FAQ: The Questions Everyone Asks
Short, direct answers to the most common questions first-time travelers ask. If something isn't covered here, check the full practical guides or email me.
Safety & Basics
Is China safe for tourists?
Yes, extremely safe. Violent crime against tourists is very rare. You can walk around major cities at 2am without issues. Standard precautions apply (watch your wallet in crowded tourist areas) just like anywhere else.
Do I need to know any Chinese?
No. You can travel perfectly well with zero Chinese. All major tourist signs have English, hotel staff speak English, and Google Translate camera works for menus. Learn three words: ni hao (hello), xiexie (thank you), and people will be friendly.
Is it OK to drink tap water?
No. Drink bottled water, it's cheap everywhere. Hotels usually provide free bottles. Hot water is safe (that's why everyone carries thermoses), but cold tap water is not.
Do I need to tip?
No. Tipping is not a thing in China. Nobody expects it, leaving extra money will just confuse waiters. Exception: some high-end international hotels might add a service charge, that's already on the bill.
Internet & Apps
Can I use Google, Instagram, WhatsApp?
Do not assume these services will be available on every local connection. An international-routing travel eSIM may cover the apps you need when its provider documents that routing; for local Wi-Fi or local data, prepare and test a VPN before travel. Neither option is a guarantee, so keep essential information offline.
Will my US phone work?
Usually, if your phone is unlocked and supports the bands and eSIM technology required by the plan. Compare a China travel eSIM, home-carrier roaming and a local SIM. Check the exact plan's routing, validity, data-only limits and activation instructions before payment.
What maps work?
Apple Maps offers an English interface, while Amap/Gaode can be useful for local transit and addresses. Google Maps listings and routes may be incomplete or out of date in China. Save your hotel address in Chinese and offline map areas before departure.
How do I order food if I can't read the menu?
Use Baidu Translate or Google Translate camera — point it at the menu, it translates instantly. Many restaurants in tourist areas have picture menus. Dianping has photos of nearly every dish.
Money & Payments
How much cash should I bring?
¥500-1000 (~$70-140) as backup, that's it. Almost everything takes Alipay. Withdraw from ATMs at the airport after landing — your bank card works. Some small rural vendors only take cash.
My Alipay got frozen after first purchase — what do I do?
This happens sometimes if your first purchase is large. Go to your Alipay profile, complete any additional identity verification prompts, or contact Alipay support (they have English chat support in the app). Call your bank beforehand to notify them you'll be using Alipay in China — this prevents 90% of freezes.
Can I use my Visa/Mastercard directly?
Almost never for day-to-day stuff. International hotels, high-end restaurants, and some major tourist sites take cards. For everything else (street food, taxis, convenience stores, subways) you need Alipay or cash. Setup Alipay at home, it takes 15 minutes.
How do I get RMB?
Withdraw from any Bank of China/ICBC ATM at the airport when you land — your foreign debit card works. Don't exchange money at the airport currency exchange desks (bad rates). You can also exchange at your home bank before departure, but ATMs give better rates.
Getting Around
How do I take the high-speed train?
Check the live timetable, sale window and change/refund terms on China Railway's official 12306 service before you buy. An English-language intermediary can be convenient, but compare its fee and ticket terms. Bring the original passport used for the reservation, verify your train number on the departure board and allow extra time for station access and security.
Is Didi safe? How do I not get scammed?
Use DiDi only after confirming that registration and payment work on your own phone. Make the booking in the app, match the vehicle plate with the app record before entering and follow the terminal's signed pickup process. Keep the destination in Chinese, and use the in-app trip record if you need support. No app removes the need to check the vehicle and route yourself.
How does the subway work?
Metro systems, ticket machines, English signage and payment methods differ by city and station. Check the city transit operator or the station notice for the current fare and last train. A physical ticket, local transport QR, mobile wallet or bank card may be accepted; test your chosen method early and keep enough battery for the journey home.
Can I rent a car?
Do not assume that an international driving permit is sufficient for a self-drive trip in mainland China. Rental, temporary-permit, insurance and route requirements can depend on your licence, location and provider. Compare a rail, driver or licensed rental option only after verifying the current official/local requirements for your own documents.
Hotels & Logistics
Do all hotels accept foreigners?
Do not treat a platform filter or a chain logo as a guarantee. Choose a property with clear terms, then message that exact property with your passport nationality and expected arrival time. Keep the written reply and the original passport used for the reservation. See the hotel guide for the confirmation process and accommodation-registration context.
What if a hotel turns me away at check-in?
Stay calm and retain the booking confirmation and any written message from the property. Ask the desk to explain the issue, then contact the booking channel using the support route on your confirmation. Do not cancel before reading the rate terms. For a late arrival, a confirmed staffed property and a realistic nearby backup are safer than assuming a particular platform or chain will arrange a room.
How does the 240-hour visa-free transit work?
Transit-without-visa rules depend on nationality, route, port of entry, onward ticket and the current policy. Do not rely on an example itinerary from a travel site. Check the relevant official Chinese immigration/embassy guidance and confirm your itinerary with the carrier before purchasing a non-refundable ticket. See the visa and entry guide for a planning checklist.
What about toilets? Do they have toilet paper?
You'll encounter both Western toilets and squat toilets. Carry a small pack of tissues with you — many public restrooms don't provide toilet paper. Tourist sites, hotels, and shopping malls almost always have Western toilets and paper.
Culture & Etiquette
What should I not do?
Don't discuss sensitive political topics (Tibet, Xinjiang, Tiananmen) with strangers. Don't tip. Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (it looks like incense at a funeral). Don't take photos of people without asking, especially monks or elderly people. Other than that, people are very forgiving of tourist mistakes.
Can I use my phone everywhere?
Yes, absolutely. Nobody will care if you're taking photos, using maps, or on VPN. It's not like you have to hide it. Just don't take photos of police stations, military sites, or government buildings.
Have a question that's not here? Check the full practical guides for more detail, or email me at [email protected] and I'll answer and add it here.