Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Before traveling to China, meticulously plan your trip, including visa applications and currency exchange, as credit cards are not widely accepted. (2:46)
- Tip 2Carry sufficient cash when traveling in China, as credit card acceptance is limited. Consider exchanging currency before entering the country. (5:09)
- Tip 3Download Alipay and link it to your credit card for convenient mobile payments in China, overcoming the limitations of credit card usage. (7:07)
- Tip 4Be aware that many Western apps are blocked in China. Use a VPN or a local eSIM to access these apps while traveling. (8:22)
- Tip 5Apple Maps is a reliable alternative to Google Maps in China, offering better functionality and information about local services. (9:47)
- Tip 6Download Google Translate with the Chinese language pack for offline translation, crucial for communication in areas with limited English proficiency. (11:22)
- Tip 7Carry a power bank to ensure you have enough battery life for your phone, especially if you are recording videos or using navigation apps throughout the day. (12:17)
- Tip 8China has strict laws regarding drugs. Do not bring any drugs into the country, as severe penalties apply. (13:57)
- Tip 9When booking hotels in China, use platforms like Ctrip. Always confirm with the hotel beforehand that they accept foreign passports. (14:47)
Oliver Dadema shares his essential China travel tips, born from his own chaotic first experience. He emphasizes the importance of pre-trip planning, including visa requirements and securing cash, as credit cards are often unreliable. Downloading Alipay is crucial for seamless payments, and using a VPN or local eSIM is recommended for accessing blocked Western apps. Oliver also highlights the usefulness of Apple Maps and Google Translate for navigation and communication. He underscores the necessity of a power bank for extended recording and stresses the importance of respecting China's strict drug laws. Finally, he advises checking hotel policies on foreign passports before booking.
Next travel video: ( 22 / 41 )
More about the current video:( 21 / 41 )

This video by Oliver Dadema offers ten crucial tips for travelers heading to China in 2024, based on his own experiences. His initial arrival in Shenzhen was far from smooth; he missed his train due to underestimating the customs and security process. This highlights the first key tip: meticulous trip preparation. He emphasizes the need to check visa requirements and exchange currency beforehand, as credit cards are often not accepted.
Oliver's second tip involves downloading Alipay, a mobile payment app that links to credit cards, solving the cash-only issue he encountered. He also advises on navigating China's restrictions on Western apps like Instagram and WhatsApp, recommending VPNs or local eSIMs. Apple Maps emerges as a surprisingly effective alternative to Google Maps within China.
Further tips include using Google Translate for offline translation, bringing a power bank to avoid battery issues, and strictly adhering to China's zero-tolerance drug policy. Booking hotels through platforms like Ctrip and verifying passport acceptance is also highlighted. The video concludes with Oliver's positive impression of China, encouraging viewers to explore its beauty and culture. He invites viewers to share their own experiences and suggestions.
Throughout the video, Oliver's personal anecdotes and struggles add a layer of authenticity, making the tips feel relatable and practical. His humorous narration and candid reactions make for an engaging watch, transforming potential travel pitfalls into valuable learning experiences. He concludes by recommending his other China-related videos and inviting viewers to share their experiences.