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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about traveling in China
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about traveling in China
Travel Tips
1
There are surveillance cameras everywhere in China; could this infringe upon my privacy?
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Payments & Money
14
Can foreign tourists use physical Visa or Mastercard credit cards directly in China?
How can international tourists set up Alipay and WeChat Pay without a Chinese bank account?
What transaction fees apply when using foreign cards on Alipay and WeChat Pay?
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Internet & Connectivity
12
When should I install and activate my travel eSIM? Can I wait until I land in China?
Who can use a travel eSIM? What are the absolute requirements before buying?
Can I complete my entire trip using only a travel eSIM, or do I absolutely need a local SIM card?
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Transportation & Transit
12
What are the luggage limits and security restrictions for Chinese high-speed trains?
Can foreign tourists buy high-speed train tickets directly on China's official railway platform (12306)?
Do foreign tourists need to collect physical paper tickets at the train station?
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Food & Dining
13
Do I need to make reservations for restaurants in China?
How do foreign tourists order food at local restaurants in China without knowing Chinese?
Why does the WeChat table ordering QR code ask for a Chinese phone number?
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Hotels & Staying
16
Can foreign tourists stay at any hotel in China, or are some hotels restricted?
Do I need to register with the police when staying at a hotel in China?
What booking platform is the best and most reliable for reserving hotels in China?
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Maps & Navigation
10
Does Google Maps work in mainland China?
What is the absolute best map app for iPhone users traveling in China?
What map apps should Android users use since Google Maps is broken?
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Attraction Bookings
11
What is the "Real-Name System" for Chinese attractions, and what do I need to book tickets?
What is the easiest and most reliable English platform to book China attraction tickets?
How do I book free attractions like Tiananmen Square or city museums that require reservations?
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Health & Medical Emergency
16
let’s say something happens and you lose consciousness. An ambulance picks you up how does the payment work then? And where do they take you?
What is the emergency phone number for an ambulance in China, and does the operator speak English?
What is a "3A Hospital" (三甲医院), and why is it crucial for foreigners?
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Visa-Free Policy
16
What is China's 30-day unilateral visa-free entry policy, and which countries qualify?
What are the permitted purposes of visit and the maximum stay under the unilateral visa exemption?
How is the 30-day visa-free stay duration calculated?
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