For some travelers, locations in Europe and the United States are no longer interesting. Thailand and Vietnam are too hot and humid during the monsoon, and Africa’s travel infrastructure is hard to navigate.
That’s when China steps in, offering a whole world of exciting activities and beautiful sights. Here’s what you need to know before booking your flight to China.
Receiving a Visa
The tourist visa is the most common for tourists who want to explore China. Generally, you will be able to stay there from 30 to 90 days, depending on your goal and nationality. But some citizens don’t need a visa to cross the border. This includes nationals of 50 countries in Europe, as well as the Republic of Korea, Canada, Andorra, the UK, and more. They just need a valid passport to stay for up to 30 days.
U.S. citizens generally need to apply for a visa before traveling to China. Your passport also has to be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive at the destination and have a minimum of 2 blank pages to enter.
Staying Connected
Using a foreign SIM card is not the most convenient option for tourists in China. A lot of websites are region-locked there, so you might experience issues when trying to open them without a VPN.
So, a local SIM or an eSIM is the way to go. If you’ve never used one before, learning how to get an eSIM before your trip can help you get connected without having to visit a local store. The network will remain stable and reliable, keeping you connected until the day you leave.
Which Payment Apps are Used in China?
Payment options in China are extremely limited, especially for tourists. You can pay with cash or use a payment app. Non-locals commonly prefer Alipay because it’s easier to download, set up, and navigate. Make sure you connect a debit/payment card instead of a credit card to avoid any issues.
Some tourists use WeChat, but you need an existing user to verify you to register. Both apps are known to have some errors when connecting foreign cards, but they are possible to resolve, and both work in the end.
Navigating Language Barriers
Language barriers shouldn’t stop you from exploring the destination at all. Many tourists who had been to China before say that they had no issue navigating big cities, since there are many signs in English, and announcements are often bilingual.
Locals are also very patient and either know conversational English or will use gestures and translation apps to understand you better. All apps used there have English versions for foreigners. Even older travelers can enjoy their trip without a care in the world.
China — One of the Best Destinations to Explore
China is enchanting and unique, drawing many tourists to its endless destinations. It’s definitely worth exploring now that you know all the travel basics. Before your trip, take some time to compare your options and find the best eSIM for China based on your data needs, trip length, and planned destinations. Just make sure you are connected on arrival via your eSIM and can freely navigate the city.