Useful Travel Tips for Foreign Visitors in China
🗣️ Communication
📱 International Roaming
- Before your trip: Check with your mobile provider if your SIM supports roaming in China (calls, texts, data).
- In China: Dial +86 before local numbers.
- Important: Some international apps (like WhatsApp and google ) are restricted. It’s highly recommended to install a VPN before arrival.
📶 Local SIM Card
- Where to buy: Airports, China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom stores, or electronics shops in malls.
- Required documents: Passport (hotel address may also be requested).
📲 Useful Apps in China
- 📍 AMap Global – Navigation app, similar to Google Maps.
- 🚘 DiDi – China’s Uber equivalent for ride-hailing.
- 💬 WeChat – Messaging app widely used for communication, social media, and mobile payments.
- 💰 Alipay – Mobile wallet used for payments, shopping, and more.
⚠️ Payment is usually made via Alipay or WeChat Pay. Some drivers accept cash, but international cards may need to be linked in advance.
💳 Payment
💵 Cash
- Exchange rates on 09 April 2025:
- 1 EUR = 8.13 CNY
- 1 USD = 7.33 CNY
- Exchange 500–1000 RMB in cash for emergencies.
- Available at airports, banks, hotel front desks, or official exchange counters.
💳 Credit Cards
(Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- Mainly accepted:–in hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants.
- Not accepted in Small shops, taxis → carry cash or use mobile payment.
📲 Mobile Payments (WeChat Pay / Alipay)
- Widely used across China.
- Some features are available for foreigners with international credit cards.
- Tip: Set up your account and link your card before your trip.
🧭 Daily Life
🗨️ Language
- Translation apps
- We recommend to download translation apps like Papago, Google Translate or Pleco.
- Ask hotel staff to write your destination in Chinese for taxi drivers.
🛗 Elevators & Toilets
- “1” = Ground floor in most buildings. Basement levels are marked “-1”, “-2”, etc.
- Toilets: Western-style in hotels, squat toilets are common in public places.
⚡️ Electricity
In China, the standard voltage is 220V. There are now two types of wall sockets in use:
The older type, which requires a Chinese power adapter.
The newer type, which is compatible with European plugs.
📸 On the right: old standard | On the left: new standard
🌦️ Climate
In July, Beijing has a humid climate, with an average rainfall of 198.2 mm over 17 days (it rains on about 56% of the days).
• Average temperature: 26.4°C
• Night: temperatures drop to around 21.7°C
• Daytime: temperatures can reach up to 31.2°C
✈️ Transportation from Beijing Airports
🛬 Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)
| Option | Cost | Travel Time | Hours | Location |
| 🚄 Airport Express | ¥25 (~US$3.50) | 20–25 min | ~6:20 AM–10:50 PM (T3) | T2/T3 – B2 level |
| 🚕 Taxi | ¥120–180 | 40–60 min (90+ in traffic) | 24/7 | T2: Arrivals Exit 5–9 / T3: B1 |
| 🚗 Ride-hailing (DiDi) | Similar to taxi | 40–60 min | 24/7 | Parking area in T2/T3 |
| 🚌 Airport Bus | ¥20–30 | 60–90 min | 7:00 AM–11:00 PM (or late) | Near Arrivals (T2/T3) |
| 🚘 Private Transfer | From ¥200 (~US$28) | 40–60 min (up to 90) | 24/7 (pre-book required) | Meet-and-greet in Arrivals |
🛬 Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX)
| Option | Cost | Travel Time | Hours |
| 🚄 Daxing Express | ¥35–45 | 19–28 min | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| 🚌 Airport Bus | ¥40–50 | 60–90 min | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| 🚕 Taxi / DiDi | ¥150–250 | 60–90 min | 24/7 |
| 🚇 Subway (Line 19) | ¥5–10 | 20–90 min | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| 🚘 Private Transfers | ¥300–500 | 60–90 min | 24/7 |