Essential China Travel Tips for First-Timers

Plugs and voltage

China runs on 220V at 50Hz, so check that your chargers say "100-240V" before you plug in. Most laptop and phone bricks do; some hairdryers and shavers do not.

China uses three plug types: Type A (two flat pins, like the US), Type C (two round pins, like Europe), and Type I (two angled flat pins). A universal travel adapter covers all three. Bring one good one rather than several cheap ones.

Language basics

English is rare outside big hotels and airports. A few words go a long way:

• Ni hao (nee-how) - hello
• Xie xie (sshyeh-sshyeh) - thank you
• Duo shao qian? - how much?
• Bu yao - I don't want it

Download an offline translator (Google Translate's offline Chinese pack, or Pleco) and learn to show your destination written in Chinese characters to taxi drivers.

Packing

• Cash and your passport - you need ID to buy train tickets and check into hotels.
• Tissue packets - many public toilets have none, and most are squat-style.
• Comfortable shoes - the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Xi'an's Terracotta Army involve serious walking.
• A reusable water bottle - hot-water dispensers are everywhere.

Connectivity and payments

China blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and many Western sites behind the Great Firewall. Crucially, daily life runs on WeChat and Alipay - both now let foreign cards link, and they are how you pay for almost everything, from street food to the metro. Set them up before you fly.

Quick tips

• Book trains early. High-speed rail (the G-trains) between Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an is fast and cheap, but seats sell out around holidays.
• Carry your passport everywhere - hotels and some attractions check it.
• Bargain at markets, never in malls or shops with fixed prices.
• Tap water isn't drinkable - buy bottled or boil it.
• Avoid the Golden Week (first week of October) and Chinese New Year if you dislike crowds.
• Tipping isn't expected - it can even cause confusion.
• Download maps offline - Apple Maps and Amap work; Google Maps does not.
• Keep small notes handy for taxis and markets.

Stay connected in China

With the Great Firewall and WeChat-only payments, going offline in China is a real headache - a HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for maps, translation and bookings with no roaming fees and no hunting for a SIM card.