Surviving China:
The Digital & Travel Starter Kit 2025
Stop searching "China travel tips" and getting outdated blogs. Here is the hard truth about Visas, Payments, VPNs, and Survival in the world's most digital ecosystem.
The "Can I Enter?" Anxiety
China's visa policies are changing fast. 144-hour transit? Unilateral visa-free? Port visas? Don't guess. Check your eligibility now.
- Updated for 2025 Policy Changes
- 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
- Port Visa (Visa on Arrival)
- Standard Tourist (L) Visa
Digital Survival: The "Great Firewall" Panic
You are about to enter a parallel digital universe. Your usual apps will not work. Here is your survival substitution list.
| Category | What You Use | What You Need in China |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Hailing | Uber / Lyft | Didi (滴滴) |
| Maps | Google Maps | Amap (高德) / Apple Maps |
| Search | Baidu / Bing | |
| Messaging | WhatsApp / Messenger | WeChat (微信) |
| Video | YouTube / TikTok | Bilibili / Douyin |
| Music | Spotify | Apple Music / NetEase |
| Translation | Google Translate | DeepL / Baidu Translate |
💡 Pro Tip: The 'Mini-Program' Magic
Low storage? No need to download apps. Use "Mini-programs" inside WeChat/Alipay for food or taxis (Didi in WeChat has English!). For subways, search the city's metro mini-program to get a QR code. Scan to enter—no queuing for tickets.
The Pre-Flight Checklist
Complete these steps BEFORE you board your plane. Once you land, it might be too late to verify accounts or download apps.
Payments
Link your Visa/Mastercard. Verify your identity with your passport.
Good backup if Alipay fails. Requires similar verification.
Connectivity
Install the profile before you fly.
Essential if you are not using a roaming eSIM.
Apps
Apple Maps is okay, but Amap is the most accurate.
Or use the mini-program inside Alipay.
Detailed Survival Guides
Everything you need to know about the "Big Three" hurdles of traveling in China.
1Alipay (Zhifubao)
This is your primary wallet. You can now link Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and Discover directly.
- Transactions under 200 RMB are fee-free.
- Over 200 RMB incurs a 3% fee.
- "TourCard" is no longer necessary for most.
2WeChat Pay (Weixin Pay)
Ubiquitous but slightly harder to verify for foreigners.
- Requires identity verification (Passport).
- Essential for some smaller vendors or "mini-programs".
Safety & Scams: The Real Questions
Tap Water
❌ DO NOT DRINK. Tap water in China is not potable. Always buy bottled water (Baisui Mountain is recommended and widely available) or boil it first.
Language Barrier
✅ Download Offline. Don't rely on live data. Download the "Chinese (Simplified)" package in Google Translate or DeepL before you land.
The 'Squatty Potty' Surprise
Most public restrooms are squat toilets. Bring your own tissue paper (BYOTP) - it is rarely provided.
The 'Hotel Registration' Hassle
Although the government clarified in May 2024 that all hotels must not refuse foreign guests due to lack of foreign reception qualifications, some hotels still refuse foreigners due to insufficient reception capacity. Book hotels marked 'Foreigner Allowed' on Trip.com.
The 'Power Bank' Anxiety
Renting a shared power bank is easy (Meituan/Monster) and they usually come with cables. Returning is also convenient; most shopping malls have return stations.
The 'Black Taxi' Trap
⚠️ Avoid "Black Taxis". Drivers shouting 'Taxi' at airports or train stations are usually illegal. They will overcharge or take longer routes. ✅ Best Option: Didi (has English app, cheaper than official taxis). If you're not in a rush, use Didi first. In a hurry? Use the official taxi line.
Emergency & Crisis Management
What to do in case of medical emergencies, lost documents, or other critical situations
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 110
- Ambulance: 120
- Fire: 119
International Hospitals
- Beijing United Family Hospital
- Shanghai East International Medical Center
- Guangzhou CanAm International Clinic
Always carry your insurance card and passport copy
Immediate Steps
- File police report (110)
- Contact your embassy immediately
- Get temporary travel document
- Cancel credit cards if stolen
Embassy Contacts
- US: +86-10-8531-3000
- UK: +86-10-8529-6600
- Canada: +86-10-5139-4000
Money Transfer Options
- Western Union (available in major cities)
- Bank wire transfer (requires passport)
- Ask family to send via PayPal to hotel
Emergency Cash
- Keep emergency USD/EUR cash separate
- Multiple credit cards from different banks
- Digital wallet backup (Alipay/WeChat)
Essential Chinese Phrases
Copy these phrases to your phone. Show them to locals when needed. Pinyin pronunciation guide included.
💡 Pro Tip
Screenshot these phrases or save them offline. Show your phone screen to locals - they'll understand the Chinese characters even if you can't pronounce them perfectly!