China essentials

1. 01
   Keep records offline

   Save secure copies of your passport, entry permission, insurance, itinerary, hotel details and local contacts. Keep one copy separate from the originals.

2. 02
   Arrange insurance and medication

   Insurance should include medical treatment and evacuation. Bring enough prescription medicine in its original labeled packaging, with a copy of the prescription. Ask in advance about controlled or injectable medication.

3. 03
   Know the time difference

   China uses one time zone (UTC+8) with no daylight saving. It is generally 12 to 16 hours ahead of the continental United States, and 5 to 8 hours ahead of most of Europe, depending on the season.

1. 01
   Download and register

   Use your regular number with the correct country code. Complete identity verification if prompted; the name should match your passport and card.

2. 02
   Link at least one card

   In Alipay, use Bank Cards. In WeChat, use Me > Services > Wallet > Cards. If practical, add cards from two networks or issuers.

3. 03
   Know the two payment methods

   Show your payment QR code for the merchant to scan, or scan the merchant's QR code and confirm the amount. Exchange rates and fees depend on the platform and card issuer.

1. Carry some RMB cash

   In smaller denominations. Cash remains legal tender, but some businesses may have limited change.

2. Carry a physical bank card

   Keep it separate from your phone. International cards are accepted at many major hotels and larger businesses, but not everywhere. Do not rely on contactless payment alone.

3. Check with your bank

   Confirm that overseas transactions are enabled, and that the mobile number used for security codes will remain accessible while traveling.

1. Do not drink tap water

   Choose factory-sealed bottled water or properly boiled water; hotels normally provide it. Travelers with sensitive stomachs may also prefer bottled water for brushing teeth.

2. Explain dietary needs clearly

   Share allergies and dietary restrictions before travel. For a severe allergy, carry the prescribed emergency medication and a translated allergy card; preparation methods and the risk of cross-contact may differ from home.

3. Pace the first days

   Long flights, jet lag, walking and changes in climate can be tiring. Hydrate, wear supportive shoes and tell your guide early if you feel unwell rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.

Altitude illness can affect anyone above about 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), regardless of age or fitness. This matters on itineraries that include Shangri-La, Tibet or parts of western Sichuan.

1. Watch for early symptoms

   Headache together with unusual fatigue, dizziness, nausea, poor appetite or disturbed sleep can indicate acute mountain sickness.

2. Reduce the risk

   Ascend gradually where possible, keep activity light at first, stay normally hydrated, and avoid heavy alcohol or sedatives during the initial days at altitude. Physical fitness does not prevent altitude illness.

3. Do not ascend with symptoms

   Tell your guide immediately and remain at the same altitude until fully recovered. If symptoms worsen, descent and medical assessment may be necessary. Seek medical advice before travel if you have heart or lung disease, are pregnant, or are considering preventive medication.

1. Tipping

   Tipping is not expected in everyday situations. Guidance for private guides and drivers is itinerary-specific and will be provided separately.

2. Public facilities

   Western-style toilets are common in hotels and major visitor sites, while squat toilets may still appear elsewhere. Toilet paper may be outside the cubicle or unavailable, so carry tissues and hand sanitiser.

3. If you need help

   Contact your guide or local travel team first for practical issues or changes. Save the 24-hour contact supplied with your itinerary.