Jump to:
1. Visa & Entry Requirements
Tourist Visa (L Visa)
Most travelers need a tourist visa. Apply at your local Chinese embassy/consulate 1-2 months before travel. Standard processing: 4-7 working days. Cost: $140-185 depending on nationality.
Required: Passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport photo, flight & hotel bookings, itinerary.
144-Hour Transit Visa
If you're transiting through China to a third country, you can stay up to 144 hours (6 days) visa-free in major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi'an.
Conditions: Must have confirmed onward ticket to a third country. Cannot leave the designated region. Check eligibility before booking.
Visa-Free Countries
As of 2025, China offers 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Singapore, and several other countries. 30-day for some.
Important: Policies change frequently. Always check the latest policy on your country's Chinese embassy website before traveling.
2. Money & Payments
China is Nearly Cashless
Mobile payment dominates China. Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted everywhere — from street vendors to luxury malls. Many places do not accept cash or foreign credit cards at all.
Set Up Alipay Before You Leave
Download Alipay app → Sign up with your phone number → Add your foreign credit/debit card → Verify identity with passport. Do this before you fly.
Carry Some Cash
Keep ¥500-1,000 cash as backup. Exchange at Bank of China ATMs (best rates) or at your hotel. Avoid airport exchange counters.
Notify Your Bank
Inform your bank of travel to China to avoid card blocks. Ask about foreign transaction fees — some cards charge 3% per transaction.
3. Internet & VPN
Install a VPN Before You Leave
Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Twitter/X are all blocked in China. You need a VPN to access them. Install and test your VPN before arriving — VPN websites are blocked inside China.
Pro tip: Download 2-3 VPN apps before your trip — some work, some don't. ExpressVPN and Astrill have the best track record.
Get a Chinese SIM or eSIM
Buy a SIM card at the airport or order an eSIM before departure (Airalo, Nomad). China Mobile/China Unicom stores in cities can set you up. Bring your passport — it's legally required for SIM registration.
Cost: ¥50-150 for 20-50GB data plans. eSIMs cost $5-30 for 7-30 day plans.
Essential China Apps
Download these before arriving: Alipay (payments), WeChat (messaging + payments), Didi (ride-hailing, has English), Baidu Maps or Amap/Gaode (navigation, Chinese only), Pleco (Chinese dictionary), Trip.com (hotels/trains).
Note: Google Maps works with VPN but is inaccurate in China. Use Baidu Maps or Amap for navigation.
4. Getting Around China
High-Speed Trains
The best way to travel between cities. Clean, punctual, and fast (300km/h). Book tickets on Trip.com or 12306.cn. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for popular routes.
Cost: Beijing-Shanghai ~¥550 (2nd class), Beijing-Xi'an ~¥515. Arrive 45 min before departure for security checks.
Didi (Chinese Uber)
Didi is China's ride-hailing app. The app has an English version. Set it up with your foreign phone number before arrival. Much cheaper than traditional taxis.
Cost: Typically ¥15-40 for trips within a city. Airport transfers ¥100-250.
Metro Systems
Every major city has an excellent metro system. Signs and announcements are in Chinese and English. Use Alipay's transport QR code — no need to buy tickets.
Cost: ¥2-8 per ride. Most systems operate 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Shanghai and Beijing metros are among the world's largest.
5. Cultural Etiquette & Customs
Chopstick Etiquette
Never stick chopsticks vertically in rice (resembles funeral incense). Don't point with chopsticks. Place them on the rest when not eating.
No Tipping
Tipping is not practiced in China. Restaurants, taxis, hotels — no tip expected. Attempting to tip can cause confusion. Service charge is included.
Greetings
Handshakes are fine. A slight nod is polite. Avoid hugging or kissing as greetings. Use both hands when giving/receiving business cards or gifts.
Queueing Culture
Queueing etiquette varies. In busy places, expect some pushing. Don't take it personally — it's not considered rude, just practical in crowded spaces.
Gift Giving
Avoid giving clocks (associated with death), umbrellas (sounds like "separation"), or sharp objects. Good gifts: fruit, tea, local specialties from your country.
Taking Photos
Ask before photographing people, especially older generations. Don't photograph military installations. Most temples allow photos but some prohibit flash.
6. Safety & Common Scams
China is Very Safe
China is one of the safest countries for travelers. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare. You can walk alone at night in most cities without concern. The biggest risks are scams, not physical danger.
Tea House Scam
Friendly strangers (often students) invite you to a traditional tea ceremony. You go, have tea, and get a bill for ¥500-2,000. Politely decline unsolicited invitations from strangers.
Taxi Scams
At airports and train stations, drivers may quote inflated flat rates. Always use Didi (app-based, fixed price) or official taxi queues. If taking a regular taxi, insist on the meter.
Fake Monks / "Art Students"
People dressed as Buddhist monks offering blessings or "art students" selling paintings near tourist areas. They give you something "for free" then demand payment. Just keep walking.
7. What to Pack
Essentials
- Passport + copies
- Visa (if required)
- Travel insurance docs
- Printed hotel bookings
- Passport photos (extra)
Tech
- VPN installed + tested
- Power bank (10,000mAh+)
- Universal adapter
- Phone with Alipay/WeChat
- Offline translation app
Health
- Prescription medications
- Imodium / Pepto-Bismol
- Hand sanitizer
- Face masks (for pollution)
- Basic first-aid kit
Comfort
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Toilet paper (carry some)
- Tissues / wet wipes
- Reusable water bottle
- Small gifts from home
Ready to Explore China?
Now that you know the essentials, start planning your trip.