What Google & ChatGPT Don’t Tell You
First time in China? We’ve got you covered. From apps to etiquette, here's what travelers like you wish
they knew — shared by Chinese who grow up there.
📱Digital China: Your Phone
is as important as your life
- Install WeChat, Alipay, and Amap (Gaode) before you go
- Internet is controlled: Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, ChatGPT are blocked
- VPN is optional but not always reliable (and illegal for locals)
- You can pay with foreign cards in Alipay/WeChat — but set it up before you arrive
🈚Language & Communication
- Most people are not able to have a conversational level of English, especially in 2nd-tier
cities
- DeepSeek can be very helpful to understand anything
- Restaurant menus often don’t have English or photos — ask us for food cheat sheets
🧍Etiquette & Cultural Norms
- Locals may speak directly or seem impatient — don’t take it personally
- No tipping expected — but small thank yous (XieXie) go a long way
- Toilets may not have paper — carry tissues and hand sanitizer
- Squat toilets are expected — exercise your leg muscles before the trip!
🍜Food & Eating Out
- Vegan/vegetarian options exist but must be explicitly requested
- Street food is safe in most major cities — trust the lines
- Local flavors can be spicy, oily, or sour — we can help customize food stops for your taste
🚇Getting Around
- Public transit is fast but requires exact app usage
- Booking trains/tickets can be tricky — we show you step by step
- Avoid illegal taxis — use Didi or apps we recommend
- Be cautious of common scams or tourist traps — we’ll point out what to avoid and where to go
instead
🧳Things We Wish You Knew
- Chinese people are kind but not used to foreign travelers in smaller towns
- Do everything faster and prepared — China is a fast-paced society
- You might feel lost at times — and that’s okay. You’ll never be alone with us