China Travel Tips

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO CHINA

LANGUAGE

The official language in Mainland China is Standard Chinese, a modern form of Mandarin Chinese. There are several hundred languages in China and tourists should note that according to some estimates, fewer than 1% of the population speak English.

中国大陆的官方语言是标准汉语

Zhōngguó dàlù de guānfāng yǔyán shì biāozhǔn hànyǔ

You’ll find more English speakers and signage in China’s well known, big urban areas in the north, east and south (for example, Beijing and Shanghai). Tourist sites that have many foreign visitors will likely have some English signage and locals with basic English skills.

Transportation Signs

Airports: You’ll find English language signage in all of China’s major airports.

Subway Systems: Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Chongqing have English signage, and ticketing machines have an English interface. Most of these systems announce stops in English. Be sure to have money in small denominations.

Taxis: It's probably best to assume that drivers will not speak or understand English. Bring a business card or have your destination written down in Chinese characters.

Uber: Is not in China.

DiDi: Ride share / ride hailing. Didi acquired Uber in 2016.

Buses: in Beijing are tricky to use if you don't speak or read Mandarin. Drivers and staff speak little English and few stops are announced in English. This contrasts with Shanghai, where stops are announced. In Xi'an some buses that run to the more popular sites have English displays. Buses in Chengdu and Urumqi do not have English signage.

English Directions: Depending on where you are and who you ask it may not always be easy to get directions in English. If you're at The Bund in Shanghai, or a similarly busy tourist area, chances are good that you'll find a local who can help you.

Menus: You’ll find English menus at tourist restaurants in th major cities and at some popular sights. Outside of the big cities and at small street-side restaurants or street food markets, English menus will be few and far between.

APPS

Translation apps work more or less the same way, share the same basic features, and can be used offline if you download language packs.

WeChat: Online, Android, iOS, Mac OS, Windows

WeChat is the most popular all-round digital communication tool in China; more people use it than don't. You can download an international version, which has a translation function.

• Key feature: does just about everything

Google Translate: Online and app (Android and iOS)

• Key feature: real-time speech and text image translation

Important:

Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other similar social media products from the West are blocked in the Chinese mainland.

You could set up a VPN (virtual private network) before your trip. This would allow you to access all of these blocked products while in China. Keep in mind that, sometimes, even access to the VPN is blocked.

CURRENCY

• The renminbi, also known as the Chinese Yuan, is the official currency of the People's Republic of China.

• Symbol CN¥

• Abbreviation CNY

• Conversion NZ$1 = CN¥4.40 US$1 = CN¥7.05 (September 2024)

• Central Bank People’s Bank of China

Pound Sterling, US Dollars, Euro and other major currencies can be exchanged in China. Exchange facilities are available at various bureau de changes and banks, which are easy to find in urban centres as are ATMs where you can easily withdraw money.

ELECTRONIC PLUGS AND TRAVEL ADAPTORS

China operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

A dual voltage rated appliance will display for example ‘INPUT: 110-240V’ on the body of the appliance or its power supply. This means that you will not need a converter or transformer but just a travel adaptor, because China operates on a 220V supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on. Your adapter will need to fit the following three plug types;

For China there are three associated plug types, types A, C and I

• Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins

• Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins

• Plug type I is the plug which has three flat pins in a triangular pattern.

VISA

From July 1st, 2024, passport holders from Australia and New Zealand will enjoy visa-free travel to China for tourism purposes, allowing stays of up to 15 days. Please visit the relevant embassy link below for more information and instructions.

• New Zealand - Chinese Embassy

• Australia - Chinese Embassy

Recommended printed documents to take with you on your visit to China

• Passport

  Original passport or travel document of your country with at least six months remaining validity on the date of travel and at least two visa pages clear of any markings, the passport should be in good condition without any damage that could render it invalid.

• Travel itinerary

  Travel itinerary is a travel reservation to and from China in your name, not a ticket, the itinerary should include your travel dates, flight numbers, and any layovers or connections, this document helps show your planned travel route and duration of stay.

• Proof of Funds

  Proof of enough money for your stay and to leave China, such as personal bank statements, pay slips from your employer, or tax records, these documents help verify that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay and for your return journey.

Contacts in China

• New Zealand Embassy to China

• Australia Embassy in China

HEALTH

Vaccinations: As a guide it is recommended that you be vaccinated for Tetanus and Polio if you haven't had a booster in the last ten years. Food and waterborne diseases are more common, therefore it’s recommended you get vaccinations for Typhoid (valid 3 years) and Hepatitis A (validity varies). You should seek medical advice from your local health practitioner before travelling to China and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations.

Malaria: There is no risk of malaria in cities and urban centres across much of China including the popular tourist destinations of Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai. On Yangtze River cruises there is minimal risk of malaria. There is a risk of malaria in the southern province of Yunnan and the interior of the island of Hainan. Anti-malaria medication may be recommended to those visiting risk areas off the beaten track down south but for those sticking to the cities, it's generally not required.

SAFETY

Before travelling, check the New Zealand Safe Travel site for official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas.

Crime
China has low crime rates generally, however petty theft targeting foreigners such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft of passports, laptops and cellphones occurs. You should take appropriate steps to ensure that your belongings are secure, particularly on public transport, in popular tourist locations and shopping districts. New Zealanders should also be wary of ATM and credit card fraud, and only use ATMs in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business. There is also some risk of receiving counterfeit currency.

While serious crime, such as personal attacks against foreigners is relatively rare, incidents can occur, including through drinks being spiked. Care should be taken to ensure your food and drink is never left unattended. We recommend against accepting drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances.

Scams
New Zealanders should be wary of scams targeting tourists when travelling in China. Common scams involve a tourist being invited for a massage, tea tasting or to a café or bar for a variety of reasons including to practice English. The tourist is then pressured to pay an exorbitant bill which may be accompanied with threats of violence, assault and credit card skimming.

Safe Travel Register

Official registration for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas.

World Nomads 

World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travellers for travellers. If you leave home without travel insurance or your policy runs out, you can buy or extend while on the road.

I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.