Essential Travel Tips for Modern China: Navigate the 21st Century Like a Pro
China, the Middle Kingdom, is one of the world's fastest-evolving nations. Its economy thrives, and its population is increasingly tech-savvy and modern. Yet, it remains a land of intriguing paradoxes.
You might enjoy 3G (or faster) connectivity in remote Inner Mongolian farmlands, even without running water. ATMs and banks are widespread, but credit cards are not universally accepted. And just steps from a luxury boutique hotel, you could encounter subpar facilities.
Modern Shanghai. Image by Robert S Donovan / CC BY 2.0
Despite these contrasts, China advances rapidly, with cutting-edge tech everywhere. Here are expert tips for seamless travel in 21st-century China.
Open a Chinese Bank Account
Cash remains dominant in China, and with favorable exchange rates for many foreign currencies against the RMB, you'll carry substantial amounts. Many hotels and shops reject foreign credit cards, and ATM withdrawals via Cirrus/Plus cards incur high fees and poor rates.
Opening a local bank account is surprisingly straightforward and convenient for extended stays. At Beijing or Shanghai airports, major banks like Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, or ICBC have English-speaking staff. The process takes about 30 minutes.
Bank of China. Image by EnigmaHuang / CC BY-SA 2.0
Say: 'Wǒ yào kāi zhànghù.' (我 要 开 账户). Staff assist with forms and issue an ATM card immediately. Deposit cash using your hotel's address. The card works at UnionPay (银联) ATMs, supermarkets, hotels, and shops. Note: Fees apply for out-of-province withdrawals; ATMs offer English menus.
Other Banking and Money Tips
Consider opening a UnionPay-enabled account at a Bank of China branch in your home country before departure.
For ATM use, ensure Plus or Cirrus compatibility. To avoid cash advance fees, preload your credit card with travel funds.
Bring Your Devices
Wi-Fi is widespread in cafes and hotels. A smartphone, tablet, or laptop avoids smoky internet cafes. Bonus: Games and ebooks for long journeys. Download Pleco (pleco.com) for offline Chinese-English translation. Opt for an Ultrabook or portable keyboard. Pack a power bank; use USB-to-LAN adapters if needed.
Wi-Fi is common in China. Image by Cory M Grenier / CC BY-SA 2.0
Stay Connected
Avoid roaming fees: Buy a SIM or data SIM at the airport. Ensure your device is unlocked. China Unicom booths at Beijing/Shanghai airports offer English support. Plans include affordable data, calls, and SMS (prices vary; check current rates).
Data-only options like 6GB/year plans exist. For groups, use a 3G/4G hotspot or smartphone tethering. Portable Wi-Fi routers (e.g., Asus WL-330NUL at asus.com) convert LAN to Wi-Fi.
Pack Quality Earphones or Earplugs
Overhead entertainment on buses can disrupt sleep. Earplugs are scarce; canal earphones block dorm snorers too.
Opt for High-Speed Trains
Save time with D- and G-class bullet trains (200-300 km/h)—clean, comfortable, connecting major cities to Beijing/Shanghai. Check schedules on chinatrainguide.com.
Bullet train. Image by Sean Savage / CC BY-SA 2.0
Bypass the Great Firewall
For social media and blocked sites, install a VPN before arrival. China blocks many services; research current reliable VPNs with easy setup apps.
Shawn Low is a Lonely Planet author, TV host, and gadget expert. He wrote this on the road in China. Follow @shawnlow on Twitter.
