Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1For European passport holders, you can get a 15-day visa on arrival in China, saving you money and time on the visa process. (1:06)
- Tip 2Book train tickets online in advance to avoid queues and potential issues at the station. Links are provided in the description. (3:32)
- Tip 3Allow at least half an hour to go through all immigration and customs procedures, especially with a foreign passport. (7:23)
- Tip 4If you miss your train, there might be a significant wait for the next one, so plan accordingly and arrive early. (13:17)
- Tip 5Download Alipay before arriving in China to make payments easier, as credit cards may not be widely accepted. (15:30)
- Tip 6Set up Alipay before your trip; it's easy to use, even with a foreign phone number, and widely accepted in China. (17:38)
Oliver Dadema's journey from Hong Kong to Shenzhen by bullet train was anything but smooth. This video documents his unexpected challenges, from navigating ticketing issues to the surprisingly lengthy customs process. He shares his experiences in a humorous and engaging way, offering valuable insights for anyone planning a similar trip. Don't miss this detailed account of his first-time China experience!
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This vlog follows Oliver Dadema's journey from Hong Kong to Shenzhen via high-speed rail, a trip that proved more eventful than anticipated. The video begins with Oliver's excitement and anticipation, highlighting the ease of obtaining a visa upon arrival in China. However, his journey quickly takes an unexpected turn.
Initially, Oliver attempts to purchase his train ticket using a self-service machine, but encounters difficulties due to passport recognition issues. This leads him to the ticket counter where he successfully buys a ticket for 75 Hong Kong dollars.
The journey to the train platform is marked by multiple security checkpoints and customs procedures, which Oliver details meticulously. He even notes the interesting detail of the Chinese immigration officer speaking to him in Dutch, thanks to his passport. Despite the delays, Oliver is enthusiastic, anticipating the Chinese stamp in his passport.
Unfortunately, a significant delay at immigration causes him to miss his train. While initially frustrated, Oliver's resourceful attitude shines through as he secures a seat on the next train, albeit in first class. The unexpected upgrade doesn't dampen his spirits, and he uses the extra time to share observations about the train's amenities and his excitement about arriving in China.
Upon arrival in Shenzhen, Oliver faces further challenges. He navigates the metro system, initially hindered by the limitations of Google Maps and the lack of ATM accessibility for foreign cards. His attempt to use credit cards for the metro ticket is unsuccessful, prompting a comical search for a working ATM. Oliver's resourcefulness is tested again as he successfully downloads Alipay, a mobile payment app, and uses it to purchase his metro ticket.
The video concludes with Oliver's arrival at his hotel, reflecting on the many unexpected challenges and humorous situations he encountered during his journey. Despite the hiccups, his first experience in China is overwhelmingly positive. Oliver promises a follow-up video showcasing his hotel and further exploration of Shenzhen, leaving viewers eager to see more of his adventures.
