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?
Not on regular internet. Install a paid VPN (NordVPN/ExpressVPN) on your phone and laptop before you leave, test it once at home, and it works normally. Free VPNs don't work in China.
Will my US phone work?
Yes. Best option: buy an eSIM (Airalo/Holafly) before departure, activate when you land. Or get a China Mobile SIM at the airport for ~¥50-100/month. eSIM doesn't bypass the firewall — you still need VPN.
What maps work?
Apple Maps works perfectly in China and is in English (it uses Amap data under the hood). Google Maps works with VPN but is less accurate. Download offline city packs 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?
Book on Trip.com (English interface, accepts foreign cards). Pick up your ticket at the station ticket machines with your passport. Arrive 30-45 minutes early — stations are big, security check takes time. Seats are assigned, show your passport to the conductor.
Is Didi safe? How do I not get scammed?
Didi is extremely safe. Always order through the app — never accept rides from drivers who approach you at airports or train stations, those are the unlicensed scammers. The app shows the driver's license plate, name, and route. You can share your trip with a friend.
How does the subway work?
Excellent in all major cities. Buy a single-journey ticket from machines (English option available) or just tap your Alipay transit QR code at the gates — no ticket needed. Signs and announcements are in English.
Can I rent a car?
Not recommended for tourists. China doesn't recognize international driver's licenses. You'd need a Chinese license, which requires a test. Take the high-speed train between cities and Didi within cities — it's faster, cheaper, and less stressful.
Hotels & Logistics
Do all hotels accept foreigners?
No, some small budget hotels don't have the license to register foreign guests. The easy fix: on Trip.com, toggle the "Accepts Foreign Guests" filter when searching. Everything that comes up is fine. International chains (Marriott, Hilton, etc.) and mid-range chains (JI Hotel, Atour) always accept foreigners.
What if a hotel turns me away at check-in?
Don't panic. This is rare if you used the filter, but if it happens: contact Trip.com English customer support immediately, they will rebook you at a nearby hotel that accepts foreigners and process a refund. International chain hotels almost always have rooms late at night.
How does the 240-hour visa-free transit work?
You can stay up to 10 days in certain cities if you're transiting through to a third country (US → China → Japan ✅; US → China → US ❌). Apply at the "Visa-Free Transit" counter when you land, no advance paperwork. Always confirm with your airline first — some systems don't recognize this policy.
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 dominhlong23569@gmail.com and I'll answer and add it here.