READY for your trip to China with these 15 Travel Tips! | 2023 edition [4K]
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- čas přidán 8. 06. 2024
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Hi world traveler! Are you preparing for your trip to China? Make sure to check these 15 tips before traveling so you're well prepared.
FAQ's regarding taxi's, VPN, data and more are discussed more in detail in my new video:
READY for your trip to China with these Travel Tips ✈️ VPN, Taxi, Hotels, Data, Cash & more | 2024
• READY for your trip to...
I made a video about how to apply for a Chinese Visa too, it's linked down below :)
• Easily Apply for a Chi...
I always recommend to at least have some data prepared before entering China. I find Airalo very handy for data usage in China. It's an app that you can download so you can buy some data for China on an e-sim before going. This way, you can always use internet, even in emergency situations where you can't find wifi or connect to any.
Note: check beforehand if your phone is compatible with an eSIM. If you have any others questions let me know :) hope you enjoyed my video!
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Also find out how to easily apply for a Chinese Visa with my new video linked down below! ❤
Hi. I don't think there would be problems using iphones in China because Apple sells more iphones in China than they sell in most countries.
10s of millions of people use their iphones in China on a daily basis.
So obviously iphones work in China.
But I'm wondering if your problems might relate to settings on your phone rather than the iphone itself.
I used astril VPN..it is easy to connect
Can you please create a video about how to pick up cute Chinese chicks?
@@ShakuniMamaKaRishtedaar tf
Helpful and direct! Thanks
You’re welcome!
Thanks for your practical info and tips
My pleasure!
Thank you for the video, it is very helpful!
Glad it was helpful and you’re welcome!
Thank you so much for the tips - you are great
You’re welcome! 😊
I would like to see a video how to plan your trip in China, including taking the train, bus, taxi, hotels, and what apps you use for the planning and purchasing tickets in advance.
czcams.com/video/8X7nfZqvLZQ/video.htmlsi=ezYLQ6szAuTKMO4b
@yxie555 czcams.com/video/8X7nfZqvLZQ/video.htmlsi=ezYLQ6szAuTKMO4b
SOPHIE!!!!! YESSSSS! More Videos please!! We Love You!
Thank you ❤️❤️ I’m working on it!!
Thanks for your information ❤, iam planning to visit in april 2nd week
Thanks girl! Heel handig voor mijn trip x
Good info
Very useful, my family is traveling soon and it's been many years so we are out of practice going to China. Thanks for the great info. Lots to prepare for!
I’m glad I could help and have fun in China! 😊
Just subscribed! Very helpful video above & the Chinese Visa video. Planning to live in Bangkok for the next 6 months to see if I want to retire in Thailand. During that time, I will take short trips to Hong Kong (my birthplace), Shenzhen & Singapore.
Thank you for subscribing and I’m glad my videos were useful to you! Bangkok is great, I’ve been there twice and I can’t wait to go back again. Enjoy your time there and in China!
Thank you. That is a very useful range of information and it is well presented.
You’re welcome!
Very useful
Thank you so much.😊❤
You’re welcome ❤️
Thanks for the tips Sophie
Of course 🫰🏼
Was the most useful video ! Thank you !
Thank you ☺️
I have 2 tips that nobody talks about. 1) Anything that will require sms verification code will not work in China or any other foreign countries. I brought my PS5 and could not log into the PS Store to buy games. So I brought the PS5 for no reason basically. I can only play the games I had stored and can't play new games.
Also, sites and anything that requires sms verification, you will not be able to log onto them because it won't recognize your phone number and the sent code never reaches your phone since you're in a different country.
2) Make sure your computer you brought, has wifi capability. My desktop computer didn't have it so it was also useless to bring. Luckily my laptop has wifi capability. BUT it's old and slow.
Thank you, this is very helpful!
You're very welcome!
Great tips, thanks so much.
You’re welcome and I’m glad I could help!
thank you for nice information 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🙏🙏
You’re welcome ❤️
Useful tips🎉❤
Glad you think so!
Will be end of May in Beijing! Can't wait and thank you for your video :))
So nice have fun!! ☺️
Thank you.
You’re welcome!
Thank you 🙏
You’re welcome 😊
Thank you for the awesome tips. I will be travelling to China soon to join an sponsored event in Shang Hai and it's my first time travelling abroad alone, so I am quite excited.
Can you expand a bit more about how you purchased a local chinese sim and also on the international roaming service?
Exciting, happy for you! So the Airalo is just an app on your phone that you can download before you start your trip. Once you downloaded it, you can choose China as the country and select a Chinese e-sim. Check beforehand if your phone is eligible for using e-sims! With this e-sim, you can only use data (it’s not for calling). You can also buy a local simcard in China, for this it’s the easiest if you to go to one of the physical stores and ask for a Chinese simcard. Most of the time it’s more like a long term simcard (monthly payment), but you can also ask around if they have temporary ones. Good luck!
use international roaming, China doesn't block oversea sim card. if you enable roaming, you don't need vpn
Hi Sophie, thank you!
You’re welcome! ☺️
Thanks a lot
You’re welcome!
Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome 😊
@guestonearth1274 czcams.com/video/8X7nfZqvLZQ/video.htmlsi=ezYLQ6szAuTKMO4b
Thanks, I’m planning to travel in China soon ❤
I’m so jealous! Have a safe trip and a great time in China ❤
@@sophiellune how can I find you on Instagram ??? I shoot travel videos.
Pls I'm going next month
Are you there already?
Pls can I get your Instagram or something so we can chat
Thank you!
Thank you
You’re welcome ☺️
That's really helpful, thank you. If you could do a video on visas that would be helpful too. Thank x
You’re welcome! Thank you for your request, I’ll make it as soon as possible for you :)
thanks, this was helpful
You’re welcome!
I am so glad that you made this video. I see and hear people go to mainland China and no one that I know really look out for me in terms of what to expect and what not works in China. Once I got there, credit cards don't work 90% of the time unless the place is a large foreign company. The lifestyle is not the same and the country is still in respect 1 foot in the future and 1 foot traditional mind in some places.
This friend, if you see comments that discriminate against foreigners on Chinese platforms, please ignore them, because they are all children who have not grown up, and are no more than 14 years old.
thank you so much sophie this week im going to china..
You’re welcome and have fun! 😊
I am going in 3 weeks alone but in a tour group, excited and nervous!!
That’s amazing, have fun! 😊
Very informative and helpful. Thanks ever so much! Love from UK,
Glad it was helpful! 😊
Awesome and helpful video, thank you. Which local mobile telecom company would you recommend for a SIM card for a USA iPhone? Thank you!
You’re welcome! There are 2 big telecom companies in China that I know, 中国移动 (China Mobile) and 中国联通 (China Unicom). I think if you get one of these two it’ll be fine :) I don’t have any experience with other telecom companies. Good luck!
Hi! Thank you for your helpful videos. I'll be travelling to China soon and want to book an apartment for 50 days on tujia. The website is only in Chinese, could you do a video of how to navigate it. Because ctrip and booking don't have as many options
Hi! Can you recommend accredited agency for visa processing? Thank you in advance for your immediate response 🙏
Thank you for the video, I’m going to Chongqing “china” next week so what’s the best transport taxi or metro?
And is there any app I can used it ?
I hope you had a good trip. I'm looking to go to Chengdu, Chonqing in November
Very helpful travel tips. Going to be in China May to June 2024.
Enjoy your trip next year!
Thank you I am flying to Shanghai via Amsterdam KLM. Plan to go to the Visa Office in Manchester. I'd like to visit Hong Kong. Weechat for messaging sounds the key to communicating whilst in China. My phone is an Android. 😊
@@sophiellune❤
@philipjohnson7090 czcams.com/video/8X7nfZqvLZQ/video.htmlsi=ezYLQ6szAuTKMO4b
Im from Quebec, Canada, which currencyy should I bring USD or CND, thanks
Great and informative video. Thank you!
One question, though. Can foreigners (UK, in this case) connect their bank cards to WeChat and Alipay?
Type "how to connect a foreign credit card to WeChat or Alipay on your CZcams search.
You’re welcome! I’m not sure so I googled it for you and got this: “Foreign visitors can now link international cards to WeChat Pay. This is truly a game-changer for tourists, particularly as apps such as PayPal, Google Pay and Apple Pay aren't used in China and paying with foreign debit or credit cards has previously proved tricky.” Hopefully it helps! 😊
@valecious7552 czcams.com/video/8X7nfZqvLZQ/video.htmlsi=ezYLQ6szAuTKMO4b
From where this all app we downloaded
谢谢
不客气 😇
Would love to learn more about the visa application process. Also how long it’s good for, how long you can stay etc 😊 thanks!
Hi! I have a separate video on this on my channel :) czcams.com/video/DT1NbEZUosw/video.html
Thank you for this! You are so cute
You are so welcome! 😊
Thanksssss 😊 Can you make about everything in China
You’re welcome! What do you mean exactly with everything in China? :)
@@sophiellune I mean how to get permanent residence or get a house in China, Job options, and more
@@amansharma1375to be honest, I have no idea 😅
@@sophiellune Its ok 😊
Good question
Hi Sophie, I will be going to China soon and I am looking for ways to have mobile data there, using a Chinese sim card doesn´t seem very appealing to me for various reasons. Did you use airalo yourself when you were there, and did it work well for you? I will mainly be needing data for if I get lost, and I need to navigate.
Great question! My intention was to have Airalo as a back up for when nothing would work and sadly that was the case with my phone.. WiFi wouldn’t work and neither did a Chinese simcard (except for calling). I ended up spending more than $300 in 3 weeks on Airalo because I didn’t know any other ways to stay connected 😅. It’s expensive but it worked really well. When my mom went to China in June this year she didn’t experience any problems at all with her Android phone.
@@sophiellune 300$!!! You must have used a ton of data! Thank you for answering quickly and elaborately! So my take a way from this is that, it was expensive, but it worked well for you and your mother? Volgens mij kom je uit Nederland als ik je accent goed inschat😀, bedankt voor de reactie!
$300 ??!! Is that USD?
What about if I have a long layover?
❤❤❤
Hii
I’m an American living in China for quite a few years now. You did a great job on your info.432
Thank you, I appreciate it!
Do you need to apply for a visa if only visiting for a few days? I read some where that If it’s less then 60 days then the pass port is fine
Hi 😊 good photo ok happy 😊
❣️👍
iPhones are no problem in China. Millions of Chinese use iPhones and there are multiple Apple stores in big cities. If you have problems, as someone for help.
Good to know, thx.
But a foreignor using am iPhone might cause some problems so be wary😅
@@momomo5023 I live here and it causes very few problems. The only issue is if you have an App Store from your home country, you might not be able to download some apps that were created just for mainland Chinese citizens.
I’ve been travelling to China for years and never had a problem using an iPhone.
I’m pretty sure Chinese people use iPhones that are modified for the Chinese market to remain compliant with the firewall. For example, I’m pretty sure you can’t iMessage a Chinese iPhone with a foreign iPhone.
your accent is unique. it doesn't sound like a Chinese accent. sounded closer to filipino...
I grew up in the Netherlands 😄
thanks for your video
I'm Italian and I'm planning a trip to China for September.
China now allows Italian citizens to enter the country for 15 days without a visa, but only with a stamp in their passport upon arrival.
what worries me a lot is the use of APPs to pay,
bus tickets and tourist sites are all paid for with an app.
Another difficult thing to plan is buying these tickets in advance,
then I have to find train tickets at the station.
China doesn't seem like an easy country. but it sure looks wonderful
Learn more about Alipay & Wechat, train & bus tickets can be bought on the Apps, and for the tourists site, if you go to where not that popular, you can just go there and scan QR code on site and buy tickets. if there's no english, just fine some young officers or local guys to help you.
Now no need visa for 15days for malaysian how good it is
Hi so nice of you please make a video about douyin how to sign up douyin from outside of china
TicTok is the oversea version of Douyin.
Thanks for being so gorgeous and so informative, Sophie. As someone traveling from New York I have a
QQ: Is there any private transportation app like Uber or something? If there is how reliable are those? What’s the main transport in the cities like Gunagzhou?
Appreciate your response in advance…
Thanks 🙏🏽
Hello! First of all, thank you 😊 I’m soon making a new updated video with China travel tips and I’m planning to discuss this in that video. For now, I know that you have taxi apps like Didi and Gaode. It’s also good to have WeChat on your phone as you can enter some apps directly from WeChat. Hope this helps you a bit for now and hopefully see you in my new video!
Great!!! Thank you so much for your kind reply… 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I’ll be looking forward to the next video then. Subscribed and notifications on 😉😉😉
I met a friend through live stream and she told me to come to china. Trying to figure out how and where? Any restrictions to China?
How fun! You need to have a Chinese Visa to enter China. My other video about this could help you out with this. Good luck 😊
Hi there! I’m planning to visit Shanghai and Suzhou sometime in June this year. But we heard that ever since covid, some attractions require tourists to prebook/indicate their intention to visit. Would like to ask what app or website this is done at? I’ve also heard that most foreigners have issues filling up the relevant website(?) due to it requiring no eg. China number etc, or not accepting foreigner passport names as well…
Hello! I’m not sure about this, but I’m actually going to Shanghai in a few days so I’ll keep you updated about this :)
Hi Sophie hope you are good. You said drugs are not allowed in China. What about sleeping medicine. Like one you get prescription from a psychiatrist.
Since google map is not used there, what app should i use to get around?
Gaode map, Baidu map, Bing map works in China
Astrill VPN would be the best they say for China 👍
I'm from Mexico is easy to get a Visa to visit China let me know thanks nice day.
Thank you for the info!
You’re welcome ❤️
Do you only need a VPN if you want to use certain apps? Is there a reason to have a VPN if you don't plan to go on social media? Can you still use your regular phone texting apps?
Good questions! You’ll only need VPN if you want to use apps in China that are blocked, for example Facebook and CZcams. If you don’t plan to use those apps it’s not necessary. Maybe check on the internet too if the apps that you want to use are available in China. Good luck :)
I think you need vpn for google search too. Otherwise u have to use the chinese search engine like baidu.
Just turning on the international data roaming will do. No need vpn. China only controls domestic Telecom connections.
Google does not work unless VPN. But Bing works.
@@wz7399 how do i turn on international data roaming or get it?
I used IPhone and Ipad in China for all my trips, never experienced any issue with WiFi connection.
Does someone know more about the 72-144 hours transit in china without visa?
You can travel
Next week I‘m going to travel to Beijing. Do you have any ideas what gift I could give to a Chinese family?
Chocolates and local handicrafts will be well received. Make sure they are well illustrated on the wrappers and whatsoever so they know exactly what you give them as a present.
how to go from pudong to downtown
HI. Im going to Shanghai China this coming Nov to attend seminar. my main concern is I want an internet connection at all times. How and any tips?
I think it would be best to 1) bring your own portable wifi which you could rent or 2) international roaming or 3)local sim card especially if your phone allows dual sim
If you are from the USA t-mobile has the GLOBAL PASS for $50 which gives you 15GB of high speed data roaming.
VPN on a laptop?
Pls can i make use of modded apps in China?
Nederlands accent gespot!
Handige tips, bedankt.
Graag gedaan!
I thought China does not recognize the International Driving Permit or other foreign driver's licenses. Only foreigners with a valid residence permit can apply for a Chinese driver's license. Tourists are therefore not allowed to drive in China. Can anyone confirm ?
中国可以用外国驾照开车，欢迎过来玩
@didyoulaughtoday czcams.com/video/8X7nfZqvLZQ/video.htmlsi=ezYLQ6szAuTKMO4b
I'm going September 6th and will get there September 8th. do you know If we have to take a covid test before we leave China? I'll be flying out of Beijing on the 15th or September. Or do I just fill out the health declaration form? I know going to China we do but just want to know about leaving China. 🇨🇳
Hi! I found this on the internet:
“Corona entry conditions
China has abolished the zero-COVID policy and associated measures.
The following rules still apply when entering:
All travelers (including minor children) must take an antigen self-test (ART test) before departure to China. The antigen self-test must not be older than 48 hours when you board the plane to China. The test result must be negative.
You must confirm the negative test result in a health declaration.”
Here’s is the link to the health declaration form as well: htdecl.chinaport.gov.cn/htdeclweb/home/pages/index/index.html
Good luck! ❤️
Start August 30,2023, no more covid test need for entering China.
and leaving
from what I read since Aug 2023, this requirement is no longer required only the health declaration @@sophiellune
Can I still pay cash in China ? Or cashless at all ? Is there any taxi (conventional) whenever we want ?
You can still pay with cash, but be aware that in some places like in the taxi, they may not have change for you because most things are paid with phone.
Where did you get that charger from?
I’m not sure where it’s exactly from anymore, but if you search for ‘world charger’ you’ll get tons of similar products. Hope this helps! :)
which vpn
is everything written in chinese characters, like train s and buses? how do you navigate those . thanks
I think it depends on the location, most of the time there are also icons that could help you navigate. If it helps you I could also make a video with some Chinese words that helps you to navigate.
Hi, can i check is there a list to check which hotels are international hotels and which hotels are only for chinese locals?
I booked my hotel via trip but wanted to confirm it is indeed an international hotel
Hello! I don’t know if there are any lists of international hotels, but last time when I was in China, I booked my hotel beforehand on booking and it was all good for foreigners. I think if the hotel is listed on foreign platforms, it should be fine. You can always chat or call them before booking so you know for sure. I hope this helps!
CATION Respect local customs and traditions.
Thanks for posting! Is it alsl true that you shouldn't take pictures in the big cities? I read that its forbidden to take pictures of some buildings and that it can be realy dangerous for you if you take pictures
Hii you’re welcome! I’m not sure tbh, maybe look it up for your specific place where you’re going? 😊
Samsung S20 don't work with many esims providers
The difficultty for foreigners visiting china is almost big cities don’t accept cash payment.
They don’t? I don’t remember when my cash got refused, also at the airports it was fine.
在中国，除非因为没有零钱而无法找零，否则都是违法的行为。
That may be the case before. But not anymore.
The Chinese government (I think a couple of years ago) specifically stated that it is illegal to not accept cash.
But there is a chance that you might not get proper change for your cash in some places.
That happened to me before. But again, that was before the govt specifically stated that shops MUST accept cash. So maybe the current situation is better now.
They do accept cash.
Do they still need a pcr test?
And if you are non asian looking (white for exemple) get prepared to be looked at A LOT especially in smaller cities. The kids are the most obvious. I heard several times « dad, a foreigner! » (weiguoren / laowai) in chinese
or a kid saying to his friend « look, a foreigner » and the friend looking at me saying « wooow » 😂
I even had to take a photo with a kid once. The dad came to me and asked me « where are you from » and then asked me to take a photo with the kid. I felt like Mickey at Disneyland but it was ok.
The thing is there is almost zero foreigner in China (I have been walking a lot and I was seeing on average 1 foreigner per day in China; most of the time white guys). For some kids it’s the first time they see a foreigner.
You really feel like an alien over there 😂
I have to say it can be tiring to be looked at all the time, I was feeling like Justin Bieber followed by paparazzis 😂
I think it’s also because many foreigners left China after covid (in Shanghai for exemple) so there is really few foreigners.
And you can see it’s really curiosity from them; not just girls were looking at me. it was really everyone kids, guys, girls, grandpas..
The culture is different. They live in a close circle. Privacy and boundary standards are less strict. That’s why they think it’s alright to stare and approach for a photo.
I had experience alike walking into diners and bars in small towns of Wyoming. The eyes would look this way for a sec. Then some of the back facing ones would turn around to look. And soon their manner pulled them back.
Curiosity is definitely a nature shared by all. 😂
Must have been tiresome. I had a similar experience in a neighboring country, and as I usually don't try to stand out, the contrast was quite uncomfortable. But also refrshing?
Haha this is what happened to me there 😂 i thought it was because of my head scarf then i saw many muslim chinese wear it too and when teenagers ask to take photos with me i understood they look because I'm different
My family had the same experience, especially my kids are half Chinese half European, they certainly got a lot of attention in China. Sometimes people take photos of my kids without asking that’s a bit annoying but overall people are kind and friendly, they go out of their way to help if you do ask for help. Can’t wait to go again next year.
for many (european) countries its visa free for 15 days for a vacation to china in 2024 .
Thanks for being so honest, example VPN you had problems with and was truthful about it.
With that said, can you or your viewer's recomend a decent practical VPN that i can use in Philippines, Thailand??
You’re welcome! I’ve been to Thailand twice before and I didn’t need any VPN to use all the social media apps. For Philippines I have no idea so help me out guys!
Hi, I will be traveling soon to China. My visa is on my expired passport. I have renewed my passport. Do I need to inform the Chinese Embassy in USA about my new Passport number? Please advise.
Yes, definitely! You need a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months to apply for a Visa and enter China. When you arrive at the customs they’ll check your passport and Visa so definitely let them know just to be sure!
No , you just need to bring your old passport along with the current one since the 10yr visa is on the expired one.
@@helenduong2259so u don’t have to apply for a new visa? What if the old passport has been hole punched or the corner is cut and the China visa is kind of damaged in the process?
Subbed alleen al voor je accent😂 volgende video reizen naar China vanuit Taiwan?
Dank je fellow Dutchie :)
Hi Sophie, heb je nog steeds een VPN nodig als je een e-sem via airalo koopt?
Hi! Ja zeker! De e-sim is voor internet en de VPN zorgt ervoor zodat je op alle apps kan die geblokkeerd zijn in China. Ik hoop dat het zo duidelijk is en als je nog vragen hebt let me know! :)
@@sophielluneYes, fhanks! En ik heb op internet gelezen dat je je ergens moet registeren als je in China aankomt, omdat je anders problemen kan krijgen als je et weggaat. Er staat dat het hotel dit soms voor je regelt. Weet jij hoe dit precies zit? Bedankt alvast !!! 🤗
can anyone recommend me some vpn to use in china
Speaking of VPN, I also had trouble with Express vpn and couldn't connect once.
Same.. I’m giving it one last try this time in China because it’s always the no. 1 recommended VPN for China.. Let’s see if it works now, hopefully things changed.
But VPN isn’t allowed right? For example can I use nord vpn?
Make sure to download the vpn on your devices before you enter the country. I don’t have experience with NordVPN so I’m not sure if this is a good option for China.
The VPN that works is Clash
mhm- Get VPN as it can be useful since China doesn't allow youtube or chrome/google/microsoft etc.
While applying for the Chinese Visa, Im pretty sur eyou can't smile and need a straight face, I had a hard time doing that while I was doing the photo- and white. background.
iPhone work fine in China using local SIM card. Use a reliable phone because self service is everywhere in China. You do everything on your phone without talking with anyone.