First Time in China?
China is unlike anywhere else you’ve travelled. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you exactly what you need to know — no fluff, just the practical stuff.
The Reality Check
China is safe, affordable, and spectacularly diverse — but it operates differently from most countries you’ve visited. The internet is restricted, cash is nearly obsolete, and English is thin on the ground outside international hotels. None of this is a dealbreaker. It just means you need to prepare a few things in advance that you wouldn’t normally think about.
The good news: once you’ve set up your phone with the right apps, you’ll navigate China more easily than many Western countries. Mobile payments, high-speed trains, and ride-hailing apps make travel incredibly smooth — as long as you’ve done the prep work.
Mistakes Everyone Makes (And How to Avoid Them)
Learn from the thousands of travellers who’ve gone before you.
Not setting up Alipay before arrival
China is nearly cashless. Download Alipay, link your international card, and verify your identity before your flight. Without it, you'll struggle to pay for anything.
Payment guide →Relying on a VPN for internet
Most VPNs are now actively blocked in China. Get a non-Chinese eSIM instead — it routes your data through overseas networks and works from the moment you land.
eSIM comparison →Running out of eSIM data
If your data dies, you lose Alipay (payments), Google Maps, Google Translate, and Didi (taxis) — all at once. Monitor your usage and top up early.
Downloading the wrong Didi app
You need the China-specific version of Didi, not the international one. The international version doesn't work in China. Download it at home while you have unrestricted app store access.
Not carrying toilet paper
The vast majority of public toilets in China don't provide toilet paper. Carry tissues with you at all times. No exceptions.
Booking trains last minute during holidays
Golden Week (Oct 1–7), Lunar New Year, and Labour Day sell out weeks ahead. Book trains as early as possible — they go on sale 15 days in advance.
Train booking guide →Underestimating distances
China is continent-sized. Beijing to Shanghai is 1,300km — like London to Rome. A "short" train ride can easily be 4–6 hours. Plan your itinerary with realistic travel times.
Tipping at restaurants
Tipping is not customary in China and can be seen as odd or even mildly rude. Prices are fixed. Don't leave money on the table.
The Language Barrier (It’s Not as Bad as You Think)
English is not widely spoken outside major tourist areas and international hotels. Even in a megacity like Chengdu (22 million people), you won’t find much English. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter as much as you’d think.
Google Translate’s camera feature is a game-changer. Point your phone at a menu, street sign, or train schedule and it translates in real time. Download the offline Chinese language pack before you go.
Locals are helpful. Many Chinese people will pull out their own translation apps to communicate with you. WeChat has a built-in translate feature that works well for text conversations.
Five Phrases That Go a Long Way
Cultural Tips
Tipping
Not expected — anywhere. Restaurants, hotels, taxis, hairdressers. Prices are what they are.
Queueing
Personal space and queuing culture differ from Western norms. Don't take it personally if someone stands very close or edges ahead — it's not considered rude.
Chopsticks etiquette
Never stick chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funeral incense). Don't point with them or use them to spear food. Rest them across your bowl or on the chopstick rest.
Dress code
Dress modestly at temples and cultural sites — cover shoulders, avoid very short shorts. In cities, casual Western clothing is fine.
Small talk
Chinese people may ask direct questions about your age, salary, or marital status. This is normal small talk, not prying. Feel free to answer vaguely.
Gifts
If invited to someone's home, bring fruit, tea, or chocolate — never clocks (associated with funerals) or anything in sets of four (unlucky number).
Safety in China
China is one of the safest countries in the world for travellers. Most visitors are genuinely surprised by how safe they feel — walking alone at night, leaving bags on trains, or navigating unfamiliar cities.
- Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare
- Petty theft is uncommon — many travellers report feeling safer than at home
- Scam culture is minimal compared to other popular Asian destinations
- Surveillance cameras are everywhere, which contributes to very low street crime
- Emergency numbers: Police 110, Fire 119, Ambulance 120
- Tap water is not drinkable — buy bottled water (cheap and available everywhere)
- Food hygiene at busy street stalls is generally good — high turnover means fresh food
Getting Around
High-Speed Rail
China’s high-speed rail network is the best in the world. Trains hit 300+ km/h, run on time, and connect all major cities. Often faster than flying once you factor in airport time. Book trains →
Metro Systems
Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and most major cities have modern, clean, cheap metro systems with English signage. Rides cost $0.30–1.00. Pay with Alipay QR code or buy a single-trip ticket at machines.
Didi (Ride-Hailing)
Uber doesn’t work in China. Didi is the equivalent — it has an English option and a feature to notify the driver you don’t speak Chinese. Cars are typically brand-new electric vehicles. Prices are very reasonable.
Domestic Flights
Cheap if booked in advance ($50–150 between major cities), but Chinese airports involve thorough security and can be slow. Best for distances over 1,000km where trains would take 5+ hours. Find flights →
Pre-Trip Checklist
Download Didi (China version), WeChat, Google Translate (offline Chinese)
Notify your bank about China transactions
Exchange a small amount of RMB (200–500) in small denominations
Screenshot/print your hotel booking and onward ticket
Ready to Go?
You’ve got the fundamentals. Now start putting your trip together.