Ever since opening its doors to the world in the 70s, China has experienced a period of rapid growth and change.
These days, more and more tourists from around the world are flocking to the ancient country to experience its rich history and perhaps catch a glimpse of its bright future.
While China’s modernization has meant that many western amenities are available, there are still a few hurdles that might catch the unprepared unaware.
After two and a half years living and working in China, I’ve compiled some of the tips I wish I’d had before I got there. Hopefully, these will help you discover what a wonderfully challenging and beautiful country China is.
Using Money in China
1. Cash is preferred
Although more and more businesses (particularly large hotel chains and upscale restaurants) now accept Visa and Mastercard, the most widely accepted card scheme is UnionPay. However for the most part, you’ll need to pay with cash.2. China recognizes only one currency – its own.
The official currency of China is the yuan, otherwise known as RMB or colloquially as ‘quai’.Notes are available for 1RMB, 10RMB, 20RMB, 50RMB, and 100RMB. There are also 1RMB coins available, as well as smaller fractions of known as ‘Mao’ for the Chinese leader who adorns them.
Chinese businesses do not accept other currency, including the US dollar and the Hong Kong dollar.
3. Exchange currency at ATMs in China
While many Chinese banks do not accept foreign cards, larger chains such as HSBC can be used to withdraw local currency from foreign bank accounts. This usually offers a far better exchange rate than services such as Travelex.International ATMs are available in all major cities, but may be harder to find in less tourist friendly areas.
4. Don’t forget to tell your bank you’re visiting China
Make sure your bank knows you’re going to be using your card in China. You don’t want your card being cancelled mid-trip.6. Bring a translator
If you need to do your banking face to face, you may need to bring a local to help translate. Very few bank employees will have sufficient English to help you, although in larger cities such as Beijing or Shanghai they should have an English speaker on staff.7 Don’t tip in China
The Chinese do not tip, and you aren’t expected to either.8. Use your haggling skills
Outside of chain stores and boutiques, it’s totally possible to practice your haggling skills. Never accept the marked price or first price offered.With shrewd negotiation, it’s possible to get souvenirs and such for a fraction of the quoted price.
Organising travel documentation for China
by Shutterstock
9. Visas for China
China does not offer visas on arrival, so you’ll need to arrange your visa well in advance of your travels.When applying for a tourist visa, you’ll need to provide either a letter of invitation from a Chinese friend or relative, or provide a detailed itinerary of your intended trip. This includes return flights and confirmed reservations for your hotel bookings.
Visas can be applied for in person at the Chinese consulate or can be ordered via post.
10. Booking hotels in China
If you want some flexibility with your itinerary, make use of sites that do not require upfront payment to make bookings. Chinese sites such as C-Trip require no deposit to book accommodation, and you can cancel without penalty once your visa is approved.Booking.com offer free cancellation on most rooms. And their book now, pay later at check-in system allows you to lock in that rate with some flexibility. Just check the booking conditions per room type and you’ll have piece of mind when booking through them.
11. Travel insurance for China
While China is a very safe country with relatively low crime, it pays to be prepared. Book travel insurance and be sure to insure more valuable items such as cameras, laptops etc.Read More: The best travel insurance for Australian’s travelling overseas
Managing your Health in China
by Shutterstock12. Drinking water in China
For the most part, tap water in China is not drinkable. Bottled water can be purchased very cheaply at most restaurants and stores.13. Pharmacies in China
Chinese pharmacies offer both western and eastern medicine at very reasonable prices. Prescription medication can usually be purchased without a prescription (within reason) by simply providing the pharmacist with your identification.14. Finding a doctor in China
Chinese hospitals can be crowded and daunting, but most major cities also have specialized hospitals catering to foreigners living and working in the country.Even in the crowded public hospitals, many doctors will speak English.
15. Coping with air pollution in China
Larger cities in China have serious problems with air pollution, particularly in Beijing. Many locals swear by masks on days with hazardous air pollution, but it is safer to avoid exertion on days with particularly bad pollution.16. Bring toilet paper
Most Chinese toilets do not provide toilet paper. Hotels and nicer restaurants will have it available, but it’s always a good idea to carry a roll of toilet paper or a box of tissues.17. Bring hand soap or hand sanitizer
Like toilet paper, hand soap is not standard in many Chinese bathrooms. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you just to be sure.Travel & Transit in China
18. Get to the airport early
It is advisable to get to the airport three hours early for international flights to China and two hours early for domestic. Chinese airports can often be chaotic and overcrowded, so you’ll be grateful for that extra time.19. Expect delays
In my two and a half years in China, I can count on one hand the number of flights that left on time. Be prepared to wait in the airport (or even on the plane) when flying from a Chinese airport.20 Catching buses and trains in China
China is serviced by a fantastic network of buses and trains, including the high speed G-Trains that can whisk you across the country in a matter of hours. Rates are extremely affordable by western standards.21. Bring your passport when making a booking
You’ll need your passport when making a booking, and you can only book one ticket per passport.22. Make use of local booking sites
Chinese booking sites such as C-Trip and eLong often offer better rates than western booking sites. Be sure to check both when planning your trip.23. Driving in China
Chinese roads can be rather chaotic, so self-driving is really only recommended for the particularly brave!24. Catching taxis in China
Taxis in China are cheap and plentiful. Most drivers will not speak English, so it’s a good idea to get your destination address written in Chinese by somebody at your hotel.Experiencing the Chinese Culture
by Shutterstock
25. Eating street food in China
Chinese street food is delicious and it is everywhere! When choosing which vendor to purchase from, check to see where the locals are dining. If you see a queue, it’s likely to be a safer bet.26. Spitting in China
The Chinese do not use handkerchiefs and tissues to clear their noses, and instead spit. While this can be a bit confronting when you first visit China, they’re similarly affronted when they see us blowing our noses and keeping it.27. Personal space
China is a crowded place, and the locals have become accustomed to a much smaller personal space than we are accustomed to in the west. Don’t be surprised if you’re jostled or shoved when queuing – it’s just part of Chinese culture.28. Taking photos in China
The Chinese love to take photographs, and don’t be surprised if a local tries to snap a sneaky photo of you or even comes up to ask for a picture with you.Like in most other countries, it always pays to ask permission before photographing a person or a government building.
29. Mailing things home from China
With cheap prices and a huge variety of products, it can be easy to go over your luggage limit while shopping in China. Thankfully, it is very affordable to post things home using China Post’s surface (sea) mail.This can take one to two months, but is a very affordable way to get your belongings home.
30. Beware of Chinese knock-offs
Shopping streets such as Nanjing Road in Shanghai are a great place to find a bargain, but be aware that knock-offs of prominent brands can be seized at the airport upon your return home.31. Don’t be shy in restaurants
Chinese waiters and waitresses aren’t as proactive as you may be used to, so don’t be afraid to throw your hands up and call for the fuyian if you want service.Also be aware that conventional western service is hard to come by. Don’t be surprised if your starter, main, and dessert all arrive at once while your friend still waits for their first dish.
Technology in China
Guilin landscape by Shutterstock
32. Get a local SIM card in China
China’s major carriers include China Telecom and China Unicom. SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or at most corner stores, and credit is quite affordable.Most Chinese SIMs are locked to the province in which they are purchased, so you’ll pay roaming charges when texting, calling, or using data outside of this province.
Even then, the rate is far cheaper than international roaming.
33. Get a VPN for China
China’s ‘Great Firewall’ blocks sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and most of the Google selection. If you want to access these while you’re visiting China, you’ll need to purchase a VPN.When shopping for VPNs, check that they cover China – as many free options do not.
You can try a VPN from NordVPN here, which comes highly recommended and covers China.
34. Download Weixin (or WeChat)
China’s premier messaging app is Weixin (WeChat in English) and everybody you meet – expats and locals alike – will have it.Download the free app and set it up, as it’s a great way to keep in touch with locals who may not have social media.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to get off the beaten track. While Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an are worthy of their international fame, there is so much more to China than these cities and their cultural sites.
China is a massive country with a rich history, over thirty distinct cultural groups, and a huge variety of landscapes to explore – don’t limit yourself to the same few sites everybody else visits.
Plan Your Trip to China
We’ve been traveling consistently for 17 years and have come to rely on a few trusted websites that save us money and time when booking accommodation, flights and car rental. Below are our preferred partners:Accommodation in China
- Booking.com has over 30,000 properties in China including hotels, apartments and hostels. You get free cancellation on most rooms and a best price guarantee.
- Skyscanner is a comparison website that searches millions of flights. Once you find your best deal, they send you directly to the airline or agent to book (no extra fees).
- RentalCars.com is the world’s biggest car rental booking service that compares all the major brands like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Enterprise, Europcar and Thrifty.
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