Foreign Visitor Essentials: Payment, Transport, Apps & Survival Tips (2025–2026)
Stay2CN Essential Guide | Newbie Q&A | Updated May 2026First time in China? This master guide covers the basics every foreign visitor needs to know — from the moment you land to navigating daily life.
Visa & Entry
• 240-hour visa-free transit: 55 countries, 65 ports, valid through 2026
• 30-day visa-free: 50 countries (including UK, Canada, Australia, most EU, Japan, Korea)
• Online Arrival Card: Fill before arrival via NIA app/WeChat/Alipay (since Nov 2025)
• Always carry passport — hotels must register you with police
Payment
• Alipay & WeChat Pay accept foreign credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
• Verification takes ~5 minutes with passport + face scan
• Tour Pass is DEAD (stopped 2023); use direct card binding instead
• Carry ¥500–1,000 cash as backup
Transportation
• Metro: English signage in major cities; pay with Alipay/WeChat QR
• High-Speed Rail: Book on Trip.com (English); passport required
• Didi: Ride-hailing app with English interface
• Taxis: Cheap but drivers rarely speak English — show destination in Chinese
Internet & Apps
• Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube are BLOCKED — install a VPN BEFORE arrival
• Essential apps: Alipay, WeChat, Didi, AMap (Gaode Maps), Trip.com, Google Translate
• eSIMs (Nomad, Airalo, Holafly) often work without VPN for Google services
Language
• English proficiency varies: young people & hotel staff often speak some; taxi drivers usually don't
• Learn basics: "Ni hao" (Hello), "Xie xie" (Thank you), "Duo shao qian?" (How much?)
• Have your hotel name/address written in Chinese to show drivers
• Google Translate camera feature reads Chinese menus and signs
Food & Dining
• Stick to busy restaurants with high turnover
• Street food is generally safe at popular night markets
• Sichuan (Chengdu/Chongqing) and Hunan food is VERY spicy — ask for "bu la" (not spicy)
• Tipping is NOT customary in China
Accommodation
• International chains (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt) have English-speaking staff
• Hotels MUST register your passport with local police — this is normal
• Choose hotels near metro stations for easiest access
Emergency Contacts
• Police: 110
• Medical Emergency: 120
• Fire: 119
• Traffic Accident: 122
Quick-Start Checklist
☑ Check if your country qualifies for visa-free entry
☑ Install a VPN before arrival
☑ Download Alipay & WeChat
☑ Set up eSIM or plan airport SIM purchase
☑ Save hotel address in Chinese
☑ Notify your bank about travel
☑ Carry some RMB cash
☑ Download offline maps
Still have questions? No question is too small — ask below!
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