Things to Know in China

Practical tips for a smooth journey

China can be quite different from what you're used to. Understanding local customs, etiquette, and practical matters will help you navigate the country with confidence and respect. Here's what you need to know before and during your trip.

Must-know Tips

🔌 Electricity

  • • 220V, 50Hz
  • • Plug types: A , I
  • • Bring universal adapter
  • • Most hotels have multiple outlets

⚠️ IMPORTANT: China's standard voltage is 220 volts (V) with a frequency of 50 hertz (Hz), which is the same as Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and most Asian and European countries. If you're traveling from the United States, Canada, Japan that use 110 volts, make sure to check whether your electronic devices support a wide voltage range of 100–240V. Otherwise, they may be damaged due to voltage incompatibility.

🗓️ Holidays to Note

  • • Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb): Everything closes, extremely crowded travel
  • • National Day (Oct 1-7): Golden Week - avoid if possible
  • • May Day (May 1-3): Another busy travel period
  • • Museums closed Mondays, some attractions closed during holidays

Health & Medical

How to See a Doctor in China

Public Hospitals

  • • Limited English; bring translation app(Even with limited English, staff will do their best to assist you!)
  • • Bring passport and cash/Alipay/WeChat Pay
  • • Walk in when needed
  • • Register at front desk (¥10-50), get queue number
  • • Much cheaper but usually very crowded

International Hospitals (Recommended for Foreigners)

  • • English-speaking staff, familiar with international insurance
  • • Higher quality but more expensive
  • • Walk-in accepted

Pharmacies (药店 yàodiàn)

  • • Many medications available without prescription
  • • Staff can recommend treatments for common ailments
  • • Use translation app to describe symptoms

Tips:

  • • Use a translation app to write out your symptoms, when it began and any personal medical issues(allergy to certain medications etc.) in Chinese beforehand - this will help doctors diagnose you faster.
  • • Common health issues will not cost much in China, but travel insurance is still strongly recommended.
  • • Don't hesitate to ask hotel reception for help, such as finding the nearest hospital or booking transportation.

Bathrooms & Hygiene

Public Restrooms

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Bring Your Own Toilet Paper!

Many public restrooms do NOT provide toilet paper. Always carry tissues or a small roll with you.

Types of Toilets

  • • Squat toilets: Common in public places and older buildings. Stand facing the hood,or squat down
  • • Western toilets: Found in malls, hotels, airports, newer buildings

Where to Find Clean Restrooms

  • • Shopping malls (usually cleanest, Western-style)
  • • Hotels (lobby bathrooms, even if not a guest)

Etiquette: Used toilet paper goes in the bin, not the toilet (plumbing systems in many places can't handle it).

Drinking Water

  • • DO NOT drink tap water - won't kill you but not recommend
  • • Bottled water cheap and widely available (¥2-5)
  • • Hotels provide free bottled water or kettles for boiling
  • • Restaurants serve warm water (热水 rè shuǐ) for free - ask for "cold water"(冷水 lěng shuǐ) if preferred

Social Customs & Etiquette

🍽️ Dining Etiquette

  • • Slurping noodles/soup is normal and acceptable
  • • Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral symbolism)
  • • Sharing dishes is standard - use serving spoons when available
  • • Tipping NOT expected or customary
  • • Burping after meals considered acceptable

💬 Communication

  • • Speaking loudly in public is normal, not considered rude
  • • Direct questions about age, salary, marriage common - not meant to offend

🤝 Social Interactions

  • • Handshakes common in business; bowing less common than Japan
  • • Personal space smaller - crowding is normal
  • • Staring at foreigners is common (especially outside big cities) - usually curiosity, not rudeness
  • • Physical contact (hugging, kissing) in public is uncommon

📸 Photography

  • • Ask permission before photographing people
  • • No photography in: military areas, government buildings
  • • Watch for "No Photo" signs (禁止拍照)
  • • Chinese people may ask for photos with you - usually harmless ：）

Shopping & Money Matters

💰 Bargaining & Shopping

Where You CAN Bargain

  • • Street markets, night markets, outdoor stalls
  • • Souvenir shops (start at 30-50% of asking price)
  • • Pearls, jade, antiques (be very careful of fakes)
  • • Tailors and custom clothing

Where You CANNOT Bargain

  • • Department stores, shopping malls, branded shops
  • • Restaurants, cafes (prices are fixed)
  • • Supermarkets, convenience stores
  • • Transportation (taxis, metro, trains)

Tip: Use calculator app to negotiate prices if language barrier exists.

💳 Tipping Culture

Tipping is NOT part of Chinese culture

Safety & Legal Matters

🚭 Smoking Regulations

  • • Banned indoors in most cities (restaurants, offices, public transport)
  • • Designated smoking areas in airports, train stations
  • • E-cigarettes/vaping restricted in many places
  • • ¥50-200 fines for violations
  • • Some hotels offer smoking rooms

🆔 ID Requirements

  • • Always carry passport (or copy + hotel card)
  • • Hotels must register foreign guests with police
  • • Police may check ID (common, not suspicious)
  • • Keep digital copy of passport photo page
  • • Register at local police within 24 hours if staying with friends

⚖️ Laws to Be Aware Of

  • • Drug laws EXTREMELY strict - severe penalties including death
  • • No political protests or activism
  • • Respect for government and leaders required
  • • Pornography strictly illegal

🚨 Common Scams

  • • Tea House Scam: Strangers invite to "traditional tea" - huge bill
  • • Bar Scam: Women invite men to bars - astronomical prices
  • • Taxi Scams: Use Didi app, avoid unmarked cars
  • • Art Student Scam: "Students" sell overpriced art
  • • Fake Monks: Asking for donations - real monks don't beg