China Practical Information

Essential practical information for traveling in China. Money, internet, language, safety, and more.

Money & Currency

China uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB). The symbol is CN¥. Mobile payment through WeChat Pay and Alipay dominates daily transactions, and many places in major cities no longer accept cash. Foreign visitors can now link international credit cards to Alipay for easier payments. ATMs are widely available at banks and convenience stores, and major international credit cards are accepted at upscale hotels and large retailers.

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Internet & VPN

China has the Great Firewall, which blocks access to many Western websites and apps including Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Twitter. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is essential for accessing these services while in China. Download and set up your VPN before arriving, as VPN websites themselves may be blocked within China. Free Wi-Fi is widely available at hotels, cafes, and restaurants, and local SIM cards with data plans are affordable.

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Language Tips

Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) is the official language and is spoken across the country, though regional dialects like Cantonese, Shanghainese, and Hokkien are also common. English proficiency varies widely - it is generally limited outside major tourist areas, international hotels, and among younger urban populations. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases will greatly enhance your travel experience and is deeply appreciated by locals.

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Safety

China is generally considered one of the safest countries in the world for travelers, with very low rates of violent crime. Cities are well-monitored and it is safe to walk around at night in most areas. The most common issues travelers face are petty theft in crowded tourist areas, taxi scams, and the occasional tea house scam targeting foreigners in major tourist cities. Exercise normal precautions and remain aware of your surroundings.

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Health

China has a modern healthcare system in major cities with both public and private hospitals. International clinics and hospitals in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have English-speaking staff. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Tap water is not safe to drink - always drink bottled or boiled water. Air quality can be a concern in large cities, particularly during winter months.

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Cultural Etiquette

Understanding Chinese cultural customs will enrich your travel experience and help you build meaningful connections with locals. Chinese culture places great emphasis on respect, harmony, and face (mianzi). Small gestures of cultural awareness, such as accepting a business card with both hands or removing shoes when entering a home, are deeply appreciated and can open doors to warmer interactions.

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Weather Overview

China's vast size means enormous climate variation. The north experiences harsh, dry winters and hot summers, while the south is subtropical with mild winters and humid summers. The best time to visit most of China is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November), when temperatures are moderate and skies are clear. Avoid traveling during Chinese New Year and National Day Golden Week (October 1-7) when domestic tourism peaks.

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Getting Around

China has one of the world's most extensive and modern transportation networks. The high-speed rail system is the largest on earth, connecting major cities at speeds up to 350 km/h. Domestic flights are frequent and affordable. Within cities, metro systems are clean, efficient, and incredibly cheap. Ride-hailing through Didi is the local equivalent of Uber. For an authentic experience, bicycle sharing is widely available in every city.

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