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Sometimes you can just show up into a certain country and assume it’s going to be fine….CHINA IS NOT ONE OF THEM. I’m not joking, you actually need to research China travel tips before you visit. Here are 9 ways to get ready for your trip to China.
1. Download Alipay
Alipay is the most important part of visiting China. Equally as important as the visa. You will pay for everything you do with Alipay, it’s not an exaggeration. Included on the app is Didi (China’s uber), a translator, your QR code for the trains, etc. MAKE SURE your account is set up before arriving.
2. Get a VPN
It is wise to get a VPN for every country you visit. It’s dangerous to use public WiFi because your personal data could be compromised. But in China you will actually NEED one for even Instagram or YouTube (Tiktok is allowed LOL). I have been using NORDVPN for years, so that is my recommendation. You can Sign up for Nord
3. Buy a Phone Charger
Like I said, your phone is a crucial part of China travel. No matter what you are doing, you need to make sure you have juice for your phone. My personal recommendation is ANKR, considering I never leave the house without it. Here’s a link to it on amazon.
4. Figure Out Your Data
Make sure you have a plan regarding your data. a Sim Card/eSim/mobile wifi etc. You will not survive without this. I use my phone carrier’s international plan and have never had an issue. Figure out what is best for you.Â
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5. Assess Your Visa
Get your visa sorted out well in advanced. For a plethora of western countries, you can just show up and get a 144hr transit visa on arrival. It’s easy, just show them you have a departing flight in a few days and you will be stamped right in. I’m sure you wouldn’t miss this step without my help.
6. Book Tours
If you are planning to do any tours or get a ticket to any attraction or landmark, definitely buy those early. The forbidden city in Beijing sells out pretty frequently. A site like Viator or GetYourGuide will be full of them. You can also check my guide for the Great Wall of China here.
7. Research How to Navigate China
Baidu maps is the Chinese maps app of choice. You could download it, but it’s not a MUST. You won’t have any problems with Google Maps, but make sure you download the offline maps to be safe. If you are renting a car, 100% use Baidu. I also have a guide for navigating Beijing if you have interest.
8. Be Ready To Make Friends
Whether you are making friends or even communicating with your hotel, they will be on WeChat. So download that, it’s a much more intricate WhatsApp. It’s better to already have this installed, just like Alipay.
9. Prepare For The Language Barrier
Does English suffice?
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To buy a shirt? Sure. To buy something from a street vendor? Sure. Anything else……nope. You’ll be able to read navigation, metro signs, etc. It’s a normal place regarding that, so don’t have fear.
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You will see restaurants with no English signs or menus. And you guessed it, the staff won’t speak English….but it could be the best food you’ve ever had. You’ll need a translator app 100%. You can use the one built into Alipay or whatever you want, as long as it has a CAMERA TO TRANSLATE feature.
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You will be extremely happy you completed these 9 things once you arrive in China.