It’s travel season!
You’re planning a trip to China for your next big adventure. Still, between The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, and the vast natural landscapes, it’s the unfamiliar payment systems, visas, and travel apps you’re not sure where to start with planning.
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
Check out below if you’re visiting China soon!
TL;DR: Travel Guide for Travelling from Singapore to China
- How do you plan a trip to China?
- How to stay connected in China?
- Essential apps to download in China
- Travel restrictions in China
- Top China destinations and travel guide by month
- How to make the most of your time in China
How to Plan a Trip to China?
There are several items you must pay attention to when travelling in China.
Visa Requirements for Travelling to China
In the past, you were required to apply for a visa for stays that lasted longer than 15 days in China.
However, from 9 February 2024, if you hold a Singapore passport, you will be exempted from visa requirements for a stay of up to 30 days in China.
Note: You must have a passport validity of at least six months!
What if You Want to Stay Longer?
You can apply for a visa extension if you want to stay longer than 30 days in China.
To file for an extension, bring your passport, visa, application form, and proof of a return ticket or ongoing travel to the local Public Security Bureau.
With some advance planning, obtaining a Chinese visa and enjoying an amazing trip to this culturally rich destination can be smooth.
Travel Insurance in China
Travel insurance is a must in emergencies—Check if yours covers China. If not, purchase a policy that includes emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
If you’re looking for comprehensive travel insurance with complimentary coverage for children and COVID-19, consider Seedly Travel Insurance!
Sign up now for 50% + 6% off with promo code ‘Vacay6′, a 3GB Airalo Travel eSIM, and up to S$50 Grab vouchers! You will also enjoy complimentary lounge access during flight delays.
Lastly, you can also stand a chance to win an Apple AirPod Max worth $813.90 (3 winners)!
Payments Methods in China
China is primarily a cashless society, so you pretty much don’t have to use cash at all. Instead, you would likely use credit/debit cards or e-wallets like Alipay and WeChat Pay.
I don’t know about you, but this seems very advanced, as everyone uses mobile payment methods, from young to old.
Here’s how you can navigate the payment landscape in China:
| Mobile Payments | The most popular payment methods are WeChat Pay (by Tencent) and Alipay (by Alibaba). Both payment apps require linking a bank account or credit card. It’s advisable to set this up in advance. |
| Credit and Debit Cards | International credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres. However, smaller vendors and rural areas might not accept them. |
| Cash | Always have some cash on hand for emergencies—you can exchange money at airports, banks, and currency exchange kiosks. |
| Multi-currency cards | Vary, but they all require linking with WeChat Pay or Alipay. |
| UnionPay | UnionPay is widely accepted across China, and using it for transactions is straightforward.
You can do the following: Use UnionPay Card for In-Store Purchases OR Use the UnionPay App for QR Code Payments |
| DBS PayLah! | PayLah! is now accepted at UnionPay QR Code-enabled merchants worldwide.
You can scan a merchant’s Union QR Code OR Generate a QR Code for the merchant to scan. |
| Apple Pay | Apple Pay is available in China and can be used with UnionPay cards. Many merchants, especially in urban areas and larger cities, accept Apple Pay.
However, to access apps in China and make purchases from the App Store, you need to change the country/region of your Apple ID to China and add a new payment method for China (such as Alipay, WeChat Pay or Union Pay bank card). Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to add a new payment method to Apple Pay: Link to Apply Pay |
| Samsung Pay | Swipe up from the Home button, regardless of whether the phone is locked or the screen is off > Ensure your phone is near the card reader > Scan your fingerprint to authenticate payment > Check to make sure payment is processed. |
| Changi Pay | Changi Pay is enabled by Alipay, and you can use it by downloading the Changi App.
Step 1: Scan Merchant QR Code Open Changi Pay and tap “Pay” in the Changi App or Changi Pay > Scan the Alipay QR code presented by the cashier (Note: Payment amount in SGD) Step 2: Enter Payment Amount For static QR codes, enter the payment amount in Chinese Yuan or Renminbi (RMB) and tap “Confirm.” > The payment amount in SGD will appear. Step 3: Complete Payment Verify the payment amount and tap “Continue.” > Tap “Pay” to complete the transaction. |
Can You Use YouTrip, Revolut, Wise and Other Multi-Currency Cards in China?
Some travellers have reported that they can connect their Wise card directly to Alipay without using the TourCard (a prepaid feature that allows you to deposit up to 10,000 RMB into your Alipay account during your stay).
Similarly, some have shared they successfully linked Revolut through Alipay’s main interface. However, users may experience network errors, especially when using a VPN to maintain a stable connection.
YouTrip is the go-to for many travellers as it enables users to add their YouTrip Mastercard to Alipay and WeChat Pay without requiring a Chinese bank account. This feature makes it exceptionally convenient for tourists to make cashless payments in China.
Check out these reviews:
How to Stay Connected in China?
SIM Cards
For hassle-free connectivity in China, get a local SIM card as soon as you land. They are available at major airports, and some prominent providers include China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom.
When travelling in China, using a local SIM card is highly recommended. They are affordable and give you data access to mapping apps, translation, and social media.
You can also consider travel eSims, which you can easily get off e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and more.
To name a few that are best for Asia: Airalo, Alosim, ByteSIM, Maya mobile & Xplori
Data Plans
Rather than buying a SIM card with a specific data allowance, you can also opt for one of the monthly plans that provides unlimited data.
Choose a plan that suits your data needs. Unlimited data plans are available and recommended for heavy internet users.
VPN
If you need to scroll through Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok during your travels, you should know that these apps are inaccessible in China.
You will need a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access services like Google, Facebook, and Twitter. Download and set up your VPN before arriving in China, as VPN websites are also blocked.
Essential Apps to Download in China
Digital tools can significantly enhance your travel experience in China. Here are some must-have apps:
- WeChat: Known locally as Weixin. This is China’s super app – messaging, social media, booking a flight, calling a ride, and payments. It’s essential for communication and transactions in China
- Alipay: Another critical app for making payments, booking tickets, and more
- Didi: The Chinese equivalent of Uber, useful for getting around cities
- Google Translate: While Google services are limited in China, the app’s offline translation feature can be incredibly helpful
- Baidu Maps: A reliable alternative to Google Maps, offering detailed navigation and public transportation routes
- Pleco: A comprehensive Chinese-English dictionary app, perfect for language support
Social Media Apps for Travel Inspiration
- Weibo: China’s main social media channel, which combines features of microblogging and social networking, allowing users to post updates, follow other users, and interact through comments, likes, and shares
- Douyin: Douyin and TikTok are essentially the same apps with different names and slight variations tailored for their respective markets. This version is exclusively for the Chinese market
- XiaoHongShu (小红书) or “Little Red Book”: A Chinese social media and e-commerce platform where users can share lifestyle content, shopping experiences, reviews, and recommendations using photos, videos, live streams, and more.
For more details, you can refer to this app guide:
Are There Any Restrictions on Travelling Within China?
Foreigners Need Permits for Some Areas
As a foreigner, certain restricted areas in China require special permits to access. These include Tibet, Xinjiang, and other border regions.
The permits often take time to obtain and usually require going through an official tour group. For most travellers sticking to major cities and provinces, permits are not needed, but if you want to venture off the beaten path, do your research ahead of time.
Check Local Regulations
Some cities and provinces may have their own rules on where foreigners can go.
For example, parts of Beijing and Shanghai require ID checks, and foreigners are not allowed to stay overnight in “villages” near Shanghai. The regulations are always changing, so check official government sites for the latest info before your trip.
Security Checks in China
Don’t be surprised if you encounter security checks, metal detectors and bag searches, especially at train stations and airports.
China closely monitors foreign visitors, and some of your personal information, like hotel check-ins, may be recorded.
Your luggage and electronics may also be searched when entering and leaving the country. As long as you have nothing to hide and cooperate fully with authorities, the security checks are usually quick and painless.
Top China Destinations
Travel Guide by Month
It goes without saying that China is HUGE. There are just too many places to go to!
But if it’s your first time travelling there, avoid these periods as they are the main national holidays, and many travellers go back to their home town: Labour Day (1 May), National Day (1 October), and Chinese New Year (Jan or Feb).
To be honest, the best time to visit depends on the region you’d like to visit and the type of holiday you’re going for. But generally, you can refer to this table:
| Region | Season | Temperature Range (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| North China (e.g., Beijing, Tianjin) | Winter | -10 to 5 |
| Spring | 5 to 20 | |
| Summer | 20 to 35 | |
| Autumn | 5 to 20 | |
| Northeast China (e.g., Harbin, Shenyang) | Winter | -20 to -5 |
| Spring | -5 to 15 | |
| Summer | 15 to 30 | |
| Autumn | 5 to 20 | |
| East China (e.g., Shanghai, Hangzhou) | Winter | 0 to 10 |
| Spring | 10 to 20 | |
| Summer | 25 to 35 | |
| Autumn | 15 to 25 | |
| South China (e.g., Guangzhou, Shenzhen) | Winter | 10 to 20 |
| Spring | 15 to 25 | |
| Summer | 25 to 35 | |
| Autumn | 20 to 30 | |
| Central China (e.g., Wuhan, Changsha) | Winter | 0 to 10 |
| Spring | 10 to 25 | |
| Summer | 25 to 35 | |
| Autumn | 15 to 25 | |
| Southwest China (e.g., Chengdu, Kunming) | Winter | 5 to 15 |
| Spring | 10 to 20 | |
| Summer | 20 to 30 | |
| Autumn | 10 to 25 | |
| Northwest China (e.g., Urumqi (Xinjiang), Xi’an) | Winter | -15 to 5 |
| Spring | 5 to 20 | |
| Summer | 20 to 35 | |
| Autumn | 5 to 20 | |
| Tibet (e.g., Lhasa) | Winter | -10 to 10 |
| Spring | 0 to 15 | |
| Summer | 10 to 25 | |
| Autumn | 0 to 15 |
How to Make the Most Out of Your Time in China?
Seasoned travellers would know that learning cultural etiquette is basic, and learning a few basic phrases can go a long way.
A few things that most people may miss would be not having a first-aid kit or vaccinations or not drinking clean water, thus risking stomach issues.
When travelling, I would familiarise myself with the local transportation options (because why not?), including high-speed trains and express buses that may take me through different cities.
Conclusion
With payment methods sorted, insurance in place, apps downloaded, and a visa in hand, you can focus on the exciting bit—exploring this fascinating country. Wherever your China adventure takes you, embrace the incredible culture, sights, and food.
And don’t forget to practice some basic Mandarin phrases – the locals will appreciate it.
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