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China travel Q&A: Alipay, visa, eSIM, trains
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Which countries get China visa-free entry in 2026?
China's unilateral visa-free policy covers 40+ countries (30 days), including France, Germany, UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Argentina. US and Canadian passports are NOT included — they need a visa or qualify for 240-hour transit. Rules expand regularly; verify before booking.
Read answer →Is China safe for tourists?
China is one of the safest countries for tourists — violent crime is extremely rare, cities are well-lit and policed, and solo female travelers report feeling safe even at night. Use common sense: watch belongings in crowds, use Didi instead of unlicensed taxis, and avoid tour touts. Emergency: 110 (police), 120 (ambulance), 119 (fire).
Read answer →Can foreigners use Alipay in China?
Yes — Alipay's 'Tour Card' lets foreigners bind Visa/Mastercard/Amex/JCB after passport verification. Limits: ¥5,000 per transaction, ¥50,000/month. Accepted at 95%+ of merchants. Set it up before arrival — download Alipay, register with foreign number, verify passport, add card.
Read answer →Does WhatsApp work in China?
No — WhatsApp is blocked in mainland China without a VPN. WeChat is the universal messaging app (everyone uses it). If you need WhatsApp, install and test a VPN BEFORE arrival. Free VPNs rarely work; use a paid provider with China-optimized servers.
Read answer →Can I use my foreign credit card in China?
Only at international hotels, luxury malls, and major chain stores. 90%+ of restaurants, shops, taxis, and street vendors do NOT accept foreign cards. The solution: bind your Visa/Mastercard to Alipay Tour Card — then your card works everywhere mobile payment is accepted. Carry ¥500 cash for backup.
Read answer →What apps and websites are blocked in China?
All Google services (Search, Gmail, Maps, Drive, YouTube), Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter/X, TikTok, Netflix, Spotify, Telegram, Signal, Dropbox are blocked in mainland China. Install a VPN before arrival. Working alternatives: Baidu (search), WeChat (social), Amap (maps), Bilibili (video), NetEase Music (music).
Read answer →What apps do I need for traveling in China?
The 4 must-have apps: Alipay (payment everywhere), Amap/Gaode (maps & navigation), Didi (ride-hailing), WeChat (messaging + everything). Download ALL before arrival — Google Play is blocked. Optional: Dianping (restaurant reviews), Trip.com (booking), Meituan (deals), Fliggy (tickets).
Read answer →Does Google Maps work in China?
No — Google Maps is blocked in mainland China. Even with a VPN, map data is outdated and navigation is unreliable. Use Amap (Gaode) as your primary map app — it has English, real-time traffic, and accurate transit directions. Save your hotel's Chinese address and use Amap's 'share location' to show taxi drivers.
Read answer →What is the best time of year to visit China?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–early November) are ideal — mild temperatures, clear skies, and comfortable for sightseeing. Summer (Jun–Aug) is hot and rainy but has the longest days. Winter (Dec–Feb) is cold but cheapest and least crowded. AVOID Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb, 7-day holiday) and National Day (Oct 1–7) — attractions are packed, prices surge 2–3x, transport sells out weeks ahead.
Read answer →How do foreigners set up WeChat Pay?
Download WeChat, register with foreign phone number, go to Me > Services > Wallet > Add Card, enter Visa/Mastercard details, verify with passport. Limits: ¥6,000/transaction, ¥50,000/month. Note: WeChat Pay has lower merchant acceptance for international cards than Alipay — set up Alipay first, WeChat Pay as backup.
Read answer →Is it legal for tourists to use a VPN in China?
China bans unapproved VPNs commercially, but enforcement targets providers and businesses — NOT individual tourists. Millions of foreign visitors use VPNs daily without issue. No tourist has ever been deported or fined for personal VPN use. Use a paid provider (ExpressVPN, Astrill, NordVPN) with obfuscation enabled, install BEFORE arrival.
Read answer →Can foreigners book high-speed trains in China?
Yes — book via Trip.com (English, accepts foreign cards) or at station ticket counters with your passport. High-speed trains (G/D trains) reach 350 km/h and connect all major cities. Arrive 30–45 min early — you need your physical passport to pass security and board. Book 7–15 days ahead; holiday trains sell out weeks in advance.
Read answer →What is the 240-hour transit visa-free policy?
UPDATED 2026: Citizens of 57 countries can enter China visa-free for 240 hours (10 days) when transiting to a third country (not your home country). Must enter/exit through designated ports and stay within approved regions. No advance application — apply at immigration on arrival with passport + onward ticket. US, Canada, UK, Australia all qualify.
Read answer →What is the best eSIM for China travel?
Best eSIMs for China: Airalo (China KeepGo, most reliable), Nomad (good value, China+HK), Holafly (unlimited data, simple). All work without VPN for Chinese apps. Buy and install BEFORE departure — scan QR code, activate when you land. 7-day plans: $15–25 for 5–10GB. Note: eSIM data does NOT include VPN — you still need a separate VPN for Google/WhatsApp.
Read answer →How do I order food if I don't speak Chinese?
Use these methods in order of ease: (1) Dianping app — find restaurants, see English menus with photos, order and pay in-app. (2) Picture menus — most restaurants have dish photos, just point. (3) Point at other tables' food. (4) Google Translate camera — point at Chinese menu, get instant translation. (5) Learn 5 phrases: 'yī ge' (one), 'bù là' (not spicy), 'xièxie' (thanks), 'mǎidān' (bill), 'yǒu yīngwén càidān ma' (English menu?).
Read answer →How much cash should I bring to China?
Bring ¥500–1,000 ($70–140) in small bills (¥10/20/50) for your first 1–2 days — airport taxi, snacks, places where Alipay setup isn't done yet. Once Alipay Tour Card is active (set it up before arrival), cash is rarely needed. Withdraw more from Bank of China/ICBC ATMs if needed (¥15–50 fee per withdrawal). Do NOT bring large amounts of cash — China is nearly cashless.
Read answer →How do I apply for a China tourist visa (L visa)?
FIRST: Check if you qualify for visa-free (40+ countries get 30 days, 57 countries get 240-hour transit). If you need an L visa: apply at a Chinese embassy/consulate or visa service center. Required: passport (6+ months valid, 2+ blank pages), application form, 2x2 photo, itinerary, hotel bookings, round-trip flights, bank statement. Processing: 4–7 business days. Fees: $30–185 depending on nationality. 10-year multiple-entry visas available for US/UK/Canadian citizens.
Read answer →Can foreigners use Didi with a foreign phone number?
Yes — download Didi (滴滴出行), register with your foreign phone number (SMS verification works internationally), switch to English in settings, and add payment via Alipay or WeChat Pay. Didi is China's Uber — cheaper, safer, and more reliable than street taxis. Airport pickups are excellent. No Chinese phone number required.
Read answer →Do I need a VPN for maps in China?
NO for Chinese map apps — Amap (Gaode) and Baidu Maps work perfectly without a VPN, and they're far more accurate for China than Google Maps. YES if you insist on using Google Maps — it's blocked and requires a VPN, but even then it's unreliable (GPS offset, outdated data). Install Amap before arrival and use it as your primary map. VPN is only needed for Google/WhatsApp/Instagram, not for maps or navigation.
Read answer →Do all hotels in China accept foreign guests?
No — only hotels with a 'Foreign Guest Reception License' (外宾接待资质) can legally accept foreigners. International chains and most 3-star+ hotels are licensed. Budget guesthouses, hostels, and some Airbnb listings may NOT be — they can be fined or turned away. Always book via Trip.com/Booking.com and filter 'foreigners welcome'. At check-in, hand over your PASSPORT (not a copy) — the front desk scans it for police registration, which is mandatory.
Read answer →Can I drink tap water in China?
NO — never drink tap water directly in China. Even locals boil it first. Drink bottled water (¥2–5 at convenience stores), use the electric kettle in your hotel to boil water, or use a water filter bottle. Avoid ice in drinks at small restaurants (ice may be from tap water). Brush teeth with tap water is fine — just don't swallow it.
Read answer →Is Chinese food always spicy? What if I can't eat spice?
Not at all — China has 8 major culinary traditions, and most are NOT spicy. Cantonese (Guangzhou), Shanghainese, Shandong, and Jiangsu cuisines are mild/sweet/savory. Only Sichuan (numbing-spicy) and Hunan (pure spicy) are known for heat. If you can't eat spice: say 'bù là' (not spicy) when ordering, choose Cantonese or Shanghai restaurants, and avoid Sichuan/Hunan hotpot. Most restaurants can adjust spice level on request.
Read answer →What is the Alipay spending limit for foreigners?
Alipay Tour Card (international card): ¥5,000 (~$700) per transaction, ¥50,000 (~$7,000) per MONTH per card. You can bind MULTIPLE international cards (Visa, MC, Amex, JCB) — each has its own limit. 3% currency conversion fee on top-ups. For purchases over ¥5,000: split into multiple payments or use a credit card directly at international stores.
Read answer →Are taxis safe in China? How do I pay?
Licensed taxis are safe and metered — but Didi (ride-hailing app) is better for foreigners (English, fixed price, tracked route). Pay by Alipay/WeChat QR scan — drivers rarely accept cards or foreign cash. AVOID unlicensed 'black cars' at airports/train stations — they charge 2–5x and are not insured. Licensed taxis have a yellow/green roof sign and meter.
Read answer →Do I need to tip in China?
NO — tipping is NOT customary in China and is often politely refused. Service workers are paid a salary and don't expect tips. This applies to restaurants, taxis, hotels, and most services. Exceptions: High-end hotel bellhops (¥10–20 if they help with bags), private tour guides (¥50–100/day for excellent service), and spa/massage therapists (¥20–50). Never tip at fast food, local restaurants, or street vendors — it can be seen as insulting.
Read answer →Does Uber work in China?
NO — Uber does NOT operate in mainland China. Uber sold its China business to Didi in 2016 and exited the market. Use Didi (滴滴出行) instead — it's China's dominant ride-hailing app with English interface, foreign phone registration, and Alipay/WeChat payment. Didi is cheaper, has more drivers, and is more reliable than Uber ever was in China. Download Didi before arrival.
Read answer →Do I need vaccinations to visit China?
NO mandatory vaccinations for tourist entry to China (unless arriving from a yellow fever endemic country — then yellow fever certificate required). CDC/WHO RECOMMENDS: routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, flu) for all travelers, plus Hepatitis A and Typhoid for most travelers. Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies for extended/rural travel. Consult a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Read answer →Is street food safe to eat in China?
Generally YES — street food is a beloved part of Chinese culture and millions eat it daily without issues. Key rules: Choose BUSY stalls with high turnover (fresh food), eat only THOROUGHLY COOKED food (boiling oil, steaming hot), avoid raw/undercooked items and peeled fruit sold by vendors, and use hand sanitizer before eating. Your stomach may need 1–2 days to adjust to new bacteria — carry antidiarrheal meds (loperamide) and rehydration salts. Street food is actually often SAFER than restaurant buffets because you see it being cooked fresh.
Read answer →eSIM or physical SIM for China travel?
eSIM is RECOMMENDED for most travelers — buy online, activate before landing, no store visit, works instantly. Top providers: Airalo, Nomad, Holafly. Physical SIM (China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom) gives you a Chinese phone number (needed for some app registrations) but requires passport, airport store visit, and Chinese payment. eSIM = data only, no phone number. Physical SIM = data + Chinese number. If you need a Chinese number for Didi/WeChat verification, get a physical SIM or use your home number with roaming.
Read answer →How do I pay for metro rides in China?
EASIEST: Alipay 'Transport' QR code (乘车码) — open Alipay → tap 'Transport' → select your city → scan at gate. Deducted from your Alipay balance automatically. Also works with WeChat 'Ride Code'. Alternatives: Single-journey token from ticket machines (some have English, accept cash/Alipay), or physical transit card (Yikatong/交通卡) from service counters. Metro fares ¥3–10 depending on distance. No contactless credit card support in most cities.
Read answer →Can I bring prescription medication to China?
YES for personal use — keep medicines in ORIGINAL packaging with the prescription label visible, carry a copy of the prescription or doctor's note (in English), and bring only enough for your trip duration (plus a few days extra). PROHIBITED: Narcotics (morphine, oxycodone, heroin), certain psychiatric meds (some benzodiazepines like Xanax require special approval), and cannabis products (including CBD — illegal in China). If in doubt, check with the Chinese embassy before travel. Declare all medications on the customs form if asked.
Read answer →Are public restrooms in China clean? Do they have toilet paper?
Varies widely — shopping malls, metro stations, airports, and tourist attractions have CLEAN, Western-style toilets (some with bidets). Older public toilets (parks, bus stations, small streets) may be squat-style and less clean. TOILET PAPER is RARELY provided in public restrooms — ALWAYS carry tissues (纸巾) or wet wipes. Most restrooms are free. Look for 'WC' or '卫生间' signs. Hotels and Western restaurants always have paper and Western toilets.
Read answer →What plug type and voltage does China use?
China uses 220V / 50Hz electricity with Type A (2 flat pins — US/Japan), Type C (2 round pins — Europe), and Type I (3 flat pins — Australia/China) sockets. Most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) have 100–240V dual-voltage chargers — they work fine, you just need a plug adapter. UK (Type G), South Africa (Type M/D), and India (Type D) plugs REQUIRE an adapter. Hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners from 110V countries may NOT work — bring dual-voltage or buy locally. USB ports are everywhere (hotels, airports, cafes).
Read answer →Can I buy a SIM card at the airport in China?
YES — China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom all have counters at major international airports (Beijing PEK/PKX, Shanghai PVG/Hongqiao, Guangzhou CAN, Shenzhen SZX, Chengdu TFU, Xi'an XIY). You need your PASSPORT for real-name registration. Tourist plans: ¥30–80 for 7–15 days with 5–20GB data + call minutes. Some counters have English-speaking staff. Expect 15–30 min wait. eSIM is easier (buy online before arrival) but airport SIM gives you a Chinese phone number for app verification.
Read answer →Do I need to register with the police in China?
YES — it's the law. All foreigners must register their residence within 24 hours of arrival (72 hours in rural areas). HOTELS do this automatically when you check in (they scan your passport). If staying in a PRIVATE apartment/Airbnb/friend's home, the HOST or YOU must register at the local police station (派出所) within 24 hours. Bring: passport, rental agreement or invitation letter, host's ID. Free, takes 10–15 min. Failure to register can result in fines of ¥500–2,000 or detention. Most tourists staying in hotels never need to do this manually.
Read answer →I land at Pudong tomorrow—what should I do first?
I went straight to the Bund before checking into the hotel—wallets still broken, two suitcases, Maglev regret. Now: immigration → data → hotel → ¥1 test → sleep.
Read answer →How do I book high-speed train tickets as a tourist?
I booked Shanghai Station 上海站—my G train left from Hongqiao 上海虹桥. Missed train; ¥800 lesson. Always match Chinese station names on the ticket.
Read answer →Can I survive in China with only cash?
I tried cash-only for a day in Shenzhen—could not buy breakfast at a QR-only stall. ¥300 in my pocket did not help when there was no cash slot.
Read answer →Which map app works best in China?
Google sent me out Exit 1 at Nanjing Road East—my hotel was Exit 3. Amap fixed it in one search; 15 minutes lost.
Read answer →Is Alipay enough, or do I need WeChat Pay too?
Alipay worked until a Suzhou noodle shop showed a green WeChat-only QR—had to ask my hotel to order for me. Now I run both.
Read answer →Can I use Alipay in China without a Chinese phone number?
Yes—I registered with my UK +44 number; the trap was turning off my home SIM for a data-only eSIM and losing SMS mid-bind.
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