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● 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! There are several items you must pay attention to when travelling in 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 for a stay of in China. Note: You must have a passport validity of at least six months! 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. 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 ! Sign up now for 50% + 6% off with promo code ‘ , 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)! 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 and . 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: You can do the following: OR You can OR 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: For static QR codes, enter the payment amount in Chinese Yuan or Renminbi (RMB) and tap “Confirm.” The payment amount in SGD will appear. Verify the payment amount and tap “Continue.” Tap “Pay” to complete the transaction. 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: 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 , which you can easily get off such as Shopee, Lazada, and more. To name a few that are best for Asia: Airalo, Alosim, ByteSIM, Maya mobile & Xplori Rather than buying a SIM card with a specific 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. 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 to access services like Google, Facebook, and Twitter. Download and set up your VPN before arriving in China, as VPN websites are also blocked. Digital tools can significantly enhance your travel experience in China. Here are some must-have apps: For more details, you can refer to this : 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. 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. 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. 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: 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 (because why not?), including high-speed trains and express buses that may take me through different cities. 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.