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On March 14th, 2023, China announced that it would finally be reopening its borders to foreign tourists after 3 years of lockdowns. Many immediately jumped at the opportunity, and especially with the clout of certain Chinese cities, such as Chongqing, erupting on social media, this summer is sure to be massive for Chinese tourism.
With that being said, there is much to keep in mind before traveling to China! Travel is all about preparation, and in making sure you are well equipped for your journey, you are sure to have a great time. Below I have compiled a list of major tips before you get going:
1. China doesn’t offer visas on arrival, so you must arrange one well in advance before you go. Also, make sure your passport doesn’t expire within the next 6 months when entering China.
2. You can buy a short-term SIM card at the airport to avoid expensive international roaming fees.
3. Keep your passport on you at all times, as you’ll need it for checking in at hotels, purchasing train tickets, and entering most museums and tourist attractions.
4. If you don’t know how to tell the taxi driver the name of your hotel in Chinese, you can show your room card instead. Try not to make it seem like you’re very new to the area, as the driver might take you through unnecessary routes to increase the mileage.
5. Don’t just leave tips on the table, as tipping in China is uncommon and staff might think you forgot your money and chase you down in the street to return it.
6. Eat where the locals do, that’s where you’ll find the tastiest, most authentic, and value-for-money food.
7. Most public toilets are squat toilets, because it’s thought to be more sanitary, so if that’s not for you, make sure to plan ahead and use the restroom in the hotel. You should also always bring a pack of tissues with you, as sometimes toilet paper might not be available in public places.
8. Do not drink the tap water, unless it has been boiled. Most hotels will provide complimentary bottles of water, or you can buy your own for cheap.
9. You can bargain at most marketplaces. If you can’t settle on a satisfactory price, try walking away, and the shopkeeper will likely give in to your offer.
10. If you don’t smoke, always make sure to specify that you would like a non-smoking room at hotels, as there are quite a lot of smokers in China.
11. Plan ahead when packing. You will likely need an adapter for any electronics you bring, as China uses 2 or 3 thin-pin sockets at 220V.
12. If your phone runs out of battery, you’ll be able to rent a power bank in most public places.
13. Watch out for public and school holidays. Not only will costs skyrocket, but most attractions are likely to be very crowded as well.
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