How should I take money to China?
Bring a combination of credit and debit cards and cash. ATMs accepting international cards are available throughout China at the Bank of China and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. Money is dispensed in renmimbi (RMB), also known as yuan (Y). Most tourist hotels, Bank of China branches and exchange booths change cash at reasonable rates and a limited number will also change traveller's cheques. In larger cities you will be able to change most major currencies, however in rural areas USD and GPB are the most readily accepted currencies. Credit cards are not widely used in China however will be accepted at upmarket hotels and restaurants, as well as boutiques and department stores. Traveller's cheques in USD, AUD, CAD & GBP are accepted throughout major cities of China, but these are now becoming harder to cash.

How much money will I need each day for food and other expenses?
China is an inexpensive country to visit by almost any standards. Allow approximately 20 USD per person for day-to-day living, which will buy you lunch and dinner at good local restaurants (your breakfast is always included), as well as refreshments during the day. Prices in provincial areas are generally a lot lower than the cities. Transport such as taxis and bicycles are inexpensive, and should cost you no more than 3 USD per trip on average, and often much less. If you are travelling independently, you will need to factor in any entrance fees, which are generally between 1-5 USD. For meals in local restaurants, you should budget for around 11-12 USD for a 2-course meal in a local restaurant or café and approximately 20-22 USD for a 3-course meal in a comfortable mid-range Chinese restaurant. Beverages in local restaurants and cafes will cost around 2 USD for tea/coffee and soft drinks and approximately 3-4 USD for alcoholic drinks such as beer. Food and drinks in high-end and Western restaurants will cost considerably more. Clothes, jewellery and handicrafts are generally cheap, with good buys to be found throughout the country in both markets and shopping malls. Fakes are common.

Do I need to tip in China?
Tipping is not traditionally a part of Chinese culture, however is increasingly becoming a feature of the travel industry. Tipping is not generally expected in small-scale restaurants. If you are happy with the services provided by your guides and drivers, we suggest a tip of 3-5 USD per person per day for guides and 2 USD per person per day for drivers. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality.

Will I need to bargain for everything I want to buy?
Except in department stores, bargaining in markets is the norm in China. You may need to haggle quite hard in some instances but bargaining should always be good-natured - a smile and friendly attitude are a must. Saving face is an important aspect of Chinese culture – losing your temper will not get you anywhere. In some cases (particularly in tourist areas) you may be able to get a 50% discount or more, at other times this may only be 10%. It's a good idea to establish an approximate worth for a good before you start the bargaining process. In most cases you will not need to bargain for basic items such as bottled water, toiletries and food.

Health & safety

What vaccinations will I need to have?
Some of the diseases known to exist in China include hepatitis A and B, malaria, dengue, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rabies and HIV/AIDS. Consult with your local doctor or a specialist travel medical centre for up-to-date health information on vaccinations and medicine for your trip at least one month prior to departure.

Are Western toilets available?
All hotels and guesthouses are equipped with Western toilets, as are most restaurants. Squat toilets are the norm on smaller boats (Yangtze cruises feature Western facilities). On long drives, we endeavour to time stops according to acceptable and hygienic toilet facilities which will, in most cases, include a Western toilet. Toilet facilities on boats can be basic. We recommend that you carry hand sanitiser and toilet paper.

Is China a safe country?
China is relatively safe by world standards though usual common sense precautions apply. Petty theft can be a problem in tourist centres so we recommend you wear as little jewellery as possible and keep your spending money close to your body in a secure place when out on the street. We advise you take taxis rather than walk at night. Taxis are metered and inexpensive. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and credit card numbers, and a detailed record of your traveller's cheques. You should leave valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes wherever possible.

I'm travelling alone - is it safe to go out at night?
Our hotels are centrally located in safe neighbourhoods however we do advise you take taxis rather than walk alone late at night. Most hotels we use have a restaurant or can arrange a taxi to take you directly to your destination if you'd prefer. To assist in finding your way back to your hotel, make sure you obtain a hotel address card with details printed in Chinese characters, to show taxi drivers where you want to go. Many drivers cannot read or speak English.

Is China a good place to take children?
China is very child-friendly. If you are travelling with children aged 5-17, our Family Journeys, featuring a combination of fun and educational activities, might best suit your needs. Some hotels cater well to families with triple share options or adjoining rooms.

Food & water

Can I drink the water?
We advise against drinking tap water in China. Bottled water is provided on a complimentary basis by many hotels and is otherwise inexpensive and readily available.

Is there vegetarian food and Western food available?
Vegetarian dishes are available though outside major cities choices may be limited. Even vegetable dishes may have been cooked with some animal products so if you're a strict Vegetarian it's a good idea to ask about the ingredients used. Western food is available in most tourist centres, though is generally more expensive than local cuisine.

I have special dietary requirements/allergies - can these be accommodated?
It is generally possible to accommodate special dietary requirements and allergies, though it is a good idea to have someone prepare a Chinese translation of the details of your needs to show restaurant staff.

What general food and water precautions should I take?
We advise you to use bottled water, even to clean your teeth. Always wash your hands thoroughly, particularly after handling local money. Ensure meats are thoroughly cooked. It is not necessary to avoid salads and herbs out of hand but remember uncooked foods do carry a greater risk. In general, water provided in restaurants will have been boiled. Ice is generally made from filtered water that is delivered in blocks from local factories and should be safe. If in doubt as to the origin of ice, it's a good idea to ask.

Getting there and away and around

What is the flight time to China?
From Australia: Flight times range from 11 hours (Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne) to 12 Hours (Perth)
From New Zealand: 14 hours from Auckland
From UK: 10 hours from London
From USA: Flight times range from 13 hours (Los Angeles) to 14 hours (New York)

Do I need a visa for China?
To enter China you will need a passport with at least six-months validity and a tourist visa. You will need to arrange a tourist visa at your closest embassy or consulate prior to departure. China tourist visas are automatically SINGLE ENTRY unless you have specifically requested MULTIPLE ENTRY at the time of application and this is stamped into the passport. Please ensure you have a multiple entry visa if you are intending to enter China twice on other travel arrangements (Important: this includes entering China from Hong Kong). It is difficult to change the status of a tourist visa once you have arrived in China. Additional permits are required for travel to Tibet. Travel Indochina can assist with procuring these. For further details see our visa information page, speak to one of our experts or contact your local Chinese consulate or embassy.

Are the domestic flights safe and reliable?
Most domestic flights within China are with on modern Airbus or Boeing planes. Please be aware that schedules frequently change and this can result in alterations to your itinerary.

Is it safe to catch a taxi at night?
Taxis are safe and metered. To assist in finding your way back to your hotel, make sure you obtain a hotel address card with details printed in Chinese characters, to show taxi drivers where you want to go. Many drivers cannot read or speak English.

Packing

Should I take a suitcase or a backpack?
We recommend one piece of medium-sized lightweight luggage with wheels and preferably a soft cover. If you are travelling on a train during your stay, bear in mind that you will need to travel with your luggage in your compartment, where space is limited, as there is no separate baggage car. Porters are often available at extra cost (approx 1 USD for a tip) but at times you may be required to carry your own luggage.

What is the baggage allowance on domestic flights?
The baggage allowance on most domestic flights in economy class is 20kg (44 pounds) for checked luggage, plus one piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 7kg (15 pounds).

What should I pack for a holiday in China?
Please refer to the following checklist as a guide. You may need to carry your own bags at certain stages during the trip so you should be able to lift them! Laundry service is available in most hotels but can be expensive.

Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets,
Money: traveller's cheques/cash/credit card and money pouch
Day pack and/or shoulder bag that can be slung across the body for security
First aid kit
Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication), travel sickness tablets if required
Torch/flashlight
Women's sanitary products
Travel plug/international adapter
Insect repellent
A range of comfortable, quick dry, loose fitting clothes
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Swimming costume
Lightweight travel towel
Ear plugs/eye mask
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera, film and/or memory cards with spare batteries (or battery charger)
Raincoat/umbrella
Waterproof jacket
Long sleeved attire/long trousers for temples plus shoes which are easy to slip on/off
Cool weather clothing if you are travelling in winter or to high altitude areas

Will I need wet weather gear?
We do advise you bring wet weather gear however raincoats and umbrellas can easily be purchased in China.

Communications & technology

Will I be able to use my mobile phone?
Mobile phone networks cover much of the country and global roaming is available - check with your service provider before leaving home. Reception is generally good even in rural areas.

Are there many internet cafes in China?
You will find many internet cafes throughout China but speed of connection varies. Rates are very reasonable. Most hotels offer an internet service however rates are generally higher than in internet cafes. Some websites are blocked by the government and access to some mail servers (e.g. hotmail) is not always reliable.

I am travelling with my laptop - will I be able to access WiFi?
WiFi is offered in some hotels, either in-room or in certain public areas such as the lobby. Check with your travel expert for availability of WiFi at your chosen hotel/s before departure.

Responsible travel

I would like to bring some gifts for the local children - what do you suggest?
Gifts such as text books and pencils are most appropriate and best given to organisations (such as schools or clinics) rather than to individuals, as distribution through a community channel is more likely to occur equitably, and with dignity. We generally advise against giving gifts directly to children on the street, at home or in village communities. Gift giving creates inequality within communities and encourages children to start begging. Giving money (even to children who offer to act as guides) can also make children the primary income earners in their family, resulting in long-term school truancy.

What are some of the local customs I should be aware of?
Chinese culture is ancient and complex, and despite the recent influence of communism traditional beliefs and practices still affect day to day behaviour and expectations. Sticking your chopsticks into your rice and leaving them there is considered taboo, as it is similar to sticks of incense burning at a shrine or funeral. Saving face is important - try to travel with patience and a sense of humour and try to resolve any difficulties in a calm, friendly matter. In remote areas where the tourists are less common, or even in cities, you may be the subject of intense attention and staring.

For more responsible travel tips read our ‘Tread Lightly’ booklet on our Responsible travel page.

View our full list of China tours.

Return to our China travel overview page.