First-Time Visit in China - How to Safely Reach Your Destination?

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China, unlike the rest of the world, is a very special territory. If you've not very well planned your trip, you may end up in a very awkward situation. This blog provides you useful information on how to plan your very first time travel in China, things you need to know and things you should be prepared for. Let's start. 

1. Visa and Entry Requirements

Before traveling to China, check the visa requirements for your nationality. Most travelers require a tourist visa (L visa), which you can obtain from a Chinese embassy or consulate in your country. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Some regions, like Hong Kong, Macau, and Hainan, offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival options for certain nationalities.

2. Best Time to Visit

China experiences diverse climates, so the best time to visit depends on your destinations:

  • Spring (March to May): Pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds.

  • Autumn (September to November): Mild temperatures and stunning fall foliage.

  • Avoid: National holidays like Chinese New Year (January/February) and Golden Week (early October) due to heavy crowds and high prices.

5. Language and Communication

  • Chinese (Mandarin) is the official language, and English is not widely spoken outside major cities. Literally, Chinese have very poor English proficiency. Don't expect too much. Only some special staff might be able to assist you in English (and that too through the translators).

  • Download translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco for help.

  • Carry a notepad with key phrases written in Chinese. I'd suggest to remember some key phrases and the name of your initial destination. 

  • Have your hotel’s address in Chinese to show taxi drivers.

3. Mobile Applications to Download in Advance

  • China has strict internet censorship. Google, Facebook, and YouTube are blocked. You'll need a VPN to use these apps.

  • Download a reliable VPN before arriving to access restricted sites. Free VPNs often do not work in China. Some people would suggest ExpressVPN or some other. I'd suggest, buy a free premium plan of any good VPN (the free trial - usually valid for 1 month) just before coming to China. It'll do the job.

  • Once in China, buy a VPN from any Chinese seller. It'll only cost around 10-15 RMB per month for 100 GB (more than enough to live on unles...... lol).

  • Essentially, you need alternative for every app in China. But with VPN you can of course use the same apps.

  • So, in case your VPN just betrays you about the right time (very unfortunate), you need to have a backup of apps. Here are some very useful apps:

  1. WeChat - A messaging app. Very essential. Create an account on it months before you plan to travel to China. If you don't have this app, I'd seriously suggest to rethink your travel. WeChat is just not a messaging app. There's a bunch of services that can be obtained from this app, including taxi, translation, flights, medicare, etc.
    • But to buy services with WeChat you need credit (which I believe you won't have if this is your first time). So, you're essentially left with the messaging and translation feature and few other things.
  2.  Google Translator - To help you communicate with other people. Before coming to China, dowload the language translations of Chinese in Google Translator. It'll help you translate without internet connection.
    • Often, you'd need to translate some instructions written somewhere. Of course you don't know chinese and won't be able to understand. There's a feature in WeChat (which I didn't know at my time) which allows you to capture the image and translate into English. 
    • Simply, right click on the + sign on the top right of the app, select scan, and then the translate option. When you'll capture the image, it'll automatically translate it into English. I think only English translation is supported on WeChat.
  3. Instant Translate On Screen - Very very important app in your daily life in China. Every app you'd download in China, will be in Chinese. So, you'd need an app that can translate on-screen content (free of cost). Again, download the Chinese translation in this app for offline use. You don't know when your VPN might not work. Here's the link to this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spaceship.screen.textcopy&pcampaignid=web_share 
  4. Baidu Maps or Tencent Map - For navigation purposes.
  5. Browser - Download an alternative browser. Mozila, Sogou, Hawaii will work without VPN.

4. Internet and Connectivity

  • You'll have free access to WiFi on the Airport, making it easier to communicate and search.
  • Search anything before going to the taxi or transport.
  • I'm not sure if you can purchase a SIM on the Airport. If you can find any outlet, you can purchase one. The rates differe from province to province and from city to city (for the same company). China Mobile and China Unicom are two popular companies in China. But before purchasing, of course, you need money. So, you need to exchange your dollars.

5. Money Exchange

  • The Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the official currency.

  • I believe at every airpot, you can easily find money exchange shops. Ask the help desk to point you out to the shops. These shops are usually towards the exit of the airport. 

  • Generally, you'll see two types of money exchangers - private companies and Bank of China (BOC). In China, BOC is the most common bank for foreign exchanges. But I have no personal experience with BOC (yet). For the private companies, they'll usually charge a fee of 30-40 RMB for each exchange. But if your exchange amount is greater than a certain limit (e.g., > 3000 RMB), this fee can be waived. 

  • Key Tip: Ask the exchanger to give you more small change such as 1, 10, 50 because you'll need them badly. 

  • Credit cards and cash are not widely accepted; mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are popular. But for your first time, you'll need to use cash. That's why you need small change to make the payments.

  • Withdraw cash from ATMs or exchange money at banks and currency exchange offices.

6. Transportation and Finally Getting to Your Location

  • So, finally you've the money and know the location where you want to go. Now, it's time to look for some transport.

  • As expected, you'd normally see many taxis on the airport. Very straight forward route to the destination. It'll of course cost a bit higher than the public transport. But if you've more luggage (like two bags per person), I'd suggest go for it.

  • If you find yourself comfortable, you can travel on the Subway. It's very conveninent. Every airport would have a Subway station connected to it. Go to the station, look at the map, find the station that is very close to your destination. Then note down the route.

    • Typically, in China, you'll find several Subway Lines. If your destination is far, you'd need to change your Lines. That's why look at the map, take a picture. It'll tell you when to change your line. 
    • In the Subway Train, you can easily see the destinations on the doors. These are typically in Chinese and English.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide was practical enough to safely take you to your destination. I'd be updating the guide as things get changed. Wish you a happy stay in China. 

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