Recommendations for Traveling to China
Everything you need to know before your adventure
1. Climate: What is the weather like in China?
Due to its enormous size, China has great climatic diversity. In summer it is hot throughout the country, while in winter it is very cold, especially in the north. Three zones can be distinguished: the eastern monsoon zone (humid and semi-humid climate, where most of the arable land is found), the dry northwestern zone (approximately 30% of the territory), and the cold Qinghai-Tibet plateau zone with cold climate and mountainous areas (approximately 25% of the territory).
2. Clothing: What clothes should I bring to travel to China?
Clothing depends on the time of year and itinerary. In summer, light, comfortable cotton clothing with sun protection is recommended. In winter, destinations like Tibet have extremely freezing temperatures, while Hong Kong or Hainan allow short sleeves. Sports or semi-trekking footwear is recommended for long walking days. It is very common for people to catch colds from sudden temperature changes due to air conditioning on planes, trains and hotels, so it is advisable to bring long sleeves and pants to avoid temperature changes.
3. Currency: Should I exchange money before traveling to China?
The official currency in China is the Renminbi, whose basic unit is the Yuan. The approximate exchange rate is €1 to 7.5 RMB (fluctuating). We recommend exchanging your money preferably at the hotel or bank.
4. VISA in China: Can I use my VISA or MASTERCARD in China?
Yes, VISA and Mastercard cards can be used. However, we recommend always carrying some cash in RMB for the first day.
5. When can I exchange currency for Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, currency exchange from euros to Hong Kong Dollars can be done at the airport.
6. Tips: Should I leave tips in China?
In China it is not customary to tip restaurant waiters, but it is customary to tip guides and drivers. 25 RMB per person per day is recommended for guides and half for drivers: 10 RMB per person per day. If the tour includes a tour leader, the total amount of tips will be collected upon arrival in China. Tips also apply to hotel porters and train attendants. On private or group tours without a tour leader, travelers carry the tips and hand them over separately in different envelopes in each city.
7. Languages: What language is spoken in China?
90% of the population speaks what we know as Chinese (Han), which is Putonghua. There are multiple local dialects depending on ethnicity and region. English in China is used on a minority basis, mainly in tourist areas.
8. Time difference in China: What is the time difference in China?
China is +6 hours ahead of Spain (in the current season). Lunch and dinner in China are usually about two hours earlier than Western schedules. In the morning you should be ready and have had breakfast by about 08:00 in the hotel lobby to start the visits.
9. Meal Times in China: What time are lunch and dinner in China?
Lunch time is usually from 12:30 to 13:00. Dinner is usually from 19:00 to 20:00.
10. Chopsticks in China: Do I have to use chopsticks during my trip to China?
There is always the possibility to request Western cutlery for those who prefer it.
11. Electricity and Adapters in China: Where can I find an adapter for China?
It is not essential, as hotels allow the use of travelers' plugs. There are some sockets with different plug shapes, but they work anyway. Adapters are sold for those who want to buy them, but they are not entirely necessary.
12. Confiscated Products at Chinese Airports: What items can be confiscated at airport security in China?
Items commonly confiscated: lighters, nail clippers, scissors, sprays, shaving foam. Any liquid, cream or non-solid product carried in hand luggage will be confiscated. Electronic items with batteries must be carried in hand luggage (phones, tablets, laptops, cameras), not in checked baggage. Lately they tend to confiscate spare phone batteries without "CCC" marking, as well as products without printed technical specifications. As for food, any product considered potentially dangerous and not vacuum-packed (fresh meat, cured sausages, cheeses) is usually confiscated.
13. Shopping in China: What can I buy in China?
In street markets and stalls bargaining is possible (not in regular shops). Star products: tea, jade (beware of counterfeits), rice liquor (maximum 2 bottles per person), silk garments and dresses, decorative objects, lithographs. Technology and imitations have become much more expensive lately. Baggage weight limit: 23 kg international flight, 20 kg domestic flight. The sales culture in China is known for its enormous potential for good and bad, so we recommend plenty of patience and a positive attitude. Saying "Bu Yao, Xie xie" is enough for persistent vendors.
14. Medicine for traveling to China: Can I bring my medications to China?
It is advisable to bring frequently used medications from home, as equivalent brands such as Almax, Fortasec, Gelocatil or Ibuprofen are not easily found. For large quantities or special medications, it is advisable to bring a medical certificate in case it is requested at security checks.
15. Mobile Phone Use in China: How should I use my phone in China?
Most people disable mobile data and use only WiFi (free) to avoid bill surprises. For calls, apps like WeChat work. WhatsApp and Skype generally do not work in China (except in Hong Kong). Recommended VPN options: ULTRASURF, THUNDER VPN, VPN MASTER, VPN Express. We cannot recommend any specific program as it depends on whether you use Android or iOS.
16. WeChat: Can I use WeChat on my phone?
It is VERY IMPORTANT to have Chinese apps like WeChat downloaded and registered — and to have confirmed they work correctly — before entering China, especially for those who want to use WeChat during the trip.
17. Passport in China: Do I always have to carry my passport with me during my trip in China?
It is not necessary to carry it with you constantly (hotels are safe). Best practice: take a photo with your phone and email it to yourself so you can access it from any device. Exceptions: to visit the Forbidden City in Beijing and on days of travel by plane or train.
18. Visa in China: What documents do I need to fill out to pass through Chinese customs?
For Spanish citizens: a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months is mandatory. Due to a temporary regulation in force from 2024 until December 31, 2025, no visa is required if the stay in China is less than 30 days. On the plane you will be given a white and yellow form (entry and exit parts) that you must fill out with your personal details, hotel name, flight number, etc. You must sign it and hand it in at airport customs upon arrival. On the day of departure you will hand in the exit part. At some airports (such as Beijing International) machines have recently been introduced to speed up immigration procedures with fingerprint reading and other simple data.