## Before You Go
1. Download Essential Apps BEFORE Arrival China's internet is different. Get these apps before you leave: - **WeChat**: Messaging, payments, everything - **Alipay**: Mobile payments (essential) - **Didi**: China's Uber - **Baidu Maps**: Works in China (Google Maps doesn't) - **QilinGO**: Find halal restaurants and hidden gems
2. Set Up Mobile Payments Cash is nearly obsolete in China. Most vendors only accept mobile payment. - Link an international credit card to Alipay or WeChat Pay - Some tourist areas now accept international cards directly - Carry some cash as backup (smaller cities still need it)
3. Get a China SIM or eSIM - Buy an eSIM with data before arrival - Or get a SIM card at the airport - Most eSIM providers include VPN access
4. VPN Is Essential - Google, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp don't work in China - Download a VPN before arrival (can't download in China) - Recommended: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Astrill
5. Learn Key Phrases Even basic Mandarin helps immensely: - Ni hao (你好) - Hello - Xie xie (谢谢) - Thank you - Bu yao (不要) - I don't want it - Duo shao qian (多少钱) - How much? - Wei sheng jian (卫生间) - Toilet
Getting Around
6. Take High-Speed Trains China's HSR is amazing: - Faster than flying for trips under 5 hours - No security hassles like airports - Book on Trip.com or 12306 app - Bring your passport - you need it to board
7. Metro Is Your Best Friend Major cities have excellent metro systems: - Signs are in English - Cheap and efficient - Download city metro apps for offline maps
8. Didi for Taxis - Always use Didi, not street taxis - You can set it to English - Add your destination in Chinese (copy from Baidu Maps) - Screenshot your destination address to show drivers
9. Walking & Cycling - Shared bikes are everywhere (Hellobike, Meituan) - Traffic is chaotic - cars don't always stop for pedestrians - Look both ways, even on sidewalks!
Money & Payments
10. Cash Is Almost Dead - Mobile payment is expected everywhere - Some places won't accept cash - Street vendors, small shops - all use QR codes
11. Setting Up Payments as a Tourist - Alipay now allows international credit card linking - WeChat Pay also works with some foreign cards - Some hotels and tourist spots accept Visa/Mastercard
12. ATMs Still Exist - For backup cash, use Bank of China ATMs - Withdraw in larger amounts (fees per transaction) - 500-1000 yuan is enough for emergencies
Cultural Tips
13. Restaurant Etiquette - Tipping is NOT expected (can even be refused) - It's normal to be loud in restaurants - Sharing dishes is the norm - order family style - Tea is often free, water may cost extra
14. Business Card Exchange - Use both hands when giving/receiving cards - Take a moment to look at the card (shows respect) - Never write on someone's card in front of them
15. Gift Giving - Avoid clocks, white flowers, or sets of 4 (funeral associations) - Red envelopes with money are common gifts - Don't open gifts in front of the giver
16. Personal Space - Queuing is... competitive - Personal space is smaller than in the West - Don't take it personally - it's cultural
Food Tips
17. Street Food Is (Usually) Safe - If it's busy and freshly cooked, it's fine - Avoid pre-cooked food sitting out - Hot food is generally safer than cold
18. Finding Halal Food - Look for 清真 (Qingzhen) signs - Muslim Quarter in Xi'an is heaven - Use QilinGO app to find verified halal restaurants - Niujie in Beijing has excellent halal options
19. Ordering Food - Point at pictures on the menu - Use translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco - "Zhe ge" (这个) means "this one" - very useful
20. Drinking Water - Don't drink tap water - Boiled water is always available (free at hotels) - Bottled water is cheap and everywhere
Practical Tips
21. Toilets - Carry tissues - many public toilets don't have paper - Squat toilets are common (Western toilets in hotels/malls) - Metro station toilets are usually clean
22. Haggling - Expected at markets, not in shops - Start at 30-40% of asking price - Walk away if they won't budge - they'll often call you back
23. Photography - No photos at military sites, some museums, airports - Ask before photographing people - Don't photograph government buildings
24. Emergency Numbers - Police: 110 - Ambulance: 120 - Fire: 119 - Tourist Hotline: 12301 (English available)
25. Keep Copies of Important Documents - Photo of passport and visa on your phone - Hotel addresses in Chinese - Emergency contacts - Your accommodation's WeChat (many hotels have one)
Final Advice
China might seem overwhelming, but it's incredibly rewarding. The people are generally friendly and helpful - many will go out of their way to assist a lost tourist, even using translation apps to communicate.
Embrace the chaos, try new foods, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. The best travel experiences come from stepping outside your comfort zone!