Tips for traveling in China

1. Avoid the Public holidays in China , as during these holidays, tickets are expensive and hard to buy, most hotels are full, much more time and patience on queue and trafic jam. But if you’d like experience China’s tradition, you can’t miss some of the holidays.
(public holidays: New year’s Day; Spring Festival Day; Tomb-sweeping Day; Labour Day; Dragon boat Festival; Mid-autumn Festival; National Day)

2. Bring with you any OTC medicines you might need, such as pain-killers, Aspirin, or anti-diarrhea medicine, and a small first-aid kit. It may be difficult to purchase these items at your destination due to the lack of availability and the language barrier.

3.Tap water is not drinkable in China, take bottled drink with you. Some public places in small cities don’t offer free toilet paper, carry around the tissue.

4. As the shape of a socket varies between countries, a portable plug adaptor may also be necessary.

5. If you plan go to some small cities, you’re suggested to exchange sufficient RMB(Chinese currency) with you through the local bank (working time: 9am-5pm), as some hotels might not accept credit cards. And keep the currency exchange receipts in case. Locals would rather use mobile payment instead of by cash.

6. If stay in China for a long time, buy a local SIM card for your mobile phone, the SIM card are available in any cell/phone shops.

7. When shopping in market, almost everything is negotiable except in the supermarket or mall. Most sellers will increase the price when facing a foreign buyer, you can cut the price off 50% or more directly.

8. When taking a taxi, take a note of your destination’s address and phone number both in English and Chinese, as seldom taxi drivers speak English.

9. China is rather safe, but don’t carry around much valuable items, be cautious of the pick pocketing & bag snatching. In case of emergency, call 110 for police, 120 for ambulance.

10. Learn some simple Chinese words about saying hello, goodbye and thank you. Don’t be stuck by china’s different manners, Chinese will be friendly to your honest mistake.

11. For language barrier, hire a local tour guider or translator who can speak your language, many freelancer and students of local university would be happy to assist you. You may find them in these sites like: www.chinese-tools.com. www.travelchinaguide.com