Traveling independently has become so much easier! But China is unique compared to most other countries. To help you navigate your next trip, we’ve compiled some handy tips that will make your journey a piece of cake. You’ll be able to travel through China like a local!
Visa
When heading to China, you’ll need to apply for a visa at a Chinese Embassy. The process is simpler now but still can be a bit of a hassle. Check with your local Chinese Embassy for the latest details.
Visa Exemption Program
In 2024, China introduced a visa exemption program for several countries. If you have a passport from Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, or Luxembourg, you’re in luck (and so are we)! Travelers from these countries can visit China visa-free for 15 days (14 nights).
We tested it, and it went smoothly. With our Belgian passports, we arrived in Beijing and traveled independently for 15 days. Some hotels might not know about this policy yet, so be ready to explain confidently that no visa is needed for your nationality.
If you want to stay longer than two weeks, consider flying out to a neighboring country for a short trip and then returning to China. This way, you avoid the hassle of applying for a visa.
Regions
China is enormous, and we felt safe wherever we went. However, it’s wise to check your government’s travel advice before planning your trip. Some regions in China are considered unsafe for traveling, and places like Tibet have different rules.
Internet
China has a very advanced internet infrastructure, but it’s heavily regulated. Popular Western websites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are blocked, as are major news sites like BBC and CNN.
To access these sites, install a VPN (Virtual Private Network) app on your phone and laptop before you enter China. We used ExpressVPN, which worked about 80% of the time. Remember, using a VPN in public is not allowed, so be discreet.
Also when sitting on a train, Chinese people are very interested in what you are doing on your phone, so better restrain from updating your Facebook or Instagram, when your neighbour is following what you are doing.
SIM card
Local Sim cards are for sale at the international airports. You will need to show your passport. Our card was activated during the night after we arrived. International roaming is quite expensive & without SIM which gives your internet access, life in China is getting hard.
Money
Cash is history in China. Nobody uses cash, and ATMs often don’t accept foreign cards. Instead, use payment the apps Alipay and WeChat (Weixin in Chinese). Install these apps and link your credit card before your trip. Paying is easy and convenient with either a QR code scan or a barcode scan.
Sometimes, foreign bank software requires additional authorization, so link multiple credit cards to ensure you always have a backup. If you have an old-fashioned code generator, bring it with you everywhere in China. If you plan on big spending, it’s important to scan your passport in the apps as well, as for big payments these apps are required to have an identification of the person using the app.
Hotel Bookings
For hotel bookings, we often use booking.com, but in China, platforms like trip.com, Ctrip.com and Agoda.com have more options. Use Google Maps to compare all booking channels.
Transport
China’s vast distances are easily navigable with high-speed trains, domestic flights, and taxis:
Trains: China has an extensive network of high-speed trains, making it possible to travel almost anywhere quickly. We booked our tickets on trip.com. The train stations are usually in or near city centers, so they really are time savers.
Flights: For longer distances or areas not served by trains, domestic flights are a good option, though generally more expensive.
Taxis and Didi: For short distances, taxis are reasonably priced. Use the Didi app within Alipay for easy rides. Didi cars are overall new cars & there are no communication issues about your destination & the price. Self driving isn’t an option in China for most foreigners.
Your Passport is your ticket
In China, everyone’s movements are closely monitored. You’ll need your passport for everything, from buying train tickets to checking into hotels. Many places have Chinese ID card readers, but they can’t always handle foreign passports, so your passport will be processed manually. Just be sure to have it always with you.
Forbidden City, The Palace Museum, Beijing
If you’re visiting Beijing, you’ll likely want to see the Forbidden City. Tickets must be prebooked and are available one week before your visit. They sell out quickly, especially during high season. Book at Forbidden City Tickets. Bring a printed ticket and your passport. Expect multiple security checks. We had our passports checked at 5 checkpoints & our tickets checked 3 times.
Tour package
If organizing a whole tour isn’t your idea of a holiday, you can book a tour package for part or all of your trip. This is especially useful for places like Inner Mongolia. Prices vary, especially if you want an English-speaking guide. For cheaper tours with Chinese-speaking drivers, use ctrip.com and a translation tool. Before really booking on ctrip.com, we recommend to create an account on Alipay for the payment & on WeChat for communicating with the local travel company later onwards.
Checklist before you fly to China:
· Check if you need a visa
· Install VPN on all devices
· Install and link WeChat and Alipay to your credit cards
· Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months
· Have your return flight and first-night hotel booking confirmations
· Install trip.com and ctrip.com apps
· Book train and domestic flights in advance
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