Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Consider getting both an eSIM for international access and a Chinese SIM card for local apps and services. This ensures you have the best of both worlds. (0:25)
- Tip 2Despite China being largely cashless, it's wise to carry some cash, especially for smaller cities or situations where digital payment methods might not be accepted. (2:57)
- Tip 3Download a reliable translator app, as English isn't widely spoken. Apple Translate is a good option, ensuring smoother communication with locals. (4:54)
- Tip 4Download both WeChat and Alipay. WeChat is essential for various functions beyond payments, including accessing menus and other services. (5:35)
- Tip 5Use Apple Maps for navigation, as it provides detailed routes, including specific entrances and exits for metro stations, making transit easier. (7:02)
- Tip 6Use Trip.com for all bookings, including flights, trains, accommodations, and attractions. It offers a seamless and user-friendly experience. (8:21)
Tom & Lay share their invaluable China travel experiences, highlighting five essential pre-trip preparations to avoid common mistakes. Connectivity is key; they recommend an eSIM for international access and a Chinese SIM for local apps and services. Cash is surprisingly still needed for some transactions, despite China's cashless reputation. A translator app is a must due to limited English proficiency. WeChat and Alipay are essential for payments and various other functions. Finally, Trip.com is a game-changer for booking flights, trains, accommodations, and attractions. This video is a must-watch for first-time China travelers!
More about the current video:
This informative video by Tom & Lay, titled "5 Things You Need Before Going to China (Avoid These Mistakes!)", provides essential tips for first-time visitors to China. Based on their recent two-week trip, they highlight five crucial aspects often overlooked by travelers.
First, they emphasize the importance of connectivity. While a cashless society, having some cash is crucial, especially in smaller cities where Alipay and WeChat Pay may not always work seamlessly. Tom & Lay's experience underscores the need for both an eSIM for international apps and a Chinese SIM for local services. They suggest that one traveler obtain each for optimal coverage.
Secondly, the need for a reliable translator app is highlighted, given that English isn't widely spoken. They recommend Apple Translate for its accuracy and ease of use.
Thirdly, they stress the importance of having both WeChat and Alipay. WeChat is more than a payment app; it's integral to daily life in China, including accessing menus and making payments in many establishments.
Fourthly, they recommend using Apple Maps for detailed navigation, especially within large metro stations. Its ability to provide specific route details, including entrances and exits, proved invaluable during their travels.
Lastly, they praise Trip.com as an all-in-one app for booking flights, trains, accommodation, and attractions. Its user-friendly interface, detailed information, and extensive reviews made their travel planning significantly easier. They highlight the ease of booking train tickets using only their passports. Tom & Lay's experiences offer practical advice and insights, transforming potential travel challenges into manageable opportunities. The video is a valuable resource for anyone planning a trip to China.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What's the best way to handle connectivity in China?
- A: Get both an eSim and a Chinese SIM! The eSim is great for international apps, but the Chinese SIM is a must for using local apps and services like food delivery.
- Q: Should I bring cash to China?
- A: Yes! Even though China is cashless, you'll need cash for some smaller cities or situations where digital payments don't work. I'd say around 50 bucks is enough for a two-week trip.
- Q: What's the best translator app to use?
- A: We used Apple Translate and it worked perfectly! It's really handy, accurate, and the locals are used to it.
- Q: Which payment apps do I need?
- A: You absolutely need both WeChat and Alipay! WeChat is like the everything app in China, not just for payments. Alipay is also essential.
- Q: How can I easily navigate China?
- A: Apple Maps is amazing! It gives you super detailed routes, including which metro entrance and exit to use. It's way better than Google Maps in China.
- Q: What's the best app for booking everything?
- A: Trip.com is the best! You can book flights, trains, hotels, and even attractions all in one place. It's all in English and super easy to use. Plus, it shows you real photos and tons of reviews!