How to Use Mobile Payment in China as a Foreigner — Alipay, WeChat Pay and Cash Options
Step-by-step guide for foreign travelers to set up Alipay and WeChat Pay, link an international Visa or Mastercard, and know when cash is still needed in China.
first-time-visitor (2/4)
63 total posts
How to Access the Internet in China as a Foreigner — VPN, Apps and What Actually Works in 2026
Practical guide for foreign travelers on how to stay connected in China: install a VPN before arrival, choose a travel eSIM or local SIM card, and which apps work without a VPN.
Should I Stay in Shenzhen or Hong Kong When Visiting Hong Kong?
Compare the real costs and time tradeoffs of staying in Shenzhen vs Hong Kong for your trip, including accommodation, daily transport, and commute times.
Beijing vs Shanghai for First-Time Visitors - Which City Should You Choose?
A practical comparison of Beijing and Shanghai for first-time China visitors, covering history, attractions, food, and how to decide which city fits your travel style.
Vegan and Vegetarian Food in China for Foreign Travelers - A Practical Survival Guide
A practical guide for vegan and vegetarian foreign travelers visiting China, covering essential Chinese phrases, Buddhist vegetarian restaurants, city-by-city tips, and common pitfalls.
Why Chinese Apps Have So Many Ads and How to Survive Them as a Foreigner
A practical guide for foreign visitors on why Chinese mobile apps layer aggressive pop-up ads and how to navigate the ad maze with proven tactics.
What Legal and Social Rules Must Foreigners Follow in China?
Learn what laws and social rules can get foreigners into serious trouble in China, from visa issues and drug laws to police interactions and public conduct.
How to Get a Mainland China Phone Number as a Foreign Traveler (or Work Around Needing One)
A mainland China phone number is required for maps, payment apps, queue systems, and store purchases. Here is how to get one and what to do if you cannot.
Can You Travel in China Without Speaking Chinese? What Foreign Tourists Need to Know
The short answer is yes, but preparation determines everything. Learn what apps, maps, and tools you need before arrival, and why some travelers succeed while others struggle in China without knowing Chinese.
Best Places to Visit in China: Top Destinations for First-Time Travelers
A practical guide to China's most worthwhile destinations for first-time visitors, covering top attractions across 14 provinces and how to plan your route by geographic cluster.
Is China Worth Visiting? An Honest Assessment for Foreign Travelers
China can be worth visiting for specific travelers, but foreign visitors should know what to expect. This guide covers realistic expectations, common tourism problems, and practical strategies for a better trip.
Are Chinese People Friendly to Foreign Tourists? What First-Time Visitors Actually Experience
One of the top concerns for first-time travelers is whether locals will be welcoming. This guide explains what social interactions in China are really like — the genuine helpfulness, the no-tipping norm, and how to handle being stared at in smaller towns.
Is China Dirty? What Foreign Tourists Really Discover About Cleanliness in China
Most foreign visitors arrive expecting dirty streets but leave surprised by how clean Chinese cities actually are. This article explains what first-time visitors really find about street cleanliness, public parks, and construction site standards across China.
What Practical Challenges Do Foreign Tourists Face in China? Squat Toilets, Digital Payments, and Culture Shock
This guide honestly explains the real difficulties foreign tourists face in China — squat toilets, digital payment barriers, smoking in public, and being stared at — and how to prepare so none of them ruin your trip.
How to Pay, Navigate, and Survive in China With Just Your Phone as a Foreign Visitor
A practical guide to China's mobile-payment ecosystem for foreign travelers: how to set up WeChat Pay and Alipay before arrival, what the phone replaces in daily life, and what to do when things go wrong.
What Do Chinese People Eat for Breakfast? A Regional Guide for First-Time Visitors
A practical guide to Chinese breakfast foods across different regions, from northern wheat-based dishes to southern rice noodles, and how a foreign traveler can navigate the variety without getting lost.
Why Chinese Residential Neighborhoods Have Everything You Need Within a 5-Minute Walk
What makes everyday life in a Chinese residential neighborhood so convenient compared to Western suburbs, and what a foreign visitor can actually find within walking distance.
Xiamen vs Quanzhou vs Fuzhou: Which Fujian City Should You Visit During China's Golden Week?
A practical comparison of Xiamen, Quanzhou, and Fuzhou to help foreign travelers decide which Fujian city fits their travel style during the October National Day holiday — covering scenery, food, culture, and logistics.
Why Cash Is Actually the Biggest Payment Problem for Foreigners in China
Bringing RMB cash does not solve the payment problem for foreign visitors in China. Many small shops, taxis, and street vendors cannot make change for larger bills, forcing travelers to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay for daily transactions.
How to Actually Pay for Things in China as a Foreigner: The Real Survival Guide
A realistic guide to payment methods in China for foreign visitors. Covers Alipay Tour Pass setup, WeChat Pay as backup, why Visa and Google Pay do not work, and how much cash to bring in small denominations.