Wander in China - Your local buddy

Planning your first trip to China? Exciting! To make sure your adventure goes smoothly, there are a few key things you should know before you go.

1. Visa and Entry

Regular Visa: Most tourists need a tourist (L - type) visa. Apply at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. Prepare a filled-out form, valid passport, photo, and sometimes proof of accommodation and travel plans.
Visa-free Entry: Some nationalities can enjoy visa-free stays under certain conditions. For example, citizens of 53 countries can have a 144-hour visa-free transit in specific cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Check the official immigration website for details.

Alipay and WeChat Pay: These are the dominant payment methods in China. You can link your international credit card to the apps. Just scan the QR code at merchants, whether it's a high-end store or a street vendor. It's faster and more convenient than using cash in many situations.

Booking: You can book high-speed train tickets on the official 12306.cn website (has an English version) or through third-party travel apps like Trip.com. Select your departure and arrival stations, travel date, and preferred seat class.
Boarding: Arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes in advance. Go through security, ticket check, and find your platform according to the signs. Trains in China are punctual, so don’t be late.

Subway QR Codes: In many big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, you can use Alipay or WeChat Pay to generate a QR code for subway entry. No need to buy a physical ticket every time.
Didi (Ride-hailing): Didi is extremely popular in China. It's often cheaper and more convenient than regular taxis. The app has an English interface, making it easy for foreign tourists to use.

Local SIM Cards: Buying a local SIM card at the airport or telecom stores is a good option. You'll need to show your passport. Plans usually come with a good amount of data for navigation, using apps, and staying connected.
Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is available in airports, shopping malls, and some cafes. However, some may require a Chinese mobile number for verification. In such cases, using a local SIM-based hotspot can be a workaround.

Unique Ingredients: Chinese cuisine uses a lot of ingredients that might be uncommon abroad, such as various types of offal. Dishes like pork liver stir-fry or duck blood soup are popular. If you have allergies, make sure to communicate clearly with the waitstaff. Use translation apps to show your allergy list in Chinese.
Common Allergens: Gluten is present in many Chinese wheat-based products like noodles and steamed buns. If you're gluten-intolerant, look for restaurants that offer gluten-free options or ask for plain rice dishes.

Greetings: A simple handshake is common, but in formal settings, a slight nod is also appropriate. When visiting someone's home, it's polite to bring a small gift, like fruits or a box of Chinese tea.
Dining Manners: Chopsticks are the main eating utensils. Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in your rice bowl as it's associated with bad omens. If you're not good at using chopsticks, most restaurants can provide forks and spoons.

Climate Diversity: China has a wide range of climates. In the north, winters are cold, and you'll need thick coats, hats, and gloves. In Harbin, temperatures can drop well below -10°C. Summers in the south are hot and humid, with temperatures often above 30°C. Light, breathable clothing is suitable.
Seasonal Precautions: In spring, there can be dust storms in the north. In summer, typhoons may hit the southern coastal areas. Check the weather forecast before traveling to different regions.

Key Numbers: Remember 110 for police, 120 for medical emergencies, and 119 for fire and rescue. If using a foreign SIM card with international roaming, dial +86 before these numbers. Even without a SIM card, most phones can make emergency calls as long as there's network coverage.
Hospital Services: In big cities, some hospitals have international departments where English is spoken. Keep the address and contact information of nearby hospitals handy.

Bargaining Culture: In markets and some small shops, bargaining is expected. Don't be afraid to negotiate the price, but do it in a friendly way. Start with a lower offer than the asking price and gradually reach a mutually acceptable deal.
Tax-free Shopping: If you're eligible, you can get a tax refund on certain purchases in designated tax-free stores. Keep your receipts and follow the tax-free refund process at the airport when you leave.

By being aware of these aspects, you'll have a smoother and more enjoyable trip in China.