Mobile payments are part of everyday life in China. From restaurants and taxis to small street vendors and attractions, WeChat Pay and Alipay are used almost everywhere. Cash and international credit cards are rarely accepted, so having at least one of these apps set up is essential. Rather than choosing one app over the other, […]
WeChat and Alipay – What Travellers Need to Know Read More »
Travelling in China is generally very safe, but it does come with a few health and safety differences that can catch visitors off guard if they’re not prepared. Most of these aren’t deal breakers, they’re simply things to be aware of so you can travel confidently and make informed choices. This guide isn’t about fear
Health & Safety in China – What Travellers Need to Know Read More »
Navigating cities in China can feel confusing at first, especially if you’re relying on familiar tools like Google Maps. While Google does sometimes work with a VPN, we found it unreliable and often inaccurate when it came to directions, walking routes and transport hubs. Once we switched to Amap (also known as Gaode Maps), everything
Maps in China – What Works and What Doesn’t Read More »
When travelling through Asia, especially China, having one platform that handles flights, trains, accommodation and attractions can remove a lot of stress. Trip.com is a China-owned and operated travel booking platform, which gives it a major advantage when booking transport and accommodation within the region. During our travels, it became one of the apps we
Trip.com Review: Is It Worth Using for Travel Planning? Read More »
Travelling by train in China can feel intimidating at first, but once you understand how the system works, it quickly becomes one of the easiest and most efficient ways to get around the country. China’s high-speed rail network is modern, fast and surprisingly traveller-friendly, even if you do not speak the language. This guide covers
Travelling by Train in China: What to Expect and How to Navigate It Read More »
Chinese food is one of the most celebrated cuisines in the world, and before arriving we fully expected the food to be incredible. What surprised us most, however, was how different it was from the “Chinese food” many of us grow up with at home. Throughout our travels across China, we never once came across
Food in China: Regional Flavours, Local Specialties and Our Favourite Dishes Read More »
What to Expect and How to Adapt Respectfully Travelling through China is an incredible experience, but it can feel quite different from what many Western travellers are used to. Some of these differences caught us off guard, not because they were wrong, but because they were unfamiliar. Understanding them ahead of time makes your journey
Cultural Differences in China Read More »
Staying connected in China requires a little more planning than in many other destinations, but once you understand how things work, it becomes surprisingly straightforward. From navigating train stations and translating signs to paying for everyday items, having a reliable connection makes a huge difference. This guide focuses on what actually worked for us, including
Staying Connected in China – Mobile Data, Wi-Fi and What Actually Works Read More »
Using the internet in China can feel a little different to what many travellers are used to. Some familiar websites and apps may not load, which can be confusing if you’re not expecting it. This is where a VPN can be helpful. You don’t need to be tech-savvy or overthink it — just understand what
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What Actually Works on the Ground Paying for things in China is far simpler than many travellers expect. In fact, it’s one of the areas that surprised us the most — in a good way. China operates largely as a cashless society, and once you understand how payments work, it becomes incredibly easy to move
Money and Payments in China Read More »