Culture, food & safety
China is a very safe place to travel. Most problems visitors have come from small habits and a handful of well-known tourist traps.
A little preparation goes a long way. Save your bookings and your hotel’s Chinese address before departure.
Keep these close
Help is one call away
Mainland China numbers. Ask someone nearby to help explain your location in Chinese.
A few words go a long way
Your pocket phrasebook
谢谢
xiè xie · Thank you
不要辣
bú yào là · Not spicy, please
买单
mǎi dān · The bill, please
请带我去这个地址
qǐng dài wǒ qù zhè ge dì zhǐ · Please take me to this address
Everyday etiquette
- Tipping is generally not expected in everyday restaurants, taxis, or shops.
- Hand your passport, card or business card with both hands — it reads as polite.
- Queues are normal at stations and attractions, less so at lift doors.
- Loud phone calls and sharing dishes at the table are completely normal. Sticking chopsticks upright in rice is not.
- Ask before photographing people, police, or military sites.
Eating out
- Many restaurants order by scanning a QR code at the table. Ask staff for a paper menu if the app is Chinese only.
- Point at a photo, or use your camera translator — nobody will mind.
- Drink boiled or bottled water rather than untreated tap water. Ask whether tea is complimentary before ordering.
- Useful words: 不要辣 (bú yào là) = not spicy; 买单 (mǎi dān) = the bill; 谢谢 (xiè xie) = thank you.
A little extra confidence
Everyday questions
How do I explain a food allergy?
Carry a written Chinese allergy card with the exact ingredients you must avoid. Show it to staff and confirm cross-contamination risks; a translation app alone is not a guarantee.
Should I keep my passport with me?
Keep your original passport accessible for transport, accommodation, and identity checks, and carry a separate digital copy. A copy may not replace the original.
What should I do if I feel unwell?
Contact your travel insurer for an appropriate clinic, and call 120 for emergencies. Bring your passport and insurance details; some clinics require payment upfront.
Common scams
- Tea house or art gallery invitation from a friendly English-speaking stranger, ending in a huge bill.
- Tickets sold outside major attractions such as the Great Wall — always buy through the official app or gate.
- Unlicensed drivers at airports and stations offering a flat fare.
Emergencies and health
- Police 110 · Ambulance 120 · Fire 119. Ask a nearby person to speak for you if language is a problem.
- Pharmacies are everywhere and staff can often read the name of a medicine you show them.
- Bring travel insurance that covers hospital treatment; international clinics in big cities expect payment up front.
- Carry your passport with you: hotels, trains and some attractions check it.
Information only, not legal advice. Entry rules, prices, app access, and features can change. Confirm details with the official provider before you travel.
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