weeks ahead.
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay. China runs on these apps. Link an international card and verify your identity on home wifi, because it can take a day.
- Sort your internet. Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook are blocked. Buy a roaming eSIM, whose data routes outside the mainland, or install a VPN before you arrive.
- Download offline tools. A translation app with the Chinese pack, an offline map, and your hotel address saved in Chinese characters.
- Photocopy your passport. Keep a paper and phone copy separate from the original.
Money and payments
- Go cashless, keep a little cash. Apps cover almost everything, but carry some Yuan for temples and rural stalls.
- Foreign cards are patchy. They work at big hotels and chains, but fail in small shops, so rely on the apps.
- Tipping is not expected. It can even cause confusion. Do not feel you have to.
Getting around
- Use high speed rail. Faster than flying for most city pairs, and stations are central. See our high speed rail guide.
- Carry your passport everywhere. You need it for stations, hotels and major sites, and it is your train ticket.
- Use a ride hailing app for taxis. Save your destination in Chinese, since drivers rarely read the Roman alphabet.
- Metros are easy. Signs and announcements are in English, and every station has a quick bag scan.
Food, language and daily life
- Drink bottled or boiled water. Tap water is not for drinking.
- Use the camera translation. Point it at menus and signs for an instant reading.
- Vegetarians, be specific. Ask for no meat and no meat stock, and look for Buddhist vegetarian restaurants.
- Halal is easy. Lanzhou beef noodle shops are everywhere and reliably halal.
- Learn three phrases. Hello, thank you and how much go a long way, and effort is noticed.
Timing, safety and etiquette
- Avoid the big holidays. Golden Week in early October and Chinese New Year jam transport and sell out seats. See the best time to visit China.
- China is very safe. The real risks are pickpockets in crowds and tea house scams aimed at tourists, not violent crime.
- Book the big sites ahead. The Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors use timed slots that sell out, so reserve with your passport number.
Prefer a trip where hotels, transfers and tours are already arranged? Browse China holiday packages to see how the pieces fit together.
Frequently asked questions
What should I know before travelling to China?
The three essentials are the visa, a payment app like Alipay or WeChat Pay, and internet access through an eSIM or VPN. Sort those before you fly and everything else falls into place.
Can I use my phone normally in China?
Not without preparation. Many Western apps are blocked. A roaming eSIM bought before departure usually keeps them working, otherwise install and test a VPN before you arrive.
Is it rude not to tip in China?
No. Tipping is not part of the culture and is not expected in restaurants or taxis. It is fine to simply pay the bill.
More China travel guides
- China Travel Guide: Visas, Cities, Costs and How to Plan a First Trip
- Things to Do in China: 15 Experiences Worth Your Time
- Is It Safe to Travel to China? An Honest Guide
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