Getting around China is easy once you know what to do. The challenge for most first-time visitors is the language. If you don’t speak Chinese, you can get stuck fast. And when you’re stuck, you spend more.
These apps and tips will make your trip smoother, cheaper, and less stressful.
Alipay and WeChat
Alipay and WeChat Pay are the main payment apps in China. You can add an international bank card and pay for goods and services by scanning QR codes.
Without these apps, you will depend mainly on cash. That may sound simple, but it can limit you because many services in China expect digital payment. Some apps may also not work properly unless you can pay through Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Since large payments on these apps can attract a 3% fee and sometimes fail, travellers are encouraged to carry cash, preferably USD, for business transactions. The payment apps can then be used for smaller payments, especially those below $30.
WeChat is China’s WhatsApp. It is also used for many daily tasks. Inside WeChat, you can access mini-apps for things like:
- ordering food
- paying at restaurants and shops
- booking tickets in some places
- transport services in many cities
WeChat also helps with the language barrier. It can translate messages in chats. You can turn on auto-translation so you understand replies as they come.
Alipay
Alipay works well, but the setup can be frustrating. The verification process is strict. Some people need several attempts before it goes through. It can also take time to get approved.
Download Alipay early and start the verification process.
Public bus from the airport
Your first big expense is often the airport taxi. Don’t rush into it.
Airport Wi-Fi is not always reliable. In many cases, it stops working once you leave the terminal. That is why many travellers end up in taxis without checking other options.
Ask airport staff about the public bus to the city. In some cities, the airport bus costs about 2 RMB (around $0.30). A taxi can cost $20 to $40, depending on the distance.
DiDi
DiDi is China’s ride-hailing app. No Bolt. No Uber. Just DiDi.
It is often cheaper than regular taxis. It also helps when you can’t explain your location in Chinese. You usually need Alipay or WeChat to pay for rides.
SIM card and VPN
China runs on apps. So you need data.
Buy a SIM card on your first day. At the airport, it may cost around $25. In the city, it may be around $15. Some packages come with large data bundles. Sellers may advertise up to 150GB.
Why you need a VPN
Many sites and apps used outside China do not work there. This includes:
- WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram
- many Google services, including Gmail
- ChatGPT
A VPN helps. Don’t stress about buying one before you travel. Many popular VPNs don’t work well in China. In many cases, SIM sellers can help you get a working VPN for about 20 RMB.
Complete The Arrival Card
Complete the China arrival card online and print the QR Code before checking in for your flight. Doing this speeds up your immigration clearance on arrival.
Stick to your plan
If you went to China for business, stay focused. Many things are cheap, and it is easy to overspend on random items.
If your goal is to explore, that’s fine. But if you went to buy a specific product, stick to it. Don’t buy a little of everything. You may end up with stock that doesn’t sell, and you won’t get the returns you expected.
Extra Tip For Canton Fair Visitors
Collect your Canton Fair badge from the self-service counters at the airport after clearing immigration and customs. Hotel rates go up as high as 100% during the Canton Fair period. So when booking hotels, book only for the Canton Fair period and extend your stay when the fair is over. This will allow you to enjoy reduced room rates after the fair.
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