Travel guide: What you need to know before visiting China
From where to stay to what apps to download, Travel News Blitz’s Zach Heynes shares a few general tips to know before your trip to China.
As one of the largest countries in the world, China offers a wide range of experiences and promises to be an adventurous destination.
Hence, it is no surprise that it has become an increasingly popular country to visit in recent years.
However, it is vital that you don’t arrive unprepared.
Where should you stay?
Whether you prefer hostels or hotels, one crucial choice will make your holiday experience significantly more convenient: You should book accommodation as near to a metro train station as possible.
The metro system in China is an efficient and affordable way to get around the city.
The closer you are to a station, the less you have to worry about planning the logistics of your commute.
On the note of accommodation, the platform you should use for your bookings is Trip.com.
This site is designed for tourism in China and offers a ton of options to organise your search.
Booking on other sites runs the risk of accidentally booking a hotel that prohibits foreigners, or one that is no longer in operation.
Using Trip.com avoids these issues as it contains up to date information about the accommodation, a series of helpful filters, and in addition, competitive prices.
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The apps you need to download
Chinese lifestyle is highly reliant on technology.
As convenient as that is, it means that not having the correct apps set up can be a major obstacle.
Almost all stores in China are cashless, and you will need to set up an account on WeChat or Alipay before you leave.
It is often advised that you set up both, especially considering WeChat’s sensitivity to new accounts.
These apps are not simply for payment - they are essential multipurpose platforms that you will use for bookings, accessing transport, communication, and much more.
Since Google services are not accessible in China, you should find an alternative to Google Translate, and you should use Apple Maps or Amaps as your primary navigation apps.
These will also allow you to effortlessly navigate metro routes by entering your location and destination.
Surviving the Great Firewall
The Chinese internet is completely localised, and most foreign services like WhatsApp, Instagram and Google are blocked.
However, you can continue accessing them through the use of a VPN or eSIM.
Before downloading an eSIM, ensure that your phone is compatible.
While subscription services like Saily or Holafly are good options, Trip.com provides affordable eSIM packages.
A VPN is only necessary if you would like to use foreign services while connecting to WiFi or using a domestic Chinese SIM.
There are many VPN options to find, but LetsVPN is one that is especially recommended for travellers in China.
One important thing to note is that for both your VPN and eSIM, you have to activate them before arriving in China, as there is no way of downloading or renewing them once there.
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For your packing considerations
There are a couple of final notes to consider in your final packing stages.
Carrying a water bottle or flask can be very helpful, as you will often find hot and cold water dispensers in public areas.
Chinese transport has strict rules about power banks, so it's often safer to purchase one there instead of risking the confiscation of your own.
Lastly, you should always keep a supply of tissues or disinfectant wipes on you, as few bathrooms will provide them.
Final thoughts
Depending on where you plan to visit in China, your preparations may look different - be sure to conduct adequate research beforehand.
The most important thing to remember about travelling to China (or anywhere else) is that you are a visitor.
Take time to learn, observe, respect and understand the local culture, and you will return from your holiday with timeless memories and an expanded perspective.
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