Travel Guides & Tips in this video
Tom and Lay describe five essential preparations from their two-week trip to China. First, they recommend both an eSIM for international access and a Chinese SIM for local apps and services. Second, they suggest carrying some cash for transactions where digital payment may not work. Third, they advise using a translator app because English is not widely spoken. Fourth, they recommend WeChat and Alipay, which serve daily purposes beyond payments, including opening menus. Fifth, they use Trip.com to book flights, trains, accommodation and attractions, and value its information, photos and reviews. Their recommendations come from the issues they encountered during their own visit and are intended for people planning a first trip to China.
More about the current video:(Published on 2025-03-25)
Staying connected and communicating
Tom and Lay share practical preparations from their recent two-week trip in China. They call out five essentials they would want ready before traveling, based on what they needed during the visit. Their suggestions cover internet access, payments, language, navigation and bookings, so travelers can plan both daily errands and longer trips. They recommend having both an eSIM and a Chinese SIM card: the eSIM supports international access, while the Chinese SIM is useful for local apps and services. They suggest that one traveler can obtain each type so the group has both kinds of access.
Although the country is largely cashless, they advise carrying some cash for smaller cities or situations where digital payments may not be accepted. In their experience, around 50 dollars was enough cash for a two-week trip. They also recommend a translator app because English is not widely spoken. They used Apple Translate and found it useful for communicating with local people.
Apps for daily life and bookings
Tom and Lay say both WeChat and Alipay are useful. WeChat is not only for payments; it can also be used to access menus and other services. Their list includes Apple Maps for detailed navigation, especially in large metro stations. The app can show specific entrances and exits, which they found helpful when navigating transit.
For planning and reservations, they recommend Trip.com for flights, trains, accommodation and attractions. They found its interface easy to use and valued the information, photos and reviews. They also mention being able to book train tickets with passports. Their advice comes from the practical issues they encountered during their own trip: connectivity, payment options, communication, transit navigation and making reservations.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What is a good way to stay connected in China?
- A: Tom and Lay recommend getting both an eSIM and a Chinese SIM. The eSIM helps with international apps and access, while the Chinese SIM is useful for local apps and services such as food delivery.
- Q: Should travelers bring cash?
- A: They suggest carrying some cash for smaller cities or cases where digital payments are not accepted. They say around 50 dollars was enough for their two-week trip.
- Q: Which translator app did they use?
- A: They used Apple Translate and found it useful and accurate. They recommend a translator app because English is not widely spoken.
- Q: Which payment apps do they recommend?
- A: They recommend having both WeChat and Alipay. WeChat is used for services beyond payments, including opening menus, and Alipay is also useful for payments.
- Q: How did they navigate in China?
- A: They used Apple Maps for detailed directions, including specific metro entrances and exits. They found that detail helpful when navigating transit.
- Q: What app did they use for bookings?
- A: They recommend Trip.com for flights, trains, hotels and attractions, all in one place. They found the service easy to use and available in English, and mention real photos and many reviews as useful when comparing options.