Top Tips for Your First Trip to China
Quick answer: For your first trip to China, sort out your visa and travel insurance early, drink bottled water, arrive at the airport well ahead of your flight, buy a local SIM card and a VPN, and have a way to translate. These top tips will help you avoid the most common surprises.
China has experienced rapid growth and change since it opened its doors to foreigners in the 1970s. It’s a nation with a rich history and one of the fastest-growing economies on Earth. You may expect ancient temples, the Great Wall, mushrooming skyscrapers and large crowds in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, but China has plenty of surprises for first-time visitors. This guide will help you enjoy your first trip to this great travel destination.
1. Get Your Visa Early
One of the most vital things to know before travelling to China is that visas are not issued on arrival, so you must arrange yours in advance.
A tourist visa application may ask for:
- A letter of introduction from a friend or relative in China
- Details of all the places you plan to visit
- Your hotel bookings
- Your return flights
It is best to apply in person at a Chinese consulate in your country, although you can also send your application by post. Entry rules change over time, so check the current requirements for your nationality before you book.
2. Don’t Leave Without Travel Insurance
China is quite safe for tourists, and its low crime rate helps attract millions of visitors every year. Even so, it pays to be prepared, so make sure you get travel insurance before you leave home.
If something like lost luggage happens and you’re not insured, you will face both the cost and the inconvenience. A small insurance fee buys peace of mind. Use a reliable provider that covers travellers in all parts of the world, and don’t forget to include valuable items such as your laptop, tablet and cameras.
3. Take Good Care of Your Health
Travelling to any country can put stress on your body, so take sensible steps to look after your health in China:
- Avoid tap water. It’s not treated for drinking; buy bottled water from a restaurant or department store instead.
- Watch the air quality. Air pollution is a real problem in China’s big cities. Join the locals in wearing a face mask if necessary, and avoid strenuous activity on days with very bad pollution.
- Know where to find a doctor. There are hospitals that cater to foreigners, and most doctors there speak English.
4. Arrive at the Airport Early
Delays are part of air travel in China. Arrive about three hours before take-off for international flights and two hours ahead for domestic flights. Many Chinese airports are crowded and chaotic, and domestic flights often don’t leave on schedule, so be ready to wait at major airports such as Beijing’s.
To save time, consider landing outside the capital. There are many destinations outside of Beijing that are a short flight away, and from there you can take the fast, reliable G-trains into the capital. Fares on these high-speed trains are relatively low by Western standards.
5. Buy a Local SIM Card
Your telecom company at home may offer roaming in China, but you could pay a huge price for it. Instead, buy a local SIM card when you arrive. The major providers include China Unicom and China Telecom.
You can pick up a Chinese SIM card at the airport or a corner shop and make local and international calls at low rates. Note that a SIM may be tied to the province where you buy it, which can mean roaming charges when you receive calls in another province.
6. Purchase a VPN That Works in China
China is famous for its Great Wall, but it also has a “Great Firewall” that blocks major social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Your favourite search engine may be hard to use there too.
Get a reliable VPN that works in China and buy the subscription before you leave home. Don’t count on a free VPN; it is likely to disappoint you as soon as you arrive.
7. Get a Translator
Many good hotels and restaurants have staff who speak fairly good English, so you can enjoy your hotel or favourite eatery without learning Chinese. Out on the street, it’s a different story.
- Most taxi drivers don’t speak or understand English, so ask a local to write your destination down before you get in a taxi.
- Many banks have very few English speakers, so bring a translator if you plan to use banks often.
- Download a good translation app to help with important public signs and messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in China?
No. Visas are not issued on arrival, so arrange yours in advance, ideally in person at a Chinese consulate, and check the current rules for your nationality.
Is the tap water safe to drink in China?
No, tap water isn’t treated for drinking. Buy bottled water from restaurants or department stores.
Do I need a VPN in China?
Yes, if you want to use sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or YouTube. Buy a paid VPN that works in China before you travel.
How early should I get to the airport in China?
About three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic flights.
Conclusion
A little preparation goes a long way on your first trip to China. Get your visa, insurance, VPN and SIM card sorted, look after your health and plan for language barriers, and you’ll be free to enjoy everything this fascinating country has to offer.
Author’s Bio
Sofia is a passionate writer from Sydney. She also enjoys decorating houses and taking on home renovation projects, and loves sharing her experience and advice with others through her writing. Besides this, she loves technology and gadgets that help us get through a busy workday.
