**Q: Do I need a visa to visit China?** **A:** Yes, most foreign nationals require a visa applied for in advance, though China has recently expanded visa-free entry for certain countries (up to 15 days) and offers 72/144-hour transit visas for many cities.
**Q: What is the official currency?** **A:** The Renminbi (RMB), and the base unit is the Yuan (CNY).
**Q: Do I need cash in China?** **A:** While cash is legal tender, almost all transactions are done via mobile payment apps (WeChat Pay and Alipay). Tourists can now link foreign credit cards to these apps.
**Q: Will my internet apps work in China?** **A:** Due to the "Great Firewall," services like Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Western news sites are blocked. A VPN is required to access them.
**Q: Is it safe to drink the tap water?** **A:** No, tap water should be boiled before drinking, or you should rely on bottled/filtered water.
**Q: What language is spoken?** **A:** Standard Mandarin (Putonghua) is the official language. English is somewhat understood in major cities among younger people, but a translation app is highly recommended.
**Q: When is the best time to visit?** **A:** Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the best weather. Avoid the first week of October (National Day) and Chinese New Year, as domestic travel is overwhelmingly busy.
**Q: Should I tip at restaurants or hotels?** **A:** Tipping is not customary in China and can sometimes cause confusion. Exceptional hotel service might accept tips, but it is never expected.
**Q: What kind of power outlets are used?** **A:** China mainly uses Type A (two flat pins), Type C (two round pins), and Type I (three flat pins in a V shape). Voltage is 220V.
**Q: How do I get around between cities?** **A:** The high-speed rail (bullet train) is incredibly efficient, punctual, and comfortable. Domestic flights are also plentiful.
**Q: Are international credit cards widely accepted?** **A:** Outside of major international hotels and high-end stores, Visa/Mastercard are rarely accepted directly. Link them to Alipay or WeChat Pay instead.
**Q: Where is the best place to see pandas?** **A:** Chengdu, in Sichuan province, is the panda capital of the world, home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
**Q: Do I need vaccinations before traveling?** **A:** Routine vaccines are recommended. Consult a travel clinic regarding Hepatitis A/B and Typhoid, depending on where you are traveling in the country.
**Q: Is haggling acceptable?** **A:** Haggling is expected in tourist markets and independent street stalls, but not in department stores, supermarkets, or restaurants.
**Q: Can I use ride-hailing apps?** **A:** Yes, DiDi is the main ride-hailing app (Uber does not operate here). DiDi has an English interface and can be linked to foreign credit cards.
**Q: How is the air quality?** **A:** It varies by region and season. It has improved vastly, but checking a local AQI (Air Quality Index) app is useful, especially in winter in the north.
**Q: Are public toilets widely available?** **A:** Yes, public toilets are common and free, but mostly feature squat toilets. Always carry your own tissues/toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
**Q: Is China safe for solo female travelers?** **A:** Yes, violent crime is very low and street harassment is rare. Standard urban safety precautions apply.
**Q: How should I greet people?** **A:** A nod and a smile, or a polite handshake, is standard. Bowing is not a Chinese custom (it is Japanese/Korean). Use "Nǐ hǎo" (Hello).
**Q: Can I rent a car in China?** **A:** Tourists cannot rent a car with an International Driving Permit. You must obtain a temporary Chinese driver's license. Public transit is a much better option.