Hey friends! Just got back from China—zero Mandarin, tons of lessons learned. Here’s everything I wish someone had told me before:
1. 💸 Payments: Digital First, Cash Backup
- Alipay & WeChat Pay are accepted almost everywhere.
- International card usage above ¥200 triggers a 3% fee.
- Fix it: Split bigger purchases under ¥200, or have a local friend transfer money to your WeChat wallet.
- Cash = essential for emergencies—like that one shop that wouldn’t accept our apps.
2. 📶 SIMs: Dual Setup for Freedom & Local Access
- eSIM (from providers like Airalo) gives you unrestricted access to Instagram, Google, and social apps even behind the Great Firewall.
- Local SIM gives you a Chinese number—critical for apps like Meituan, Dianping, Didi, and QR metro tickets, and local SIM data is very cheap.
- Recommendation: Use both for full coverage. Use local SIM for daily use like shopping, navigation, food, etc because it’s cheap 😉 and switch to eSIM for social apps like Instagram, Google, Whatsapp, Facebook etc.
3. 🔐 VPN: Helpful, Not Critical
- VPNs (Mullvad, Astrill) help with blocked apps on Wi‑Fi, but may be unreliable for payments.
- With a good eSIM, VPN becomes optional—use it only when needed.
4. 🗣️ Translation: Your Digital Interpreter
- Microsoft Translator: reflects work—live voice, camera OCR, and conversation mode.
- WeChat’s built-in translation works smoothly for chatting with drivers or hotel staff offline.
- Google Translate: download Mandarin for backup offline use.
5. 🚕 Getting Around: Didi, No Matter the Number
- Use Didi mini-program through WeChat or Alipay—no Chinese number required.
- Driver verifies your ride by matching the last four digits of your phone number (which can be international).
6. 🗺️ Navigation: Maps That Work Inside China
- AMap Global (Gaode Maps) is the best👍 navigation option in China. The newly launched English version is great for overseas users and provides clear walking, driving, and transit routes with real-time traffic and even countdown timers at lights .
- Apple Maps also performs well—Outside China may not be accurate, but inside China works pretty well.
- Android users should install AMap Global(English) or Baidu Maps(If you know mandarin).
- Pro tip: Always save your hotel name & address in Chinese characters.
7. 🚆 Booking Travel: Trains & Hotels
- Use Trip.com to book hotels and train tickets. Their support team confirms your hotel accepts foreign guests—super helpful.
- Trains: download the official 12306 app or book on Trip.com—foreigner-only counters simplify boarding.
8. 🗓 Planning Ahead: Avoid Public Holidays
China’s public holidays (especially the major ones: Golden Week in October, Spring Festival in January/February) bring extreme crowds, sold-out transport, and inflated prices. Without planning ahead, you risk:
- No train/flight tickets, not even standing ticket
- Hours-long queues at attractions
- Triple-priced hotels & taxis
🥇The Golden Rule Is: STAY IN ONE CITY AND AVOID TRAVELING ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
But…If you have to… here are some Quick Tips:
✅ Book Transport Early
- Trains: 30 days in advance (Yes, I mean it! Set an alarm and be prepared to snatch tickets).
- Flights: 2+ months ahead for domestic routes.
✅ Avoid Peak Travel Days
- Worst: First/last 2 days of the holiday.
- Better: Travel 3 days before/after.
- Best: One week before/after to avoid inflated price.
✅ Pre-Book Attractions
- Forbidden City, Great Wall, etc.—sell out fast.
✅ Escape Crowds
- Skip Beijing/Shanghai—try Yunnan, Fujian, or Guizhou.
✅ Prepare for Chaos
- Carry cash, snacks, patience—ATMs/restaurants get overwhelmed.
Pro Tip: Treat holidays like a zombie apocalypse—plan your exits early!
9. 🧻 Toilets: Tissues Are a Must
- Many public restrooms have squat toilets with no toilet paper.
- Always carry tissues, you can easily buy from any convenient store; malls and restaurants have standard toilets.
10. ☕ Coffee on the Cheap
- Order via Meituan—prices are often 30–50% cheaper.
- Staff usually help you order via your phone or theirs—just ask and offer to pay via WeChat.
11. 🛍️ Shopping & Bargaining
- Ask hotel staff or guides for local shop recommendations with better prices.
- In tourist markets, start offers at ~50% off advertised price—but stick to local goods to avoid fakes.
12. 🗣️ Learn Key Phrases
A few Mandarin words go a long way:
- 你好 (nǐ hǎo) – Hello
- 谢谢 (xiè xiè) – Thanks
- 多少钱? (duō shǎo qián) – How much?
- 我听不懂 (wǒ tīng bù dǒng) – I don’t understand
13. 🙋 Locals & Culture
- Locals are extremely helpful—often using translation apps to assist.
- Smoke is common in public places—prepare, especially if you’re sensitive.
- China felt super safe—even as a solo traveler.
14. 💧Drinking Water
- ⚠️ No tap water—always drink bottled or filtered water.
- Free Drinking Water: Upscale malls/hotels have filtered water dispensers (bring a bottle).
14. 🍜 Food
- Be cautious if you have strict dietary needs or allergy — check compatibility via your translator or WeChat chat.
- Some food comes with spicy🌶, so always communicate the spicy level first. In some area, spicy could mean super spicy for you. Save the image below, so you can communicate your desired spicy level easier.
15. 📱 Must-Have Apps
- Alipay & WeChat Pay (link two cards)
- Microsoft Translator + Google Translate offline
- AMap Global (English version) or Baidu Maps (If you know mandarin)
- Apple Maps for iPhone users
- Dianping & Meituan for food and deals
- Trip.com for hotel, tickets, tours and train bookings
- Didi mini-program (inside Alipay or Wechat) for taxi
Quick Recap: How You Navigate & Live in China
- eSIM + local SIM = full access
- Alipay/WeChat Pay ready + cash backup
- Translator app + WeChat chat
- AMap Global / Apple Maps navigation
- Grab coffee smart via Meituan
- Trip.com for travel logistics
- Keep tissues on you
- Smile and learn a phrase or two
