Planning a first trip to China raises a flood of questions that other travel destinations simply don’t prepare you for. The internet firewall. Mobile payments that seem to work for everyone except tourists. Trains that require passport registration. A language barrier that can feel total when you are staring at a menu with no pictures.
This guide answers the 60 questions that come up most often — honestly, in plain language, without the usual vague advice to “just use Google Translate” (which, for the record, you cannot access from a China SIM without workarounds).
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Visas and Entry
Do I need a visa to visit China?
It depends entirely on your passport. As of 2026, citizens of over 50 countries — including France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and many others — can enter China visa-free for 15 days for tourism, transit, or business. The US and several other countries remain excluded from this scheme.
The separate 144-hour transit visa-free policy applies to 54 nationalities transiting through designated cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and others. It requires a confirmed onward ticket to a third country.
Check the full updated list in our China visa-free countries guide.
How long does it take to get a Chinese tourist visa?
Standard processing at a Chinese embassy or consulate typically takes 4 to 7 working days. Express processing (where available) reduces this to 2 to 3 days at an additional fee. Some visa agencies offer same-day collection services in major cities.
Apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before travel during peak seasons (March–May, September–October) when consulates handle higher volumes.
Can I extend my visa while in China?
Yes. Tourist visas can be extended once at a local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration office. Extensions are typically granted for 30 days. Bring your passport, a recent passport photo, proof of accommodation, and your onward travel itinerary. Processing takes around 7 working days. See our visa extension guide for the step-by-step process.
What happens if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying is treated seriously. Fines are imposed per day of overstay, and repeated violations or long overstays can result in deportation and a multi-year entry ban. Set a calendar reminder 3 days before your visa expires.
Can I visit Hong Kong and Macau without affecting my China visa?
Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions with separate immigration systems. Most nationalities can enter Hong Kong visa-free for 14 to 90 days (depending on passport) regardless of their China visa status. Crossing from Mainland China into Hong Kong or Macau does not count as leaving and re-entering China for visa purposes, but it does count as an entry use on a single-entry Chinese visa. If you have a double-entry or multiple-entry visa, you can re-enter mainland China after visiting Hong Kong or Macau.
Mobile Payments
Why can’t I just use my credit card in China?
China’s retail payment ecosystem has moved almost entirely to mobile QR-code payments — specifically Alipay and WeChat Pay. Most small shops, markets, street food vendors, and even some mid-range restaurants no longer accept physical cards at all. UnionPay cards (Chinese bank cards) and some foreign Visa/Mastercards work at larger hotel chains and international establishments, but relying on cards alone in daily life is genuinely difficult.
Can foreigners use Alipay?
Yes — and this has improved dramatically. Since 2024, foreigners can link international Visa or Mastercard debit and credit cards directly to Alipay without needing a Chinese bank account. The process takes about 10 minutes on the app. Our complete Alipay setup guide for foreigners walks through every step with screenshots.
How much cash should I carry in China?
More than you might expect, but less than you fear. Keep 500–1,000 yuan (roughly USD 70–140) in cash as a safety net for the rare vendor, rural area, or technical hiccup where mobile payment fails. Change larger bills (100 yuan) at banks or hotels upon arrival — small vendors sometimes cannot break them.
Are ATMs easy to find in China?
In cities, yes. Bank of China, ICBC, and China Construction Bank ATMs are widely distributed and generally accept foreign cards. Look for the UnionPay, Visa, or Mastercard logo on the machine. ATMs in rural areas, small towns, and tourist sites are less reliable for foreign cards. See our ATM and cash guide for bank-by-bank reliability ratings.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Apple Pay works in China at NFC-enabled terminals, but these are far less common than QR-code payment points. Google Pay does not function reliably in mainland China due to the internet restrictions. In practice, neither replaces having Alipay or WeChat Pay set up.
Internet and Apps
Is Google blocked in China?
Yes. Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and most Western social media are inaccessible from Chinese internet connections (mobile data and most hotel Wi-Fi).
How do I use Google Maps in China?
You cannot access Google Maps on a Chinese SIM without a VPN. The reliable alternatives that work without any workaround are:
- Amap (高德地图 / Gaode) — the most accurate map app for mainland China, available in English
- Baidu Maps — comprehensive but primarily in Chinese
- Apple Maps — works in China for transit and walking directions
- Maps.me — works offline with downloaded maps, no data needed
Do I need a VPN?
Only if you need access to Google services, WhatsApp, Instagram, or similar blocked platforms. A VPN needs to be downloaded and tested before you arrive in China — the VPN providers’ own websites are blocked from within China, making them impossible to download on arrival. See our VPN and firewall guide.
What is the best SIM card for tourists in China?
At major international airports (Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, etc.) you can buy tourist SIM cards from China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom immediately after clearing customs. Recommended options:
- China Unicom Tourist SIM — available at airport counters, offers 30-day data packages, works with most foreign phones
- eSIM — several providers (Airalo, KnowRoaming) offer China-compatible eSIMs that can be activated before departure
See our full SIM and eSIM guide for China.
Which navigation app works best in China without VPN?
Amap (Gaode) is the gold standard. It has an English interface, real-time transit data, ride-hailing integration, and works on both iOS and Android without any VPN. Download it before your flight.
Transport
How do I book high-speed train tickets in China?
Two main options for foreigners:
- Trip.com — English-language interface, accepts foreign cards, delivers e-tickets
- 12306 — China’s official rail booking site/app, now has an English interface for foreigners, requires passport registration
Seats on popular routes (Beijing–Xi’an, Xi’an–Chengdu) sell out 15–30 days in advance during national holidays and weekends. Book early. Full step-by-step guide: How to Book China Train Tickets as a Foreigner.
Do I need to show a physical ticket for the train?
No. At most high-speed rail stations, you scan your passport directly at the gate. Your booking is linked to your passport number. Keep your booking confirmation handy on your phone, but the passport is the primary document.
Is the high-speed train safe?
China’s high-speed rail network (HSR) is one of the safest and most punctual in the world. Trains run at 250–350 km/h and are almost universally on schedule. The network covers over 45,000 km, connecting virtually all major cities.
How do I get from the airport to the city centre?
Every major Chinese city has at least one reliable option:
- Beijing Capital Airport → Airport Express train (30 min, ¥25) or subway Line 10
- Beijing Daxing Airport → Daxing Airport Express (30 min to central Beijing)
- Shanghai Pudong Airport → Maglev (8 min to Longyang Road, then subway) or Metro Line 2 (about 1 hr)
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport → Guangzhou Metro Line 3 (about 45 min to city centre)
- Chengdu Tianfu Airport → Chengdu Metro Line 18 (40 min to Tianfu Square)
See our city metro guide for full airport connection details.
Should I take taxis or DiDi (China’s Uber)?
DiDi is overwhelmingly preferable for foreign visitors. The app shows price before booking, no cash needed, GPS tracking is built in, and you can show the driver the destination on-screen without speaking any Chinese. Traditional taxis require negotiating (or pointing at map) and may use meters inconsistently outside the city centre. Download DiDi before arrival. Full DiDi guide here.
Language
How much of a problem is the language barrier?
More significant than in Southeast Asia, less than you might fear with the right apps. In tier-1 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu), tourist areas and larger establishments have English-speaking staff and bilingual menus. Once you leave these zones or go to smaller cities, English is rare.
The real challenge isn’t restaurants or hotels — it’s spontaneous situations: asking directions when lost, dealing with a broken phone charger, understanding a train announcement. Having offline translation ready solves most problems.
What translation tools actually work in China?
- DeepL — works in China without VPN on mobile data, better quality than Google Translate for nuanced text
- Microsoft Translator — available in China, has offline language packs
- Youdao Translator (有道翻译) — made for China, excellent at Chinese-English translation, free
- Pleco — the best offline Chinese dictionary, essential for reading menus and signs
Learn 10 survival phrases (hello, thank you, how much, where is the toilet, can I have the bill) — locals respond warmly to any attempt at Mandarin.
Safety and Health
Is China safe for tourists?
By international standards, China is one of the safest countries in the world for travellers. Violent crime against tourists is exceptionally rare. Petty theft (pickpocketing in busy areas, minor scams targeting tourists) exists, as it does everywhere, but the overall risk level is low.
The main safety considerations are:
- Traffic — road safety standards vary widely; always use pedestrian crossings and expect scooters on footpaths
- Air quality — major cities, particularly Beijing and Zhengzhou, experience poor air quality in winter and spring; a KN95 mask is useful
- Scams — the classic “tea ceremony scam” (friendly locals inviting you to a tea house that charges extortionate prices) is still active in Beijing and Shanghai’s tourist districts
See our China safety guide for area-specific risk ratings and scam avoidance.
Do I need vaccinations to visit China?
No specific vaccinations are required for most nationalities entering China. However, the following are commonly recommended by travel health clinics:
- Hepatitis A (food and water-borne)
- Typhoid (particularly for adventurous eating)
- Japanese Encephalitis (for rural areas in summer)
- Rabies (for trekking or wildlife contact)
Check with your doctor 6–8 weeks before departure. See our health and medical guide.
What is the water situation in China?
Do not drink tap water. This applies even in major cities. Bottled water is cheap (¥1–3 for 500ml) and available everywhere. Hotel rooms universally provide free bottled water or a kettle. China’s tap water is safe for brushing teeth in cities.
Is it safe to eat street food in China?
Yes, with normal common sense. Chinese street food has a centuries-long tradition and is generally prepared fresh and quickly (reducing bacterial risk compared to pre-cooked food sitting out). Look for stalls with high turnover, visible cooking, and long queues. Avoid anything lukewarm that has been sitting out. Some of China’s finest food is on the street — don’t skip it out of unfounded fear.
Accommodation
Can foreign travellers stay in any hotel in China?
Not quite. Hotels in China must be licensed to accept foreign guests. Most mid-range and upmarket hotels in cities are licensed. Some budget guesthouses, particularly in smaller towns, are not authorised to register foreign passports and may turn you away.
Always book through international platforms (Booking.com, Agoda, Hotels.com) and confirm the property accepts foreign guests. See our China accommodation guide for what to look for.
Do I need to register with police when staying in China?
Hotels do this automatically when you check in. If you are staying with a friend or in a private rental (Airbnb, local platforms), the host is legally required to register you at the local police station within 24 hours. In practice this is rarely enforced for short stays, but technically the requirement exists.
Are hostels a good option in China?
Yes — China’s backpacker hostel scene is well-developed and very affordable. A dorm bed in a well-regarded hostel costs ¥80–150 (USD 11–21) per night in major cities. Most licensed hostels accept foreign guests and are accustomed to international travellers. Look for hostels with a strong recent review history on Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Money and Budget
How much does it cost to travel China per day?
Rough daily budgets for independent travellers in 2026:
| Budget level | Daily spend (USD) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $35–55 | Hostel dorm, street food, public transport, one paid attraction |
| Mid-range | $70–120 | Private hotel room, restaurant meals, high-speed trains |
| Comfort | $150–250 | Business hotels, taxis, a mix of high-end dining |
These are mainland China figures. Hong Kong is 40–60% more expensive across all categories.
Are credit card fees a problem in China?
Foreign card ATM withdrawals typically incur a ¥25–35 fee per transaction from the Chinese bank, plus whatever your home bank charges for overseas transactions. To minimise fees: withdraw larger amounts less frequently, and use Alipay (linked to your foreign card) for daily spending to avoid ATM fees altogether.
Cultural Etiquette
What cultural mistakes do foreign travellers make in China?
The most common ones that cause genuine offence:
- Refusing food or drink offered by a host — graciously accept, even if you only take a small taste
- Sticking chopsticks upright in rice — this resembles incense burned at funerals and is considered very bad luck
- Discussing Taiwan, Tibet, or Tiananmen Square — these topics are politically sensitive; avoid raising them with locals you have just met
- Pointing with a single finger — use an open hand to gesture
The most common practical mistakes:
- Trying to hail a cab instead of using DiDi
- Not downloading Amap before landing
- Arriving at a train station 5 minutes before departure (allow 30–45 minutes for passport scanning and platform finding)
Is tipping customary in China?
No — tipping is not part of Chinese culture and is sometimes awkward or even refused at traditional establishments. High-end international hotels and Western-style bars in tourist areas may have a tip culture, but this is imported rather than native. Do not leave change on a restaurant table expecting it to be understood as a tip.
What dress codes should I be aware of?
China is generally casual about dress in tourist contexts. Exceptions:
- Buddhist temples and monasteries — covered shoulders and knees are appreciated, though not always enforced at the entrance
- Tibetan monasteries — stricter; shoulders and knees should be covered, some sites require women to cover hair
- Business meetings — standard professional dress
Technology and Connectivity
Can I use my phone in China?
Almost certainly yes. Modern unlocked smartphones work on China’s 4G/5G networks. Bring your phone unlocked (not locked to a home carrier), buy a tourist SIM or activate a China-compatible eSIM, and you will have fast mobile data from the moment you leave the airport.
Do Chinese apps work on iPhone?
Amap, DiDi, WeChat, Alipay, Meituan, Didi — all available on the App Store globally. Download them before you arrive.
Does my streaming service (Netflix, Spotify) work in China?
Netflix and Spotify are blocked in mainland China. You cannot access them without a VPN on a Chinese SIM. Downloaded offline content (Netflix downloads, Spotify offline playlists) can be accessed without internet.
Specific Traveller Needs
Is China accessible for travellers with disabilities?
Major cities have made significant accessibility improvements in recent years. Beijing and Shanghai Metro lines built after 2010 generally have lifts and tactile paths. High-speed rail stations are fully accessible. Tourist sites vary enormously — the Forbidden City is largely wheelchair accessible, while the Great Wall sections are not. Book accommodation directly and confirm accessibility features.
Is China good for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, perhaps surprisingly so. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants (素食 sùshí) exist in virtually every Chinese city and serve elaborate, entirely plant-based menus. Chinese cuisine’s tradition of vegetable-forward cooking means non-meat options are plentiful at ordinary restaurants — just point and ask “zhè gè méi yǒu ròu ma?” (这个没有肉吗? — Does this have meat?). The main trap is “vegetable dishes” that contain pork stock or lard; this is common in home-style restaurants.
Is China a good destination for solo travel?
One of the best in the world for solo travellers. China is safe, transport is excellent and easy to navigate solo, the hostel scene is active, and the sheer scale and variety of the country means there is always something new around the corner. Solo female travellers face very low risk — see our dedicated solo female travel guide.
Can I visit China as an older or senior traveller?
Absolutely. China’s infrastructure is built for a domestic elderly population and is generally excellent — lifts in train stations, low-step bus entries, wide pavements in city centres. The main challenges are the digital infrastructure (mobile payments, app-based booking) which requires more preparation. Consider booking through a China-specialist travel agency for the first trip, then going independent once familiar with the systems.
Practical Questions
What power adapter do I need in China?
China uses Type A, C, and I sockets (220V, 50Hz). The most common socket in hotels accepts both flat-pin (Type A/I) and round-pin (Type C) plugs. Most modern electronics (phones, laptops) automatically accept 100–240V. A universal travel adapter covers all eventualities.
What is the emergency number in China?
- 110 — Police
- 120 — Ambulance
- 119 — Fire
- 122 — Traffic accidents
How do I get a WeChat account?
WeChat requires a phone number (any country) to register, and then must be verified by an existing WeChat user — which means you need someone who already has WeChat to approve your new account. The easiest approach: ask the hotel reception or a hostel staff member when you arrive. Most are used to this request. See our WeChat setup guide for foreigners.
Is it worth hiring a local guide?
For first-time visitors to complex sites — Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Mogao Caves — a licensed local guide adds enormous value. For the Mogao Caves especially, guides are required and the licensed interpretation is excellent. Budget around ¥200–500 for a half-day guide at major sites.
What to Do Right Now
If your trip is within the next 30 days:
- Check your visa eligibility → Visa guide
- Set up Alipay with your foreign card → Payment guide
- Download Amap and DiDi → Apps guide
- Book your high-speed train tickets → Train guide
- Buy or activate a China SIM/eSIM → SIM guide
These five actions will handle 90% of the logistical challenges that catch first-time China visitors off guard.