旅游汉语

This is a courseware that will prepare you for your language skills while traveling in China. You might need it during your trip.

Also, I invited my British student Nick to write down some suggestions for you if this is your first time to China.

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Visiting China requires a couple of steps more than going to some other countries. However, the effort is worth it – you will never find a more friendly and hospitable welcome, and you will likely enjoy the adventure of a lifetime when you get there.

While things are actually easier than they seem on paper, it is quite important to do them in order and check them off your list as you go.

These are the steps:

THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO:

1.     Book your hotels and flights.

·       You will need flights in and out and a hotel before you apply for a visa.

·       Don’t worry too much. The hotel reservations can be changed once you have a visa, so you can change your plans later if you need to.

2.     Apply for your visa

·       Once you have your flights and hotel, you can apply for your visa. You can do this online, including uploading your photo.

·       However, you will probably need to go in person to a Chinese visa service centre in your country to finish the application and pay the visa fee.

·       You may also need to go back a few days later to pick up the visa.

·       You should check with the visa service centre when best to apply, but you should do so weeks to a couple of months before you go – don’t leave it to the last minute.

3.     Set up WeChat and Alipay accounts

You will really need at least one of these to pay for things and get transport in China (rent bikes, take the metro, call taxis or get a train). Cash is almost never used.

·       You can download the apps from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. For WeChat, you will need someone with a WeChat account already to help you register.

·       In my experience, Alipay (支付宝) is more user friendly and has very responsive customer service. However, ideally, you should have both.

4.     Load bank cards onto WeChat and Alipay

Once you have set up accounts on WeChat and Alipay, you should add bank or credit cards to them.

·       When you pay for things, you scan a QR code or the shop scans your code and the money will be debited from your bank card.

·       Visa or Mastercard should be okay. There are YouTube videos on how to do this and it really is very simple.

Don’t forget to verify your identity on the payment apps!!! 

You will need to scan your passport and do a facial recognition check. Sometimes, the facial check can only be done once you are in China. Once this is done you should be good to go.

5.     Get a SIM card

This is very important. You need your phone for lots of things, including payment and public transport. You will also need it for keeping in touch of course.

·       It is a good idea to check with your phone carrier whether they can provide you with service in China.

·       Alternatively, you will need to buy a SIM card or eSIM.

·       You can purchase a SIM once you are in China – I believe most airports have places to buy them. You can also buy one in your home country. You may not need phone calls and messages but you will need data.

6.     Get a VPN!!!

It is super-important that you get a VPN service and install the apps on your phone and any computers or tablets BEFORE you leave for China!

·       China places certain restrictions on internet use, including Google services. Without a VPN, you may find it quite difficult to access the things you use on your phone and computer every day.

·       Some VPNs work better than others. ExpressVPN has worked well for me. Do some research and make sure to choose a China-friendly VPN.

TIP: When you are using Alipay or WeChat pay, make sure the VPN is off.

Now you have your bookings, visa, payment methods and VPN, you are ready to go and fall in love with China.

THINGS YOU SHOULD DO:

You don’t have to do these things but they will make life easier.

1.     Tell your bank you are going

Don’t forget to call or drop into your bank and let them know that you will be in China and your arrival and departure dates. There is nothing more annoying than having your cards blocked for potential fraud and being unable to contact the bank easily.

2.     Think about health insurance and ask your doctor about vaccinations

China does not have a national health service that will cover foreigners if they become ill, so it would be a very good idea to talk to a travel agent about health insurance for your trip.

Depending on where you are going in China and where you are from, you may need vaccinations. Hepatitis B and C are commonly needed, though not compulsory. Check with a doctor or travel clinic.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

When you arrive in China, there are just a couple of things you need to do at the airport and then you will have the world at your feet!

1.   Fingerprints

As you leave the plane, you will go to a security check area and the first thing you need to do is stop at the automatic machines and scan your fingerprints by putting your fingers on a screen.

2.   Entry form

Once you’ve scanned your prints, you go to a desk next to the fingerprint machines and fill in a short form asking your name, the names of anyone in China who invited you, where you are staying and when you are leaving.

Once you have completed those very brief steps, you can go through passport control, pick up your bags, and start enjoying your adventure!

NOTE ON PASSPORTS!!!!

You should make sure to keep your passport on you at all times. You need to show your passport in lots of situations, such as checking into a hotel or getting on a high-speed train or domestic flight. It is your principal form of ID, so best keep it on your person in case you need it.