Useful Tips for Traveling in China
Currency Exchange. Currency exchange rates at Chinese airports are usually unfavorable, so it’s best to exchange only a small amount (50–100 USD) to cover initial expenses like getting to your hostel and minor purchases. The best exchange rates are offered by banks, where you must present your passport. The process is thorough—your details are entered into a system, and you receive a personalized receipt. US dollars and euros are widely accepted for exchange, but Polish zlotys are not useful in China.
ATMs and Payments. Cash remains the preferred payment method in China, though larger stores often accept credit or debit cards. ATMs are common but may not always support foreign cards, so it’s wise to carry some cash.
Shopping and Cleanliness. Chinese city streets and sidewalks are impressively clean, with recycling bins placed every few dozen meters. A large workforce maintains public order, and public restrooms—often free and very clean—are available on nearly every corner. Larger restrooms sometimes have several attendants, including a “manager” overseeing cleanliness.
Chinese Cuisine and Street Food. Night markets are a paradise for food lovers. Evening stalls in city centers prepare soups, noodles, fish, seafood, and grilled delicacies on skewers right before your eyes. Adventurous eaters can try unusual items like snakes, silkworms, cockroaches, or chicken embryos—flavors that may surprise or challenge European palates. The famous Peking duck, served in thin pancakes with accompaniments, remains a popular choice. A hearty meal for two in a good restaurant typically costs around 200 RMB.
Traveling with a Local Chinese Guide. In tourist hotspots, especially Shanghai, it’s common to see mixed pairs—foreign tourists accompanied by local guides. For Chinese people, this is a chance to practice English, while foreigners gain invaluable help navigating a country where most locals don’t speak English and signs are often unintelligible.
A Good Guidebook and Map. Before your trip, it’s wise to have a guidebook with place names and attractions written in Chinese characters. Updated maps with bilingual descriptions or offline phone apps are also very useful. Without these tools, it’s easy to get lost, especially when using public transport.
Audio Guides. Usually costing around 40 RMB, these guides automatically play at designated spots. The Forbidden City offers audio guides in Polish—a rare and exceptional feature worldwide.
Transport and Prices. Public transport in China is well-organized and very affordable, with tickets costing between 1 and 4 RMB. Metro tickets are purchased from machines or counters, while bus fares are paid by dropping coins into a box near the entrance. For longer journeys, consider sleeper trains or overnight buses. Typical prices include: hostel breakfast 20–25 RMB, lunch 15–20 RMB, tea 15–20 RMB, beer in hostels 20–30 RMB, beer in local bars 4–7 RMB, haircuts in Xi’an 10 RMB. Train fares Beijing–Ping Yao: soft sleeper 250 RMB, hard sleeper 150 RMB, seat 90 RMB. High-speed trains are the most expensive.
Traveling in China is not only a journey through centuries-old history and culture but also a daily challenge with language barriers, transportation, and culinary adventures. A well-prepared guidebook, openness to new experiences, and a bit of patience will turn your trip into an unforgettable adventure.
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