Footloose Tours: 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Travel to China

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Ever since 1978, when China opened its doors to the rest of the world, the country has experienced a great period of economic growth and rapid cultural change. In the past decade, more and more tourists from around the world have been flocking to China in order to experience and enjoy its rich history. However, despite the modernisation and the influence of the western culture have deeply affected China, there are some things that might surprise the unprepared visitors. So here are ten things everyone should know before traveling to China.

1. China Recognizes Only One Currency

If you are preparing to visit China, the first thing you need to know is that the local businesses don’t accept the US or the Hong Kong dollars. The Yuan (also known as RMB) is the official currency of China, and notes are available for 1 RMB, 10 RMB, 20 RMB, 50 RMB and 100 RMB. You can find 1 RMB coins, and smaller fractions known as “Mao” are also available.

2. You Need a Translator

If you plan on visiting a bank, and talking to a teller face to face, you will probably need some help from a local translator. Only a small number of bank employees speak fluent English in China, although, some banks in major cities like Beijing have an English speaker on staff.

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3. Haggling and Tipping

If you have the proper haggling skills, you will certainly be able to buy certain items outside boutiques and stores. You should never accept the first price offered, and with shrewd negotiation, it is possible to get clothes and souvenirs for a fraction of the marked price. Also, keep in mind that the Chinese don’t tip, so you aren’t expected to either. In fact, in some parts of the country it is considered rude to offer a tip.

4. Booking Hotels

If you want to have some flexibility with your itinerary, you should use a Chinese booking site such as C-Trip, that doesn’t require upfront payment to make bookings. This particular site even allows you to cancel your trip without penalty once your visa is approved.

5. Arranging Your Visa

The country doesn’t offer visas on arrival, so you will have to arrange everything in advance. In order to apply for a Chinese visa, you will have to provide either a letter from a Chinese friend (or even better a relative) or provide the officials with a detailed itinerary of your trip.

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6. Finding a Doctor

Regular Chinese hospitals are usually crowded and daunted, but luckily, most major cities have special hospitals, that cater to foreigners living, working and visiting the country. But even if you end up in a public hospital, don’t worry, because many doctors speak English.

7. The Great Firewall

If you plan on using the Internet in China, you have to be aware of the “Great Firewall”, which stops you from accessing most of the social network sites, streaming services and news websites. So if you want to watch all of your favorite shows, and check your Facebook and Twitter while in China, you should get a fast and reliable VPN, with a good number of servers located in the US or Europe.

8. Bring Toilet Paper, Soap and Hand Sanitizer

All of these items are not standard in Chinese public bathrooms. And while most high-class hotels will have soap and toilet paper available, it is always a good idea to carry some of these items around in case of an emergency.

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9. Street Food

You cannot travel to China without trying some of their street food, and luckily, you can find a street vendor basically everywhere you look. If you don’t know which vendor to purchase from, just look where the locals are dining.

10. Transportation in China

Chinese roads are usually chaotic and self-driving isn’t really recommendable. Fortunately, the country is serviced by a great network of trains, including high-speed G-Trains that can transport you across the country in a matter of hours. Also, by western standards, rates are more than affordable.

While there is nothing wrong about visiting China with a tour guide, it is definitely possible to make your own way around. And while it can be a challenging country, there is a lot of beauty to be discovered both historically and culturally.

By Adam Ferraresi

afp Born and raised in Dallas, Adam Ferraresi is a successful web development who has been writing and publishing articles wefollowtech.com for the last couple of years. When he is not hard at work (which is most of the time), you can find him on the basketball court or at the nearest Chinese restaurant, eating his favorites Chow Mein and reading fortune cookies.