6 Top Tips

  1. Look carefully in all directions before you cross the street and even while you're crossing! Pedestrians generally do not have right of way, and Chinese drivers don't always stop for them – regardless of traffic laws.

  2. Use only bottled water in China, even for tooth brushing; Westerners can develop stomach problems from just a few drops of tap water. Close your mouth in the shower, too!

  3. Buy bottled water from a store or hotel only, and not from street vendors with unsealed or dirty bottles.

  4. If you are sensitive to MSG in foods, tell your waiter. Most Chinese restaurants use MSG.

  5. Don't get mad if someone seems to be crowding you out or pushing you. What you think of as "personal space" is a Western concept that many Chinese people have no sense of. They are not being rude.

  6. Chinese often don't stand patiently in line. While you're waiting for buses and trains, or at ticket desks, don't be offended if people push and shove. Just stay close to the person in front of you to stop someone else "butting in."

Be prepared

  • Some toilets in China are of a different style than in the West. Be prepared for squat toilets, which are basically a porcelain structure two footpads and a hole in the middle.

  • Carry tissue when you're out; you may not find any in the bathroom.

  • Pack a pocket-size hand sanitizer, too. Many bathrooms lack soap.

  • If you'll be traveling inside China, bring locks for all your luggage. Most hotels have a safe at the front desk, if not in each room, for guests' valuables.

  • To turn on the power in most hotel rooms, insert your key card in a slot near the door.

  • The electrical current in China is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC); bring a small voltage transformer if you want to use your own hairdryer or shaver. Most computers and other electronics have built-in voltage regulators, but bring a universal plug adaptor to fit China's many outlet configurations.

  • Remember your preferred painkiller/allergy pills as well as any prescriptions for medications you'll be packing.

  • Carry a healthy snack for quick breakfasts or nutrition on the go.

Money & Tipping

  • Hotels are usually good places to change money, but when in doubt, visit an official Bank of China to change cash or travelers checks.

  • Tip porters 10 yuan

  • Tip guides 50 - 100 yuan per day (tip more for great guides and long excursions)

  • You are not expected to tip in taxis with meters or in restaurants!

Getting around China

  • Transportation outside major metropolitan areas can be inconvenient and inconsistent, and not all routes have daily flights. If you're traveling to a small town, your connection might require you to stay a night en route.

  • When booking, choose the largest travel agencies; be wary of small agencies offering great deals and better-sounding packages.

  • Most travel agencies will deliver your tickets to you for free – don't be afraid to ask.

  • To prepare for your trip, have the name of your hotel written in Chinese and pack a map to your hotel if possible; arrange your airport-hotel transportation with your travel agent while booking.

  • Bring snacks and water for bus and train trips.

  • If you're exploring alone outside the big city, avoid remote streets.

Useful Phone

  • Police – dial 100

  • Emergency – dial 120

  • Fire – dial 119