First timein China?

China runs on QR codes. Cards and cash exist, but daily life — street food, taxis, metro — happens inside two apps. Set them up before you fly and you'll land ready.

1. 01Install Alipay or WeChat and complete identity verification with your passport.
2. 02Link your Visa / Mastercard inside the app — foreign cards now work for most everyday payments.
3. 03Keep ¥300–500 (≈$40–70) cash as backup for small vendors and the rare card failure.
4. 04ATMs at major banks (ICBC, Bank of China) accept foreign cards for withdrawals.

High-speed rail is how China travels: 350 km/h (217 mph), city-center to city-center, and usually the better choice over flying for under 1,200 km (750 mi). Foreign passports can now book everything online.

1. 01The official 12306 app has an English mode and accepts foreign passports and international cards.
2. 02Book early for weekends and holidays — popular routes sell out.
3. 03Arrive at the station 40–60 minutes early: security plus passport checks take time.
4. 04Your passport is your ticket — scan it at the gates, no paper needed.

Arrival formalities are quick, but a few rules catch first-timers out — especially around food, medicine and drones.

1. 01Do not pack fresh fruit, meat or dairy products — they will be confiscated at customs.
2. 02Prescription medicine: bring the original packaging plus a doctor's note or prescription in English, personal-use quantities only.
3. 03Use the red channel if you have anything to declare; otherwise walk the green channel.
4. 04Fingerprints and a photo are taken at immigration — standard for all foreign visitors.

Within cities, life is easy once you know the two moves: Didi for cars, metro QR codes for everything else.

1. 01Didi (China's ride-hailing) runs in English inside Alipay — no Chinese phone number needed.
2. 02Metros in all major cities accept QR payment via Alipay's transport code.
3. 03Airport express trains beat taxis into town during rush hour.
4. 04Screenshot your hotel's Chinese name and address — drivers rarely read English.

Hotels in China register foreign guests with the local police as standard practice — you just hand over your passport at check-in. The main pitfall is small inns that aren't set up for foreign guests.

1. 01Stick to hotels marked as accepting foreign guests when booking — mid-range chains and international brands always do.
2. 02Bring your physical passport to check-in; a photo on your phone is not accepted.
3. 03Prices on English booking platforms include taxes — no surprise fees at the desk.
4. 04Airbnb-style apartment rentals often can't register foreigners; choose hotels for a smooth first trip.

You'll need less cash than you think — mobile payment covers almost everything — but a small stash of RMB still matters for edge cases.

1. 01Exchange a modest amount at a Bank of China branch on arrival; bank rates beat exchange kiosks.
2. 02ICBC and Bank of China ATMs reliably accept Visa / Mastercard for withdrawals.
3. 03Cards work at hotels, malls and chain restaurants; QR payment works literally everywhere else.
4. 04Keep cash under control: carrying over US$5,000 equivalent requires customs declaration.

China is one of the safest large countries for travelers — violent crime against tourists is rare. The practical stuff is what matters: know the numbers, carry insurance, don't drink the tap water.

1. 01Emergency numbers: 110 police, 120 ambulance, 119 fire — operators in big cities often have English support.
2. 02For medical care, ask for the international department at major public hospitals, or private clinics in big cities.
3. 03Buy travel insurance that covers China before departure; hospitals expect payment upfront.
4. 04Tap water is not drinkable — bottled or boiled water only.
5. 05Pharmacies (药店) are everywhere; bring your own supply of any prescription medication.