Americans may be hesitant to travel to China today, but know that a visit there is totally possible when you know these things in advance.
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You Need a Visa
Tourist Visa
Americans need a visa to travel to China. At the time of this writing, you can get a 10-year multi-entry tourist visa by applying online. You will need to know which Chinese consular district you live in. Just Google “What Chinese consular district am I in?” and the AI gods will tell you. I’m in Texas, so my consular district is in Washington, D.C.
Once you select your Chinese consular district, the application will populate with all of the requirements. You will need your passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity from your application date and at least one blank visa page. You will also need to upload a recent color photo with a white background. The application also requires proof of U.S. residence, so you can upload a photo of your driver’s license or a utility bill.
You will submit the application and photos of the materials required and make your payment online. Then your application will go under preliminary review. Once you pass the preliminary review, things get a little complicated. You usually need to visit the Embassy/Consulate in your consular district. So I recommend working with a service who handles the details for you. Yes, it will be costly. But unless you live near your Chinese consular district, it’s worth it. One company who does this is CIBTvisas. Or you probably have a local company who can do this for you. In Austin, I use Austin Passport Express.
Transit Visa
China also offers transit visas that might be a good alternative. There are two versions. One allows a 240-hour (10 day) visit if you are arriving in specific places and only staying in specific regions of China. There’s also a 24-hour version if you just want to leave the airport for less than a day.
There are specific requirements for both these types of visas. First, you have to be arriving from the United States then continuing onward to a third country (i.e. U.S. to China to Singapore). Then you must apply upon arrival in China at the “Visa-Free Transit” desk at the immigration inspection point.
A word of warning – make sure to check with your airline if you plan to do this. Some airlines will not let you board a plane without a regular visa to China. And make sure that all of the areas you want to visit in China are covered on the type of transit visa you obtain.
The Internet is Restricted
You know about the Great Wall of China. But the great Firewall of China may be a surprise! Staying connected while abroad is important to all of us, so here’s what you need to do before you travel to China.
Get a VPN
China blocks many of the apps you use on a daily basis, like Google, Facebook, and Instagram. If you want to use these apps (and many more), you should install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your phone. Download one you pay for as free versions will likely be blocked in China.
While I was in China I used ExpressVPN. It can be installed on multiple devices. Make sure you download it before leaving for China or it will be blocked. Once you turn it on it will suggest different locations (like Hong Kong or Los Angeles) to select for the best service. If it seems like it is slow or having problems connecting just try a different location
Other Apps to Download
Here are some other apps you should download and set up before going to China:
- WeChat – all-in-one platform for messaging, social media, ride sharing, and payments in China (sort of like Facebook, What’sApp, PayPal, and Uber all in one)
- Alipay – for mobile and online payments
- Baidu Translate – text, voice, and image translation between Chinese and English
- Didi – rideshare in China
- MetroMan – public transportation maps, route planners, and time and fare information
- Baidu Maps (App Store | Google Play Store) – your favorite map apps won’t work well in China, so this is a good app to rely on
Be Prepared to Use Cashless Payments
You will need some local currency when you travel to China, but not very much. Small vendors will sometimes only take cash. And if you are traveling in rural areas, you almost always need cash. But it’s far more important to make sure you have a way to make online payments. The WeChat and Alipay apps discussed above are vital for making sure you can pay for things in China. Download them and set everything up before you go on your trip. And remember to always carry a portable charger. If your phone dies, so does your ability to pay for things!
Use Tools to Communicate
English is less widely spoken in China than it is other countries you may visit. The Chinese learn English in school, but the focus is typically on reading and writing. The spoken word may be beyond many people you encounter. You will have less difficulty in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai and in other major tourist areas. But don’t expect just about everyone to be able to understand you like in other countries.
Google Translate doesn’t work well in China, even with a VPN. So download the Baidu Translate app for text, voice, and image translation between Chinese and English. And learn a few phrases in Mandarin before you go.
Fortunately, most airports and train stations in China have both Chinese and English signage and will make announcements in both languages. But if you have an internal flight in China, make sure you are paying attention. If everyone sitting at the gate begins walking away – follow them! Likely the gate was changed and you didn’t hear the announcement or it was only in Chinese.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to have a printed copy of your hotel name and address written in Chinese characters. Usually you don’t just hail a taxi from the street anywhere in the world – that’s what apps are for! But you might find yourself with a dead cell phone and a need to get back to your hotel. That’s when having this physical copy of your hotel information becomes valuable! You can likely get this from your hotel website. But if not, simply use Google Translate to do it for you.
Respect the Culture
When you travel to China, make sure you understand how to be respectful of the culture. Here are some things you should know:
- Saving face – avoid contradicting or criticizing someone in person; treat people with respect; honor elders, and observe hierarchy
- Use a soft tone of voice and use indirect or limited eye contact
- If offered food or a gift, refuse once or twice before accepting
- Do not stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice
- Dress modestly
What’s your biggest apprehension about potential travel to China?
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