Your first trip to China can go very smoothly — as long as you prepare for a few things that work differently here.
The mistakes that cause the biggest problems are usually practical, not cultural. You arrive and can't pay. Your usual apps don't connect. You go to the wrong train station. Or you reach a famous attraction only to discover that you needed a reservation.
Avoid these 7 mistakes, and you will save yourself a surprising amount of time and frustration.
1. Don't Rely on Your Credit Card as Your Main Way to Pay
Your international credit card may work at major hotels, airports, and some larger stores. But you should not assume it will work everywhere you go.
In everyday situations — taxis, local restaurants, convenience stores, and smaller shops — mobile payment is often the easier option.
Before you leave, download Alipay or WeChat Pay and link your bank card or credit card while you can still easily receive verification messages.
Carry RMB 200–500 in cash as a backup, and don't take it all in ¥100 notes. Having some smaller bills — such as ¥5, ¥10, and ¥20 — can make paying for small purchases easier.
Do this before your flight: Set up at least one mobile payment app, link your card, and make sure you can log in to the app successfully.
You could get more tips on How to Pay in China.
2. Don't Assume Google and WhatsApp Will Work in China
Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, and some other international services may not work normally in mainland China.
Set up your internet access before you leave. You can prepare a VPN, or use an international eSIM or roaming plan that lets you access these services without a VPN.
3. Don't Rely on Google Maps
Google Maps is not always reliable for navigation in China.
Instead, download Amap (Gaode Maps) before your trip. It has an English interface and supports English searches for many major landmarks.
More importantly, save the Chinese names of your hotel, railway station, and major destinations.
If a driver cannot understand the English name, you can simply show them the Chinese address.
4. Don't Expect English to Work Well in China
You don't need to speak Chinese to travel in China. But English may not be enough when you need to explain an address to a driver, order at a local restaurant or ask for help outside major tourist areas.
International hotels, airports and some major attractions may have English-speaking staff. Once you move into everyday situations, however, you may find that communicating entirely in English is more difficult than you are used to in other travel destinations.
The easiest solution is to download a translation app before your trip. Save your hotel name, train station and important destinations in Chinese.
5. Don't Assume You Need to Tip
In China, tipping is generally not part of everyday life. You usually do not need to calculate an extra percentage at restaurants, leave cash for hotel housekeeping or tip a taxi driver.
In most everyday situations, simply pay the listed price.
For private guides and drivers, tipping is optional. If you are happy with their service, you can give a tip as a thank-you, but there is no fixed amount you are expected to pay.
6. Don't Plan Your Trip During China's Major Holidays
China's major holidays can completely change your travel experience.
Transport becomes much busier. Hotel prices can rise. Popular attractions can be packed.
The main periods to watch include Chinese New Year, the Labor Day holiday (May 1-5), and the National Day holiday (October 1-7).
If possible, choose dates outside the major holiday periods.
If you have to travel during one of these holidays, book important transport and accommodation 2-3 months in advance.
Check out Best Time to Visit China: Avoid the Crowds.
7. Don't Forget Tissues
This is a small thing, but it can save you an unnecessary inconvenience.
Don't assume every public restroom will have toilet paper inside every stall. You may find it at the entrance, or you may need to provide your own.
Keep a small pack of tissues in your day bag.
You may not need them every day, but you will probably be glad to have them when you do.
Let Us Help You Have a Wonderful Trip
China is much easier to travel in when you know what to prepare for before you arrive.
If you would rather spend your trip enjoying China than figuring out every payment, booking, transfer, and travel detail yourself, travel with us. We'll help you plan the route, arrange the practical details, and make sure your trip works smoothly from the moment you arrive.
Our top first-timer's tour is our 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery. This tour is tailored to introduce people to China. It is modifiable to suit your preferences.
You can also create your own dream trip and visit the places you want to, or see more of our China tours.