7 Tips for Your First Trip to China

Planning your first journey to China? You’re in for an extraordinary experience! From imperial palaces and elegant tea houses to dramatic landscapes and richly diverse regional cuisine, China is unlike anywhere else on earth. A little preparation before you travel can make the experience far smoother and more enjoyable, so we’ve gathered seven essential tips every first-time visitor should know before setting off.

Planning a first trip to China has become much simpler for British travellers. For stays of up to 30 days, there’s currently no need to apply for a tourist visa, with the visa-free arrangement in place until the end of 2026. Just make sure your passport has at least six months remaining before expiry, and keep copies of your return flight and hotel bookings with you when travelling.

For the latest updates and official guidance, visit the UK Government China travel advice and the Chinese Embassy in the UK visa information.

It is essential to take out travel health insurance when going on a trip abroad. Of course, you do everything you can to avoid accidents or illnesses while on holiday – but these things can still happen. The last thing you need in such a situation is to worry about high medical bills! That is why having health insurance cover that is valid in your destination country is indispensable.

Make sure that your travel health insurance provides appropriate cover specifically for China, including possible repatriation costs.

Regarding vaccinations, we recommend that you consult your GP some time before departure to find out about the latest recommendations for China. You can also find further information for UK travellers here.

Also important: many medicines commonly available in the UK are not so easy to obtain abroad – or everything is in Mandarin, which makes it more difficult to find what you need. Therefore, in addition to your personal medication, you should also take familiar remedies for diarrhoea, pain, fever, disinfectant, and plasters. You should also bring insect repellent so that these little pests do not spoil your holiday.

Anyone travelling to China and wishing to stay online has two options in this regard: either you forgo mobile internet and rely entirely on the free Wi-Fi available in hotels, or you purchase an eSIM before your departure.

What is an eSIM? It is a digital SIM card that is stored on your mobile phone after purchase. There is no need to swap small plastic cards in your phone, and once the eSIM is activated, it provides you with access to mobile internet abroad. There are many different eSIM providers and tariffs; simply choose one that suits China and the duration of your trip. If you have an older smartphone, it may be that your device does not yet support eSIM technology, but all current models are generally eSIM-compatible.

If you do not necessarily need to be connected to the internet at all times, you can be pleased to know that it is very common in China for hotels, cafés, and public areas to offer free Wi-Fi. However, we advise against continuing to use your UK mobile provider, as roaming charges are generally disadvantageously high.

You are probably aware that the internet in China is quite different from what we are used to. Many of the everyday apps commonly used here are blocked in China, including all Google services. For this reason, the Chinese use their own apps for the same purposes: WeChat as a messaging service and mobile payment method, Baidu Maps instead of Google Maps, and DiDi instead of Uber.

It’s well worth downloading a reliable translation app before you travel, as English is not widely spoken in China — and having instant translations for menus, signs and directions can make travelling feel far smoother, more relaxed and considerably easier.

It is not absolutely necessary to download Chinese apps before your trip to China – but of course, you can if you wish! It is especially recommended if you are curious about local technology and want to immerse yourself in the everyday life of the locals.

Cashless payment is extremely popular and widespread in China: most Chinese people pay almost exclusively using the WeChat/Wepay and Alipay apps, and some shops and restaurants no longer accept cash at all. If you would like to do as the locals do, you can familiarise yourself with the typical Chinese digital payment methods.

If you preferred not to do this and would rather pay with an international credit card, you may encounter difficulties: paying by credit card is considered challenging and, unfortunately, is not possible in some places.

Cash, however, is an option. It is certainly advisable to always carry a small amount of cash in the local currency, Renminbi. This is especially important if you are visiting remote areas.

Of course, you can request some Chinese cash from your UK bank before you travel. However, this usually involves waiting times and less favourable exchange rates, so it is perfectly sufficient to exchange money after you arrive in China. You can do this either at currency exchange offices directly at the airport, or simply by withdrawing cash from a cash machine.

Everyone knows that people in China eat with chopsticks! And anyone who has tried it can confirm: it’s not that easy. Don’t worry, as a visitor, no one will expect you to use chopsticks if you’re struggling with them. However, if you really want to immerse yourself in Chinese culture, we highly recommend practising a little before your trip and then eating like the locals once you’re there.

When it comes to drinking water, it’s important to know that tap water in China is generally not suitable for drinking. Buy your drinking water bottled and always make sure that the bottle is properly sealed when you purchase it. This way, you can be sure that it is filtered drinking water that won’t upset your stomach. You should also avoid ice cubes in drinks, and if you want to be extra cautious, you can use bottled water for brushing your teeth as well.

Unlike in our country, tipping is generally uncommon in China. Among very traditional people, a well-intentioned tip can even be seen as an insult. However, in recent years, it has become more accepted in circles that cater specifically to Western tourists to accept a small token of appreciation. Especially if you have a private bus driver or tour guide, it is perfectly acceptable to give a small tip at the end of the tour. If you’re unsure, it’s best to ask your guide first.

Of course, it is by no means compulsory – but yes, it will prove very useful and much appreciated if you are able to speak at least a few words of Mandarin during your adventure in China! Don’t be intimidated if the language seems completely different and the characters appear utterly mysterious. No one expects you to have perfect pronunciation or to form complicated sentences. But even just a few words – hello, thank you, goodbye, excuse me – can make a big difference and will not only earn you many smiles from the locals, but also allow you a deeper insight into Chinese culture.

With all the tips and advice, don’t forget to look forward to your trip and enjoy yourself while you’re there! Although there are quite a few things to consider when travelling to China, not all recommendations are essential. However, a little preparation will definitely pay off once you’re there. Friendly people, impressive culture, and breathtaking natural wonders await you.

You are welcome to have a look at our FAQ page - here we have answered the most frequently asked questions.