Essential Things To Know Before Traveling to China

If you are planning a trip to China for the very first time then you will have a lot to think about. You need to give some thought to the way you are going to get there and how you are going to pay for everything, what to pack and cultural differences you may encounter.  To help you better prepare for your exciting journey, we’ve gathered some practical tips for visiting China so read on!

What to Pack For a Trip to China

When traveling to China, you’ll need to make sure that you have your passport and a visa to enter China.  Once you have your documents in order,  you also need to make sure that you pack the right clothes. China is a very large country so you may encounter different climates on your trip.  Check the weather at your stops and dress in  layers that can be added or taken off as needed.  Take any medication you may need with you as well. It’s always a good idea to carry your doctor’s prescription to get through customs. Smartphones are a handy way for you to save space and stay connected. You may want to use a VPN though as this is the best way for you to ensure that you are going to be able to access everything you need and protect your privacy.   China uses three-pin sockets, and most of the time they are 220V so keep that in mind for your electrical devices.

Hygiene practices in China are different from much of the world.  Be sure to pack tissues or toilet paper and carry it with you whenever you leave your hotel.  For the most part toilet paper is not available in public toilets, with the exception of the ‘tourist’ toilets at major attractions.  Public toilets are usually porcelain holes in the floor which will require that you squat instead of sit.  It will take some getting use to!  Be very careful crossing streets.  There are roadways for walkers, bicycles and scooters, and cars and it can seem very chaotic at times with horns and bells filling the air.

Get a VPN

When you are going to China, you may not be able to access the same sites that you normally would. Many sites, including Facebook, Google and even Instagram are blocked in China. Some applications require you to have a VPN so you can access them too, for example with certain email providers. If you want to work around this then using a VPN is the way to go but you do need to make sure that you’re giving some thought to the rest of your journey too.

Be Wise to Pollution

It is so important that you are wise to some of the many pollution issues that China is currently experiencing. The government is doing everything it can to work on the current pollution issues and this is especially the case in some of the main tourist cities. With that being said, you do need to make sure that you take note of the way that the pollution is being portrayed in the media. Going to busy places like Beijing may bother you if you find that you have respiratory issues, so be mindful of that as it could play a major part in your experience as a whole.  If you experience allergies, you should pack eyedrops, antihistamines, cough drops, tissues and other solutions.

Transport

When traveling to China, you will need to give some thought to transport. It may be that you need to look into Macau car rental or many travelers explore by train or other public transport. Driving in the major cities of China can be very challenging, so you should research all means of transportation.

Final Thoughts

Most folks travel to experience different cultures.  You will find many practices and experiences in China to be different from your habits at home.  Embrace the differences and appreciate how this unique culture has thrived for many centuries.