Common and Unique Problems First-Time Travellers Face When Flying to China

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Travelling to China for the first time can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to navigating air travel and arrival procedures. China has some unique challenges that first-time travelers may not encounter in other countries. Here’s a list of the most common problems you might face during your first trip to China and how to handle them effectively.

1. Language Barrier at the Airport

Problem:

Most airport staff in China have limited English proficiency, making it difficult for non-Chinese speakers to ask for help. They'll not understand even the very basic words, except for the dedicated staff. Furthermore, if you have Chinese apps installed (e.g., Baidu Browser or Baidu Maps), you'll only see Chinese language in these apps. You'll need an on-screen translator.

Solution:

        1. Communication with the People
    • Download a translation app like Google Translate before your trip. A feature in Google Translate allows users to download offline translations. Activate it as it will help you communicate even if you have no internet (which you definitely won't have - I mean uncensored internet). Follow this link if you find it difficult to activate this feature.

        2. Translating through the Camera 
    • While Google Translate can help you translate the "text" you enter, it may be difficult to understand something written in Chinese. For this, use the WeChat built-in translation feature. Open 'WeChat Scanner' and choose the 'translate' option. When you click a picture, it'll translate the contents into English.

Source: WikiHow



        3. Translating On-Screen Content
    •  You might need to translate the on-screen content as well, for example, if you have some Chinese apps downloaded on the phone. For this purpose, you can use two ways. The first one is a difficult method. Take a screenshot of the content, open WeChat Camera Translate, and select the screenshot. It'll translate the contents into English.

    • But another convenient method is to use a dedicated app. I recommend the "Instant Translate On Screen" app for this purpose. It's free and essentially serves the purpose. Again, you can download offline translations before moving to China to help you use this app without an Internet connection.

        4. Other Tips
    • Have essential phrases and your destination address written in Chinese to show airport staff or taxi drivers.

    • Look for English signs at the airport, as they are available in most international terminals. Navigation is easy at the airports, as the signs are almost 99% bilingual. You won't have a problem exiting the airplane, picking up your luggage, and moving to the exit. 

2. Difficulty Accessing Google and Other Websites

Problem:

Internet is usually free at all airports, major malls, cafes, etc. However, many popular websites, including Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube, are blocked in China, making it hard for travelers to communicate or access necessary information.

Solution:

        1. Install a VPN
    • Install a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your phone and laptop before departing for China, as VPN downloads are restricted once you arrive.

    • Free VPNs often do not work. Therefore, install a paid VPN or at least use the free trial of the premium VPNs. It'll be valid for one month, and once you're in China, you can easily get cheap VPN packages (10-15 RMB per month for 100 GB). The one I use is Clash VPN.
        2. Use Local Apps
    • The second option is to use local Chinese apps. You need to install them before arriving in China, as the Google App Store won't work. Chinese app stores such as Huawei Appstore can be used to install various Chinese apps without a VPN.

    • But even if you have Chinese apps, you can't use them unless you're good at Chinese (which would've solved all problems had we been fluent ... lol). So, here, you need an On-Screen translation app, as I mentioned in the previous section.

    • Some typical Chinese alternative apps are as below:

A snapshot of Baidu Maps (source Baidu)

        3. Use Bing.com as the Search Engine
    • As mentioned, Google.com won't work in China unless you've a VPN. If you don't have a VPN, you can use Bing.com to browse for any information (for starters, to check the dollar exchange rates .... lol).

3. Currency Exchange and Payment Issues

Problem:

China relies heavily on digital payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay), and foreign credit cards and cash are not widely accepted.

Solution:

        1. Buy CNY at the Airport or in your Country
    • Exchange some cash (Chinese Yuan, CNY) before departure or at the airport upon arrival.

    • Chinese Yuan may not be available in some cities in your country. So, buy a strong currency like USD or EUR. You can exchange it at the airport.

    • Very Important! Do not buy a poor or very local currency (such as your country's currency, except for major currencies). You'll get much lower rates than the market, and literally, that is the case. For example, 1 CNY = 40 PKR. But if you go to an exchanger and ask to exchange PKR with CNY, you'll get it almost at a difference of 15-20 PKR (i.e., 1 CNY = 20 PKR), which will cost you more money. So, buy a major currency to prevent such losses.
        2. Using International ATM Cards
    • If you have an international ATM card, you can withdraw money from ATMs that accept international cards (such as Bank of China or ICBC ATMs). Additional banking fees may apply.
        3. Check if any Payment Method from your Country Works in China
    • So, some banks in your country may offer such services.
    • For example, in the case of Pakistan, a digital bank, "Nayapay", offers services in China to make payments on Alipay QR codes. So, for this, you need to open the Nayapay app, go to payments, and scan the Alipay QR code of the vendor to whom you want to transfer the amount. It only works on Alipay QR Codes and costs a banking fee as well for each transaction.
        4. Using WeChat or Alipay with your Local Card
    • Another solution is to link your local debit/credit card with Alipay or WeChat Pay. Both apps offer the option of linking international cards. The card doesn't have to have any special features to be an international card, except that it was issued in a country other than China. This is different from using cards on ATMs, which may require additional activation of a card from the bank or altogether a different card.
       
    • Anyhow, the card must be a Mastercard, Visa, or Unionpay (or other acceptable Chinese card). 

    • Again, this would be an international transaction and will cost you some additional charges per transaction.
                                                                 


        5. Activate WeChat Pay or Alipay and ask someone to Transfer Credit (Recommended)
    • This is a recommended method to avoid all the extra fees that you may encounter using international payment methods.

    • Exchange CNY at the airport and ask a friend or acquaintance to transfer the CNY to your WeChat/Alipay account. I'd say ask the exchanger to do you a favour. I hope he/she will be helpful.

    • You can't directly add CNY to your WeChat Pay or Alipay. You need a Chinese Bank Card, and for that, you need a residence permit (which you won't have if you're travelling to China for the first time).

    • So, buy cash and use it where it is acceptable (small change). Talk to someone, explain your situation, give them cash, and ask them to give you credit on WeChat or Alipay.

    • Note! Even if you have an amount in Alipay, you can't transfer it to WeChat. You need a Chinese bank card to do so. So, when deciding between Alipay and WeChat, choose WeChat. 


Final Thoughts

Traveling to China for the first time comes with unique challenges, but with the proper preparation, you can handle them smoothly. Planning ahead, staying informed, and using local apps will make your arrival and first few days in China hassle-free. Enjoy your trip and embrace the adventure!


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