Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Obtain a visa in advance, it's a process. Consider the 144-hour transit visa if your trip is short. (1:06)
- Tip 2Set up WeChat and Alipay before arriving in China to easily make cashless payments. You will need a local phone number. (2:26)
- Tip 3Purchase an eSIM for convenient and affordable data access. AO is recommended, as it negates the need for a VPN. (3:07)
- Tip 4Book train tickets at least two weeks in advance through Trip.com, as tickets sell out quickly. (4:39)
- Tip 5Book your accommodation through Trip.com for a wider selection and more reviews than other platforms. (5:29)
- Tip 6Download a VPN before you go to China, as many VPNs don't work there. Let's VPN is suggested. (6:06)
- Tip 7Download a translation app like Google Translate, as English isn't widely spoken. (7:28)
- Tip 8Use Apple Maps for navigation, as Google Maps is largely unavailable in China. (8:07)
- Tip 9Use Didi (China's version of Uber) or public transport. Use Trip.com to copy and paste addresses into Didi. (9:01)
- Tip 10Be aware that finding food that caters to dietary restrictions or allergies can be challenging, especially outside major cities. (10:15)
- Tip 11Dress modestly, as it's considered respectful and helps you blend in better. (11:33)
- Tip 12Many toilets in China are squat toilets, so be prepared. Regular toilets are usually available in hotels, malls, and restaurants. (12:41)
- Tip 13Booking tickets for major attractions can be complicated. You often need WeChat, and it's all in Chinese. Ask a local for help if needed. (13:58)
- Tip 14China is generally safe, even for solo female travelers. Take normal precautions against theft and scams. (16:07)
Before you travel to China, ensure you have a visa (unless exempt), WeChat and Alipay set up, and a reliable eSIM like AO for data access. Book train and accommodation tickets well in advance via Trip.com, download a VPN that works in China (Let's VPN is suggested), and have a good translation app. Apple Maps is recommended for navigation, and using Didi (like Uber) and public transport is efficient. Be mindful of food restrictions and dress modestly. Most toilets are squat-style, and booking popular attractions' tickets requires WeChat, which can be challenging. Alina Mcleod shares these invaluable tips from her month-long journey, emphasizing safety and cultural sensitivity.
More about the current video:( 14 / 14 )
This video by Alina Mcleod provides a comprehensive guide for first-time visitors to China, highlighting essential pre-trip preparations and cultural insights. Alina emphasizes the importance of obtaining a visa well in advance, a process she describes as taking almost a week. She stresses the necessity of setting up WeChat and Alipay for cashless transactions, recommending the setup be done before arrival. Alina strongly advocates for purchasing an eSIM from AO, a sponsor of the video, for convenient and affordable data access, especially given the restrictions on popular apps like Facebook and YouTube. She also advises booking train tickets and accommodations through Trip.com, highlighting its superior selection and user-friendly interface compared to other platforms. Alina shares her experience with VPNs in China, recommending Let's VPN as one that worked reliably for her, unlike Surfshark. She also advises downloading a reliable translation app like Google Translate. Navigation is addressed, with Alina recommending Apple Maps over Google Maps due to the latter's limited functionality in China. She suggests using Didi, China's version of Uber, and public transportation, offering practical tips for using these services effectively. Alina also offers advice on navigating food restrictions and cultural norms regarding clothing. She points out that squat toilets are common, and booking tickets for major attractions often requires using WeChat, which can be challenging for non-Chinese speakers. Despite these challenges, Alina emphasizes that China is a safe country, sharing her positive experience as a solo female traveler. The video concludes with Alina's personal observations and recommendations, offering a balanced perspective on the joys and challenges of exploring China.
