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China Travel Tips: Essential Guide for a Memorable Trip

Hours Comments Reading Time: 6 minutes

Discover the best China travel tips for a smooth, safe, and exciting journey. Learn about visa requirements, currency, transportation, and local customs to make the most of your adventure in China.

Important Things to Know Before Traveling to China

China, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, is one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations. While it’s easy to visit China, there are a few essential China travel tips that will help you ensure your trip is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Read on to discover everything you need to know to make your visit to China unforgettable.

1. China Travel Tips: Immigration and Visa Procedures

  • Visa Requirements: Make sure the visa for China you apply for is suitable for your planned length of stay. For Vietnamese travelers, a 3-month multiple-entry visa is commonly used. You can find more details about this type of visa [here].
  • Required Documents: Don’t forget to bring your original ID card and passport for airport immigration procedures.
  • Customs Declarations: Keep all your immigration forms, health declaration forms, and customs forms. You will need these upon departure.
  • Customs Regulations: Declare items like cameras, large photography equipment, or film cameras if they exceed $300. Items worth under $300 (around 2000 RMB) are exempt from taxes according to Vietnam’s customs regulations. Do not bring confidential documents, national materials, or fresh fruits into China.

Frequently Asked Questions about China Immigration

Can I use both my old and new passports if the visa is still valid in the old one?
Yes, you can use both your old and new passports for entry to China as long as the visa is still valid in your old passport. However, the personal information in both passports must match exactly. If there is any discrepancy, you will need to apply for a new visa.

2. China Travel Tips: Currency and Money Matters

  • Money Exchange: Make a photocopy of your passport to exchange money at Chinese banks if needed.
  • Different Payment Methods: In China, payment methods vary depending on the region. Taxi drivers often prefer coins, while tourist areas in Northern and Western China are more accustomed to ATM cards or cash.
  • Currency: It’s a good idea to exchange both paper money and coins (RMB) before your trip for convenience.

3. China Travel Tips: Time Zone, Transportation & Making Calls

  • Time Zone: China is one hour ahead of Vietnam. Make sure to adjust your schedule accordingly.
  • Transportation: China has an extensive and diverse transportation system. You can choose from domestic flights, trains, buses, subways, electric vehicles, taxis, and coaches. Be mindful of pickpockets when using public transportation such as subways and trains.
  • Making Calls to Vietnam: To call Vietnam from China, dial:
    • 0084 + Area Code + Fixed Number for landlines.
    • 0084 + Mobile Number for cell phones.

4. China Travel Tips: Using a SIM Card

One major concern for travelers is how to stay connected to the internet while in China. You cannot use your regular SIM card from Vietnam in China unless you opt for an expensive international roaming plan. Instead, travelers often purchase a China travel SIM to stay connected throughout their trip.

  • eSIM Travel: Visana eSIM for China is the most convenient option, allowing you to access the internet immediately upon landing. It’s easy to set up and activate on your device without the hassle of switching physical SIM cards. Plus, you won’t have to worry about expensive roaming charges.

5. China Travel Tips: Luggage and Packing Essentials

  • Prohibited Items: Avoid packing sharp metallic objects such as knives, scissors, forks, or spoons, explosives, weapons, or other restricted items. Also, refrain from bringing back violent toys for children.
  • Baggage Tags and Locks: Ensure your luggage is locked and labeled with your details. Important items should be kept in your carry-on luggage.
  • Personal Hygiene Items: Many hotels in Asia, including in China, do not provide essential hygiene products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, or combs. Consider bringing your own to save on extra costs.
  • Light Clothing and Comfortable Shoes: Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking, pack light clothes and comfortable shoes. Also, bring a power adapter to charge your devices.

6. China Travel Tips: Food and Eating

Chinese cuisine is diverse and delicious, but it’s quite different from what you may be accustomed to. Here are some tips to help you navigate food options:

  • Bring Snacks: Chinese food often includes soy sauce, Chinese herbs, and chili oil, which may not suit everyone’s tastes. Bring dry food like instant noodles or dried pork for when local food doesn’t appeal to your palate.
  • Popular Dishes: If you’re traveling to Guangzhou, dishes like salted duck egg congee, buns, and dim sum are ideal for Vietnamese travelers.

7. China Travel Tips: Shopping and Bargaining

China is a shopping paradise with diverse goods, ranging from luxury items to affordable local products. However, make sure to check prices and be prepared to bargain.

  • Bargaining Tips: Bring a small calculator or use your phone’s calculator app for easy price negotiations.
  • Famous Shopping Areas: Each city has its own well-known shopping districts. In Beijing, visit Wangfujing Street; in Suzhou, explore the Guangqian Walking Street; and in Shanghai, head to Nanjing Road. Guangzhou and Shenzhen are two of China’s largest shopping hubs, offering everything from clothes to electronics.

8. Things Not to Do in China

To ensure a respectful and smooth visit, here are a few things to avoid in China:

  • Avoid Buying Cheap Traditional Chinese Medicine: Don’t purchase traditional Chinese medicine from random shops.
  • Avoid Political Discussions: Avoid talking about politics, borders, history, or war with new acquaintances.
  • Gift Etiquette: Do not gift clocks, and avoid the number “4,” as both are considered bad luck in Chinese culture.
  • Proper Behavior: Do not spit on the streets or litter, especially in tourist areas such as temples or memorial sites.

9. China Travel Tips: Learning Some Basic Chinese

While English is widely spoken in Beijing, it’s still helpful to know some basic Chinese phrases to make your trip smoother. Here are a few essential phrases:

  • Hello: Ni hao
  • Thank you: Xiexie
  • Please sit down: Qing zuo
  • Let’s eat: Qing chi fan
  • Let’s drink: Qing ke shui
  • Let’s play: Qu wan
  • Let’s shop: Qu mai dongxi
  • Street: Shangjie

Conclusion: Your China Travel Tips for an Amazing Journey

By keeping these China travel tips in mind, you can ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable trip. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, bustling markets, or the scenic countryside, China promises to offer a rich and exciting adventure. Pack your bags, prepare yourself, and get ready to discover one of the world’s most fascinating countries!

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