The Essentials: Money, Internet & transport
💳 Money & Payment (Crucial!)
China is a nearly cashless society.
- Credit cards (Visa / Mastercard) are rarely accepted directly by merchants
- Apple Pay works inconsistently
- Cash is accepted, but often inconvenient
The solution:
You must set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before leaving the US.
Action steps:
- Download Alipay
- Sign up with your US phone number
- Add your US credit card (Visa / Mastercard)
✅ Alipay now officially works for international travelers.
Cash backup:
Carry 500–1000 RMB in cash for emergencies.
Be aware: many vendors struggle to make change.
🌐 Internet & The Firewall
In China, the following are blocked:
- Google / Gmail
Option A (Easiest)
Use:
- an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly), or
- your US carrier’s international roaming (e.g. T-Mobile / Verizon)
📌 Roaming data usually bypasses the firewall automatically.
Option B (Local SIM)
- Requires passport scan at the airport
- ⚠️ Local SIMs cannot access Google or Instagram unless you install a VPN first
🚕 Transport from the Airport
Taxi (Recommended):
- Always follow signs for “Taxi”
- Go to the official taxi queue
⚠️ Warning:
Ignore anyone approaching you in the arrival hall saying “Taxi?” or “Ride?”
These are illegal drivers and will overcharge.
Ride-Hailing:
- Download DiDi — China’s Uber
- English interface available
- Accepts international credit cards
Metro:
- Clean, cheap, and efficient
- English signage everywhere
- Single-ride tickets can be bought with cash at machines
Emergency Chat
(Save this section offline)
✈️ Airport & Transport
Where is the taxi stand?
Qǐng wèn chū zū chē zài nǎ lǐ pái duì?
Please take me to this address
Qǐng sòng wǒ qù zhè gè dì zhǐ.
I don't have WeChat or Alipay.
Wǒ méi yǒu Wēi-xìn hé Zhī-fù-bǎo.
Do you accept cash?
Qǐng wèn shōu xiàn jīn ma?
Where is the subway / metro?
Dì tiě zhàn zài nǎ lǐ?
🆘 Connection & Help
I need a SIM card.
Wǒ xū yào mǎi yī zhāng diàn huà kǎ.
Is there free Wi-Fi here?
Zhè lǐ yǒu miǎn fèi Wi-Fi ma?
I don't speak Chinese.
Wǒ bù huì shuō zhōng wén.
Can you help me?
Nǐ kě yǐ bāng wǒ yí xià ma?
Where is the restroom?
Xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ?
Emergency Numbers (China)
If you are in danger or face a medical emergency, dial:
- 👮 Police (general Emergency): 110
- 🚑 Ambulance (Medical): 120
- 🔥 Fire: 119
- 🚗 Traffic Accident: 122
📌 English service may be limited.
Speak slowly and clearly.
Final Note
China can feel overwhelming only if you arrive unprepared.
Once payment, internet, and transport are solved,
everything else becomes surprisingly intuitive.
Save this guide.
Send it to your travel partner.
You’ll thank yourself at the airport.
