✅ Do’s & Don’ts ✅ DOs DO ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date — this is the legal requirement, not just 60 days. Keep your original passport with you at all times; you will need it for hotels, tickets, and ID checks. Photos or copies are not accepted. DO purchase, install and activate an international travel eSIM BEFORE entering China — IF your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM. This is the best and easiest option: most travel eSIMs automatically route data internationally, so Google, WhatsApp, Instagram etc. work normally without needing a VPN. It gives you instant, reliable connection everywhere. Test it before you leave home, as provider websites are often blocked once inside China. DO — IF your phone is locked or does NOT support eSIM — choose, install, and set up a reputable VPN service BEFORE you travel. In this case, you will mostly rely on WiFi networks, and a working VPN is your only way to access international apps and sites. VPN services cannot be easily downloaded or purchased once inside China. Note: Use VPN only for personal, lawful purposes in line with local regulations. DO plan your money based on your comfort level: If you are worried about linking your international bank cards to Chinese apps, cash is always king and widely accepted. On arrival in top-tier cities like Beijing or Shanghai, you can easily exchange money at the airport — rates are fair and reliable. You do not need to worry much about theft; the crime rate is extremely low. However, while temptation can sometimes corrupt, the biggest risk with cash is simply losing it or dropping it accidentally — so keep it hidden and secure in different places on your person or in your bag. If you prefer cards: Download and set up both Alipay and WeChat before you travel. Link your international Visa, Mastercard, Amex or other major card as explained. You do not need a Chinese bank account or phone number. Alipay is generally easier for foreigners, but have both — some places only accept one. You can pay for everything (shops, food, transport, tickets) with them. Remember: you can only pay businesses; you cannot send money to friends or top-up balances. DO understand the different city tiers, but know getting around is easy everywhere: First-tier (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen): Very modern, international, English widely spoken, feels very familiar. Second-tier (Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Xi’an, Hangzhou): Big, tourist-friendly, great facilities, English common in hotels and attractions. Third-tier / smaller places: Quieter, less English, but transport links are excellent. Use a translation app and you will be fine. DO use high-speed trains for travel between cities. They are fast, comfortable, safe, and very reliable — often better than flying. Inside cities, subways, taxis, and ride-hailing apps are everywhere and easy to pay for. DO use Baidu Maps or Amap instead of Google Maps. These work perfectly in English, show all transport options, and are accurate. Google Maps works well only if you are using an eSIM or a VPN. DO download a translation app (Baidu Translate or Google Translate) with offline language packs. Even if you don’t speak Chinese, this solves almost every problem. DO learn a few simple words: Ni hao (hello), Xie xie (thank you). It is polite and people appreciate the effort. DO remember: tipping is NOT part of the culture. It is not expected, not required, and sometimes even refused. Do not tip waiters, drivers, hotel staff or guides — it is not normal here. DO rember Water and electricity. Tap water is not drinkable — only drink bottled water (very cheap and available everywhere). Electricity is 220V, sockets are Type A and Type I — bring a universal travel adapter. DO respect customs and behaviour. Queues are taken seriously — never cut in line. People speak quietly in public; loud talking or shouting is rude. It is also rare to see people eating while walking. DO respect religious sites. When visiting temples, walk clockwise, do not step on door thresholds, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), and ask before taking photos inside. ❌ DON’Ts DON’T confuse how they work: ✅ Unlocked phone + eSIM: Best choice → works automatically, no VPN needed on data. ✅ Locked phone / No eSIM support: VPN is your main option → you will connect via WiFi and need the VPN to access international content. ❌ DON’T wait to set these up after arrival — you won’t be able to access provider websites. ❌ DON’T try to buy local Chinese eSIMs or SIM cards — they require Chinese ID or residence permits, not available to tourists. ❌ DON’T rely only on public WiFi without a VPN — it is restricted and many sites/apps will not load. DON’T feel forced to link your bank card to apps if you are uncomfortable — cash is always king and perfectly fine to use. You can exchange money easily upon arrival in major cities, so you don’t need to carry huge amounts from home. DON’T expect apps or websites like Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube to work normally on WiFi connections — they are restricted. They work fine automatically if you use an international eSIM data connection. If your phone is locked or you have no eSIM, you must use a VPN installed beforehand to access them over WiFi. DON’T take photos of government buildings, military sites, police stations or restricted areas. It is strictly forbidden and can cause serious trouble. If unsure, don’t take the picture. DON’T discuss sensitive topics. Avoid talking about politics, Taiwan, Tibet or government-related subjects — it can make things awkward or cause issues. Stick to food, scenery and travel stories. DON’T be surprised if people stare or are very curious. In smaller cities or countryside, foreigners are still a novelty. People may look, smile, or even ask for photos — it is just friendliness. You can politely say no if you prefer. DON’T be worried about toilets. You will see squat toilets in older or public areas, but all hotels, tourist sites, malls and stations have standard Western-style toilets. Always carry tissues and hand sanitizer — some public restrooms do not provide paper or soap. DON’T buy fake goods or uncertified antiques. Selling or bringing fakes is illegal. Real antiques cannot be taken out of China without official papers, so only buy from licensed shops. DON’T over-plan everything. Transport is excellent and very easy. You can be flexible, and locals will often go out of their way to help you if you look lost. ✅ Quick summary: ✅ Unlocked phone? → Get eSIM before you go — easiest, works automatically, no VPN needed. ✅ Locked phone / No eSIM? → Install VPN before you go — this is your only option to access international apps over WiFi. ✅ Money matters? → Cash is king — exchange easily at airports in Beijing/Shanghai; safe to carry, just don’t lose it. This covers absolutely everything you need to know as a first-time visitor. Safe travels! 😊