I came back from China a week ago. This was my first time visiting the country.

China is the world’s largest manufacturer of goods (28.4% of all goods are manufactured in China) making it an ideal destination for individuals and businesses looking to trade. So, as someone involved in the trading business, I decided to visit China.

3 weeks back I was in a similar situation as you are right now. I was learning about things that I needed to know before visiting China. But the sad part is I just read those advice and only implemented some. What followed was a series of misfortunes that led to the unwanted waste of money and a lot of hassles. So, if you want to avoid what I went through don’t just read through the post, implement it.

So, here are 5 things that you need to do before visiting China.

1. Download a VPN

One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive in China is that many websites and apps you use daily are inaccessible. This is due to the country’s internet restrictions, often called the “Great Firewall of China.”

Popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are blocked which is fine if you are not someone who is majorly addicted to these social media websites or are someone who actively needs to check these websites to run your business. But apart from these dopamine-inducing social media platforms, all the Google-based services will be unavailable in China. This means you won’t be able to use Gmail, Google Maps, and even Google Translator.

The solution? Download a Virtual Private Network (VPN) before you leave your home country.

Note: Not all VPNs work in China.

There are 2 VPNs that I recommend. First is Express VPN and second is Hotsheild VPN.

I used Hotsheild VPN. It has a free option where you can connect to a VPN for 15 minutes after watching an Ad.

Remember, to download the VPN before going to China. You can install a VPN after going to China, but it’s very difficult because all major VPN websites are blocked in the country. You can also find shops that sell VPN subscriptions but the price is comparatively higher than the normal VPN subscription fee.

2. Download Translation App

Here is a little fact to consider. Less than 1% of Chinese people speak English.

So, if you don’t speak Mandarin, you are basically a mime in a foreign land, relying on wild gestures and hoping for the best!

But don’t worry, you can use a translation app to transform your awkward charades into semi-coherent conversations.

If you plan to use a VPN, Google Translate is a great choice. It offers offline translation capabilities, real-time camera translation (perfect for deciphering menus and signs), and even conversation mode for real-time bilingual chats.

But the app I used was Microsoft Translator. This app works great even without a VPN.

Also, consider learning a few basic Mandarin phrases – even a simple “nǐ hǎo” (hello) or “xièxiè” (thank you) can go a long way in showing respect and building rapport with locals.

3. Use DiDi for Your Rides

I paid 150 Yuan for a taxi ride from the Airport to the hotel in Guangzhou. But when I came back I just paid 69 Yuan for the same distance.

What’s the cheat code? It’s a ride-hailing app called DiDi.

At first, we didn’t bother using DiDi and just took the cab by stopping them on the streets.

This was a bad idea. Taxi drivers always charge more for foreigners. I found that the meter in one of the taxis was rigged and we ended up paying like 100 Yuan for a trip.

We would have saved 50% of the total money spent on taxis if we used DiDi from Day 1. So, make sure to use this app. Always select the Discount Express option while selecting the ride to save more money.

Tip: If the DiDi App doesn’t show your desired location when you enter it in English. You can copy the English text to Microsoft Translator, convert it to Mandarin, and paste it into DiDi.

4. Download Alipay

Alipay is the most popular digital payment platform in China.

It accepts international cards making it an ideal option for foreign travellers.

There are many useful mini-apps available within Alipay like HelloRide, DiDi, Trip.com, Translator, and more. You can use these mini-apps within Alipay without downloading additional apps. I especially used the Helloride app to access shared bicycles. It is an eco-friendly and super cheap way to explore the city.

To get started with Alipay:

1. Download the app before your trip.
2. Register for an account using your phone number.
3. Once in China, you can add your international credit card to the app.
4. You’ll be able to top up your Alipay balance using your credit card, which you can then use for payments throughout your trip.

Tip: It’s always wise to carry some cash as a backup just in case Alipay doesn’t work.

5. Book Train Tickets Via Trip.com

Chinese train booking system can be challenging for foreign travelers due to language barriers and the high demand for tickets. This is where Trip.com comes to the rescue.

Trip.com is a user-friendly platform that allows you to book train tickets in English. Here’s why it’s essential for your China travels:

1. Easy Booking Process: You can search for routes, compare prices, and book tickets all in English. The platform accepts international credit cards, making payments straightforward.
2. Real-Time Availability: Trip.com provides up-to-date information on seat availability, helping you plan your journey more effectively.
3. Comprehensive Information: The platform provides detailed information about the trains, including amenities, travel time, and any transfers required.

To make the most of your train travel experience in China:

• Book your tickets well in advance, especially for popular routes or during Chinese holidays.
• Consider opting for high-speed trains (labeled as “G” trains) for long-distance travel. They’re faster, more comfortable, and often not much more expensive than regular trains.
• Always carry your passport when boarding trains. You don’t need to show tickets to board a train in China. You just need your passport and all your travel details are seamlessly linked to it.

These are the 5 main tips that you need to follow while visiting China.

Hope you will have a great trip.

Thank you for reading.