Practical Guides

Visa-Free Entry

China offers visa-free entry to citizens of many countries:

15-Day Visa-Free (Transit)

• Available at major airports and ports
• Must have onward ticket to a third country

30-Day Visa-Free

• Available for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and more
• Check the latest policy before traveling

Applying for a Visa

If you need a visa:

1. Fill out the application form online
2. Prepare: passport, photo, invitation letter or hotel booking
3. Submit at Chinese embassy/consulate
4. Processing: 4-7 business days

Entry Requirements

• Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
• Completed arrival card
• Return/onward ticket
• Hotel booking or invitation letter

Mobile Payment is King

China is largely cashless. Here's how to set up:

Alipay (Recommended for Tourists)

1. Download Alipay app
2. Register with your phone number
3. Link your international credit card
4. Scan QR codes to pay everywhere

WeChat Pay

1. Download WeChat app
2. Go to WeChat Pay section
3. Link your international card
4. Use for payments, transfers, and more

Cash

• Still accepted but increasingly rare
• ATMs available at airports and banks
• Notify your bank before traveling

Credit Cards

• Visa/Mastercard accepted at hotels and large stores
• Not widely accepted at small shops or restaurants

Staying Connected

SIM Card

• Buy at airport on arrival
• China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom
• Passport required for registration
• Typical: ¥100-200 for 30 days with data

VPN

• Many international sites/apps are blocked
• Download VPN before arriving in China
• Popular options: ExpressVPN, Astrill, Surfshark

Essential Apps

• WeChat — Messaging, payment, everything
• Alipay — Payment and services
• Baidu Maps — Navigation (Google Maps doesn't work well)
• Didi — Ride-hailing (like Uber)
• Trip.com — Train/flight bookings

WiFi

• Available in most hotels and cafes
• Speed varies; 4G/5G is often faster

Practical Tips for China

Accommodation

• Book hotels that accept foreigners (not all do)
• Bring passport for check-in
• Options: Hotels, hostels, Airbnb-style rentals

Safety

• China is generally very safe
• Watch for pickpockets in tourist areas
• Keep copies of important documents

Etiquette

• Tipping is not expected
• Bargaining is OK in markets, not in stores
• Remove shoes when entering someone's home
• Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice

Useful Chinese Phrases

| English | Chinese | Pinyin | |---------|---------|--------| | Hello | 你好 | Nǐ hǎo | | Thank you | 谢谢 | Xièxiè | | How much? | 多少钱？ | Duōshao qián? | | Delicious | 好吃 | Hǎo chī | | I don't understand | 我不懂 | Wǒ bù dǒng |