Guides
Guides for living and travelling
Describe what you need — or pick a topic. Each guide answers one question in full, and they can be read in any order.
First time in China?
China Setup
0 из 8
Eight things after which the country stops being a problem. Your ticks are kept in this browser.
- InternetWhat works, what doesn’t and what to download before you fly
- A SIM or an eSIMYou need a Chinese number not for calls but for registrations
- AlipayPayments, transport and taxis in one app
- MapsA local map instead of the familiar one — otherwise half the places are invisible
- TaxisHailing through an app instead of talking to the driver
- TranslationThe camera for menus and signs, a dictionary for the rest
- RegistrationThe tenant’s duty, not a hotel formality
- Emergency contacts110, 119, 120 and your consulate’s number — before you need them
Popular
Connectivity
Which maps to use instead of Google Maps
Amap, Baidu and Apple Maps: searching, routing, the right metro exit.
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Connectivity
Internet and connectivity: SIM, eSIM or roaming
Three operators, where to register against your passport and which plan to take.
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Money
Alipay for a foreigner, from scratch
Registration, passport, card, paying by QR, transport, Didi and declined cards.
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Leisure
Where to go in a Chinese city
The evening, the weekend and a programme for a visiting partner.
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Emergencies
What to do when something has happened
Passport, phone, theft, a road accident, a doctor, the police and the consulate — point by point.
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Shopping
How Chinese addresses and delivery work
Building, entrance, flat — and why the courier cannot find you.
Open the guideImportant now
Connectivity
The internet in China: what works and what does not
Which familiar services are unavailable and what to prepare before you fly.
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Transport
Can a foreigner drive in China
A foreign licence is not valid here — what you need instead.
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Housing
How to book a hotel that accepts foreigners
What to check before booking, the passport at the desk and registration on a single slip.
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Documents
Visas, registration, translation and notarisation — in order, without wasted trips.
16 guides
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