If you’re planning a trip to China, here’s a list of things you might want to bring or prepare for a smooth and enjoyable experience:
1. Passport and Visa
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
- Get the appropriate visa (tourist visa or other) depending on the purpose of your visit.
2. Currency and Payment Methods
- Chinese Yuan (CNY): Most places will only accept cash in Chinese currency.
- Credit and Debit Cards: You can use these in bigger cities, hotels, and shopping malls, but smaller shops and some tourist spots might not accept international cards.
- Mobile Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay are super popular. It’s a good idea to link your international credit card to these apps or open a Chinese bank account to make payments easier.
3. Travel Insurance
- It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance to cover things like emergency medical care, lost luggage, etc.
4. Clothing for the Weather
- Summer: Southern China can be pretty hot and humid, while northern China can be dry. Light, breathable clothes are your best bet.
- Winter: Northern China gets cold, especially in the winter, so you’ll need warm clothing. In the south, it’s milder but still cold enough for a jacket.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, an umbrella, and comfortable shoes.
5. Power Adapter and Voltage Converter
- China uses 220V electricity, and the plugs are usually the flat two-prong (Type A) or three-prong (Type I) types. Make sure you bring the right plug adapter and voltage converter for your devices.
6. Medicines and Basic Supplies
- Bring any regular medications you might need, plus some basic things like allergy meds or digestive aids.
- If you have a prescription or a specific medical condition, it’s a good idea to bring a doctor’s note just in case.
- Some international medicine brands might be hard to find, so it’s best to stock up before you go.
7. Communication Devices
- Get a Chinese SIM card or activate international roaming so you can stay connected.
- VPN: Some international websites are blocked in China, so consider using a VPN if you need access to them.
8. Translation Tools
- While English is widely spoken in big cities, you might run into a language barrier in more remote areas. Download translation apps like Google Translate to help with communication.
9. Local Customs and Culture
- Etiquette: China has many unique customs, so it’s worth reading up on things like greeting people, table manners, and how to behave in places like temples or people’s homes.
- Food: Be aware of local food cultures and any food taboos. For example, some countries that don’t eat certain meats, like dog, might find certain Chinese dishes unusual.
10. Other Essentials
- Maps and Travel Guides: Download some travel guide apps (like Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps) to help you navigate around the city.
- Basic Chinese Phrases: You don’t need to be fluent, but learning a few basic phrases like how to ask for directions, order food, or say thank you can make things much easier.
Extra Tips
- Portable charger: It’s a good idea to have a power bank with you, especially for long days of sightseeing.
- Public Transport: China’s public transportation, like the subway and buses, is very convenient, especially in big cities. It’s worth learning how to use these systems before you arrive.