Welcome to China 😊

Quick Facts About China

Money and Finances

The official currency of China is the yuan (CNY). Notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 yuan. Coins come in denominations of 1 yuan and 50, 10 and 1 fen.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in most cities in China, though the network is less extensive in more rural areas. Foreign cards are accepted by most ATMs.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but may not be accepted in smaller shops or outside of these areas. Visa and Mastercard cards are more widely accepted than AMEX in China.

Internet and Phones

China has an average internet speed of 51.9 Mbps for downloads and 17.9 Mbps for uploads. The government heavily censors and restricts internet access in the country.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

China has three major telco companies: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around ¥50 ($7.20) per month. SIM cards must be registered with the government and there have been compatibility issues with foreign phones.

Dialling to China

To call China from another country, you would need to dial +86 followed by the area code and phone number. The area codes vary depending on the region, with Beijing having the code +86 10.

Transport Around China

Air Travel

China has a well-developed aviation industry, with over 230 airports located throughout the country. The major airports include Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, and Hong Kong International Airport.

Train Travel

China has a vast high-speed train network, with trains running at speeds of up to 350 km/h. A journey from Beijing to Shanghai, for example, takes around 4.5 hours and costs around $100. Other popular train routes include Beijing to Xi'an, and Shanghai to Hangzhou.

Metro / Local Trains

China has an extensive metro system in its major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Tickets are usually priced between $0.3 and $0.5 per journey, with trains running from around 5am until midnight.

Buses

Buses are a popular mode of transport in China, with a large network of intercity and intracity bus routes available. A bus journey from Beijing to Shanghai, for example, takes around 12 hours and costs around $30. Some bus companies also offer overnight bus services with sleeping berths.

Rideshare

Didi Chuxing is the dominant rideshare company in China, with a large network of drivers and affordable prices. A typical 10 km journey in a metropolitan area would cost around ¥30 ($4.5).

Driving by Car

Driving in China can be challenging, with heavy traffic and road conditions that vary greatly between different parts of the country. The speed limit on highways is usually 120 km/h, while in urban areas it ranges from 40-80 km/h. China drives on the right-hand side of the road.

Local Customs

In China, tipping is not traditionally expected, but it has become more common in tourist areas and for exceptional service. A 10% service charge is often added to bills in higher-end restaurants and hotels. It is customary to greet others with a handshake or a nod, but bowing is also acceptable in formal situations. When speaking with strangers, it is important to address them with their proper titles and use respectful language. In general, men and women typically address each other with formal titles rather than using first names.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

China's healthcare system is a mix of public and private providers. Public healthcare is available to all citizens and provides basic medical services at a low cost. However, the quality and availability of healthcare can vary depending on the region. Private healthcare is also an option, but can be expensive. Medical insurance is mandatory for all residents and can be purchased at a low cost through the government or through private providers. A visit to a doctor can cost between 60-200 CNY (9-30 USD) depending on the location and type of facility.

COVID Situation

China was the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, but was able to effectively handle the outbreak through strict lockdowns and mandatory mask-wearing. Currently, China has very low rates of coronavirus cases due to strict border control and testing measures.

Common Health Risks

Some common health risks in China include pollution, food poisoning, and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis. It is recommended to take precautions such as wearing a mask in heavily polluted areas, avoiding street food, and getting vaccinated before traveling to China.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In China, the legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol is widely available and there are no restrictions on its consumption, except in some public spaces such as parks and public transport. However, there are strict laws against drinking and driving.

Recreational Drugs

Drug use is strictly prohibited in China, and the penalties for drug trafficking can be severe, including capital punishment. Even possessing a small amount of drugs can result in a lengthy prison sentence.

Pre-Marital Relationships

While there are no laws against pre-marital relationships in China, such relationships are still considered taboo in some areas and may be met with social disapproval.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Homosexuality is legal in China and has been since 1997. However, discrimination against LGBTQ individuals is still prevalent in some areas of society. Same-sex marriages and civil unions are not recognized by the government.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership is strictly regulated by the government in China, and citizens are not allowed to own firearms except under exceptional circumstances, such as for hunting or military service. Possession of a firearm without a permit can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.

Regions in China

There are many wonderful regions to visit in China, browse through each to see what to visit.

113 Popular Travel Destinations in China