1. Chinese Travel Visa
Arguably the most expensive and cumbersome thing for travel to China aside from airfare is a Chinese travel visa. Depending on your passport, obtain a visa from a Chinese consulate in your country of origin. Applies to ordinary passport holders from North America and the European Union. Contact the Chinese consulate in your country. In the US, contact the consulate covering your region. More info on Chinese embassy’s website in Washington.
Consider applying for a 72- or 144-hour tourist visa upon arrival if flying into first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and some second-tier cities like Shenzhen, Nanjing, Tianjin. For short-term visa-on-arrival, need valid passport from one of 53 countries and proof of onward travel. Comes with geographic restrictions.
2. When You Land
After deplaning and entering terminal, submit fingerprints at an automatic fingerprint station. Then pass through health inspection screening for fever or illness. Present travel documents (passport, visa, arrival card) for inspection. Arrival cards distributed during flight or available on landing. If applying for short-term visa-on-arrival, follow signs. After frontier inspection, proceed to baggage claim and retrieve luggage. Finally, go through customs inspection and declare restricted items. Once past customs, leave the airport.
3. Purchase a Mobile SIM Card
Get a short-term prepaid mobile SIM card.
As you exit the airport terminal, look for sellers. Any domestic carrier network will work, especially if you’re staying in populated areas. China Mobile and China Unicom are arguably the two largest domestic networks. Having a SIM card will make your life easier and enable you to access maps or other information on your mobile phone while on the go. Moreover, most public Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes or restaurants require an SMS code sent to a valid Chinese phone number. Spend around RMB 50 to get a phone card with a few GB of data. You’ll be glad you did.
Find a reliable VPN provider. If you haven’t been living under a rock, you know the internet is censored in China. This means no Facebook, Google, Twitter, Snapchat, TicTok, Instagram, Reddit, Wikipedia, etc. If you want or need access to these services, download and install a VPN service on your phone or laptop before coming to China. Once you’re here, it’s nearly impossible to get. Though technically not allowed by the government, VPNs are widely used and tolerated as long as you’re not using them to violate other laws. There are many free and low-cost VPN options available nowadays. Do your research to find out which ones work reliably on the mainland, as this is not guaranteed.
Install Google Translate. App-based machine translation has made remarkable progress in recent years. For everyday conversation and basic subjects, you can communicate with Chinese people using an app like Google Translate. Make sure you download the offline files for Chinese before you arrive (remember Google is blocked). Downloading the files will give you access to the app even if you don’t have a VPN.
Install a Chinese dictionary. Another handy app is a Chinese dictionary that offers optical or hand-drawn input. We recommend Pleco (available for both iOS and Android). A basic version is free with more advanced features available for purchase. For travelers, the reliable optical character recognition and ability to draw characters make it invaluable if you’re in a pinch. How much you intend to travel outside major cities (where English is more widely spoken) will influence how necessary this recommendation is for you.
Download WeChat. If you spend any time in China, you’ll soon find that everyone uses WeChat for just about everything. Friends and people you meet will be pleasantly surprised if you ask to exchange WeChat information with them. It’s the way to keep in touch during and after your trip.
Download Alipay. Western travelers may find it hard to believe how quickly China has transitioned to a cashless society. Nowadays, everyone (and we mean everyone) uses mobile e-payment systems. Until last year, foreigners without a Chinese bank account were out of luck. Thankfully, this changed when Alipay introduced their so-called ‘Tour Pass’. This allows you to link a foreign VISA, MasterCard, or American Express credit card and purchase a prepaid Alipay account up to RMB 5000.
Embrace the cashless payment system in China to enhance your travel experience. Utilize foreign exchange rates aligned with standard interbank rates. A prepaid account, valid for 90 days, allows unused balances to be refunded to your foreign card, with per-transaction fees capped at 5%. It’s crucial to set this up before your arrival in China. Mobile payment is ubiquitous, making cash usage increasingly inconvenient. Highly recommended is the Alipay Tour Pass.
Always carry extra napkins and toilet paper, as China may lack these basic necessities, especially outside major cities. Be prepared for less-than-ideal bathroom conditions and the occasional empty dispenser.
Be aware of China’s 240-volt electrical system, which differs from the 120-volt standard in the United States. Pack a plug converter for your three-prong devices, and check the voltage compatibility of your electronic devices. Modern chargers for cellphones and laptops usually accept both voltages, but other devices like hairdryers may not be safe to use.
Culturally, be prepared for the Chinese people’s directness, which may seem rude to Western standards.Understand that this is not meant to offend but is a result of living in a highly populated society. Learn to adapt and go with the flow. Additionally, be prepared for staring and being referred to as ‘laowai’, which is not intended as an insult but a common way to address foreigners.
When traveling to China, especially in 2020, it’s important to be aware of the cashless culture. Here are ten essential things to know before your visit:
1. Embrace the cashless lifestyle: China has largely transitioned to digital payments, so be prepared to use mobile wallets and digital transactions.
2. Be ready for photo opportunities: Locals may want to take pictures with you, especially in rural areas where foreigners are less common. This is part of the cultural experience.
3. Major cities vs. countryside: The level of attention you receive can vary. In major cities, people are more accustomed to seeing foreigners, while in rural areas, you might find yourself the center of attention.
4. Consider the highlighted tips: Reflect on the points we’ve mentioned to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable trip.
5. China’s unique approach: Be prepared for a country that operates differently from what you’re used to. It’s a mix of familiarity and novelty.
6. Modern China’s rapid growth: Witness the astonishing pace of change and development that is unique to China.
7. Experience the nation firsthand: Come and see for yourself the beauty and wonder of this evolving nation.
8. Enjoy the journey: With these simple tips, you’ll be able to navigate China more easily and enjoy your time there.
9. Plan your trip wisely: Whether you’re planning a trip to China or just curious about visiting, these tips will help you make an informed decision.
10. Explore the astounding beauty: China offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from its modern advancements to its natural splendor.
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