Practical Basics
The real-name system, voltage and sockets, emergency numbers, translation apps, offline backups — these are the basics that quietly matter. When everything else fails, they're what keep you unblocked.
China's day-to-day basics are different from Europe and the US — the real-name system, voltage, sockets, drinking water and toilet style all trip people up. Doing a little prep before departure avoids day-one friction.
Voltage is 220V with Type A/C/I sockets; bring a universal adapter. Check that your devices support 220V before plugging in.
Hotels, trains and attractions all require passport-based identity verification. Carry the original, not a copy.
Save 110 police, 120 ambulance and 119 fire, plus the current contact details for your country's embassy or nearest consulate in China.
Save a paper copy of your hotel address in Chinese, passport copy and insurance number, separate from the originals.
China's Real-Name System
China has a comprehensive real-name system: phones, hotels, transportation, attractions, payments and express delivery are all tied to identity. For foreigners, this means passports get checked frequently — always carry the original.
01 Hotels
At check-in, a hotel uses your passport to process accommodation registration. The passport name and number on the booking must match your document. If you stay in a private home or short-term rental, registration may need to be completed within 24 hours by either you or your host; online registration is available in some regions, while other locations may still use an in-person process.
02 Trains
Buying train tickets requires passport information, and the e-ticket is linked to your passport number and name. Bring the original passport used for booking. Use a passport-enabled gate where available, or a staffed identity-check lane if the gate cannot read it; a paper ticket is not normally required for boarding.
03 Attractions
Most A-level attractions require identity-based reservation, with the ticket bound to your passport. At entry, present the original passport for verification (some attractions also accept a foreign permanent resident ID card). The passport info on the reservation must exactly match your document — a single digit off can get you blocked. Plan reservations in advance rather than showing up at the gate.
04 Phones
Buying a Chinese SIM card requires real-name registration with a passport and a face scan at a carrier store. The phone number is bound to your passport; if you no longer use it after leaving, cancel it to avoid leftover personal data. One passport allows a limited number of phone numbers. Short-term travelers usually don't need to buy a local SIM — an eSIM is enough.
05 Payments
Alipay and WeChat Pay both require passport identity verification (photographing the passport information page + face scan) before unlocking full features. Unverified accounts have payment limits and some features restricted. Verification can take anywhere from minutes to a day, so complete it before departure.
06 Express delivery
Sending and receiving parcels in China requires real-name registration — sending requires identity verification, and receiving may require showing ID. For foreign travelers, this matters mainly for online shopping delivery and mailing things back home; use your passport for identity verification. Some courier stations may not accept foreign passports, so check the real-name requirements in advance if you plan to mail items.
Offline Backup Checklist
Phones die, networks drop, payments fail — these things happen. Preparing an offline backup lets you still find your way and contact the right people when the digital stack breaks down.
Translation Tools
English support varies, especially outside major tourist areas, so keep a translation app ready for restaurants, taxis, hotels and directions. Install at least two options and download their offline language packs.
Supports text, voice and camera translation, with a conversation mode for two-way dialogue. Download the Chinese offline pack in advance so it works with no network. Camera mode is great for translating menus and signs.
A local translation app that works without a VPN in all network environments. The translation quality for Chinese is comparable to Google's, with good support for menus and signs. A solid backup when Google Translate is unavailable.
Also supports text, voice and camera translation, with a conversation mode. Translation quality is similar to Google Translate's, and offline packs are supported. Useful as a second backup.
Long-press a Chinese message in WeChat and choose "Translate" to convert it to English. Useful for communicating with hotels, drivers or new friends over WeChat — no extra app needed.
Practical Life Info
These day-to-day details aren't hard, but they're easy to overlook. A quick read in advance helps you avoid common little frustrations.
Voltage
China's voltage is 220V / 50Hz, with Type A (two flat pins, like the US), Type C (two round pins, like Europe) and Type I (three angled pins, like Australia) sockets. Bring a universal adapter that covers all three types. Check your phone and laptop chargers support 100–240V input (almost all modern chargers do); if not, you need a transformer.
Water
Tap water is not directly drinkable in China. Drink bottled water (mineral or purified), or boil tap water and let it cool. Most hotels provide free bottled water; check whether it's complimentary. Convenience stores and supermarkets have a wide range of bottled water at low prices. Avoid ice in drinks unless you confirm it's made from purified water.
Toilets
Squat toilets are common in public facilities, while seated toilets are easier to find in airports, malls and hotels. Toilet paper is not always provided, so carry tissues as a backup. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes can also be useful.
Tipping
China doesn't have a tipping culture. Restaurants, hotels and taxis don't expect tips, and service charges are usually included in the bill. Tipping can even cause confusion or be declined. The exception is high-end international hotels and tour guides, where a small tip is acceptable. In short: no need to tip unless you really want to thank someone for exceptional service.
Hours
Malls and shops usually open 10:00–22:00; restaurants often serve 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–21:00, with some closed in the afternoon; convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) are mostly open 24 hours. Attractions usually open 8:00–17:00, with some closing one day a week (often Monday) — check the official information in advance. Banks and government offices are open on weekdays only, usually 9:00–17:00.
Power bank
If your itinerary includes a domestic flight within mainland China, check your power bank before travel. Since June 28, 2025, power banks without a clear CCC/3C mark, with an unclear mark, or belonging to a recalled model or batch are not permitted on domestic flights, regardless of passenger nationality. Overseas safety marks such as CE or UL do not replace CCC. Keep power banks in carry-on baggage: under 100Wh is generally permitted, 100–160Wh requires airline approval, and over 160Wh is prohibited. If your device lacks CCC, consider buying a compliant model from a reputable retailer in China before taking a domestic flight.
Communication Backup
The network won't always be perfect, and your phone can run out of battery. A communication backup plan lets you stay reachable and find your way when things go wrong.
Pre-Departure Checklist