Can I use my credit cards in China?

International cards work at major hotels and some restaurants, but China is largely cashless using WeChat Pay and Alipay. Bring cash as backup. ATMs are widely available but may charge fees.

Do I need to speak Chinese?

No, but it helps. Major tourist sites have English signage. Learn basic phrases and use translation apps. Having hotel addresses in Chinese characters is essential for taxis.

Is it safe to travel in China?

Very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and tourist scams near major attractions. Pollution can be an issue in big cities.

Can I access Google and Facebook?

No, they're blocked. You need a VPN to access blocked sites. Download and test your VPN before traveling. Some hotels offer limited internet access.

How to Plan Your First Trip to China

Plan 10-14 days minimum for your first China trip. Get your visa 6-8 weeks early, book flights 2-3 months ahead, and focus on 2-3 cities maximum. Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an make a solid first-timer triangle.

Get your visa first. Apply for a Chinese tourist visa 6-8 weeks before travel. You'll need your passport, application form, photo, flight bookings, and hotel reservations. Processing takes 4-10 business days. Cost is $140-180 depending on your nationality.
Choose 2-3 cities maximum. Don't try to see everything. Beijing (history and culture), Shanghai (modern China), and Xi'an (Terracotta Warriors) work well together. Allow 3-4 days per city plus travel time.
Book flights early. International flights to China cost $800-1500 from North America. Book 2-3 months ahead. Fly into Beijing or Shanghai for best international connections. Domestic flights between cities cost $50-150.
Plan your route geographically. Beijing to Xi'an to Shanghai flows well by high-speed train. Beijing to Xi'an is 4.5 hours ($40), Xi'an to Shanghai is 6 hours ($70). Book train tickets on 12306.cn or Trip.com.
Book accommodation strategically. Stay near subway stations in city centers. Budget hostels cost $15-25, mid-range hotels $40-80. Book international hotel chains or highly-rated local hotels for reliability.
Download essential apps. Get VPN before you go - ExpressVPN or Surfshark work reliably. Download Pleco (dictionary), Didi (rides), and Google Translate offline. WeChat Pay and Alipay require Chinese bank accounts.
Plan for language barriers. Have your hotel address written in Chinese characters. Screenshot key phrases in Chinese. Tourist areas have more English speakers, but don't count on it everywhere.

Can I use my credit cards in China?: International cards work at major hotels and some restaurants, but China is largely cashless using WeChat Pay and Alipay. Bring cash as backup. ATMs are widely available but may charge fees.
Do I need to speak Chinese?: No, but it helps. Major tourist sites have English signage. Learn basic phrases and use translation apps. Having hotel addresses in Chinese characters is essential for taxis.
Is it safe to travel in China?: Very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and tourist scams near major attractions. Pollution can be an issue in big cities.
Can I access Google and Facebook?: No, they're blocked. You need a VPN to access blocked sites. Download and test your VPN before traveling. Some hotels offer limited internet access.