Your Essential Guide to Independent Travel in China (Part 1)
Many of you have seen My traveling independently in China and asked for tips, as organized tours can be quite dull in comparison. For you all, I'm sharing the most detailed insights on how to navigate China your way. This guide will be quite lengthy, so please read it carefully. Once you grasp these points, you'll be all set for amazing adventures!
China is a country that blocks Google, Facebook, Grab, and many other popular applications. Without proper preparation, you'll find yourself without essential tools like Google Search, Google Maps, Google Translate, or Grab. Furthermore, China doesn't readily accept credit card payments (Visa, Master Card...). So, how do you "survive" these limitations?
Mobile Data
To use online apps for navigation, ride-hailing, payments, and more, a stable internet connection is absolutely crucial, right? In China, using a Hong Kong SIM card is the most convenient and cost-effective method. Vietnamese roaming SIMs are significantly more expensive, so My doesn't recommend them.
Because Hong Kong is a special administrative region, its SIM cards can still access Google, Facebook, and other applications that are otherwise restricted within mainland China. If you arrive in China and purchase a SIM from a local major carrier, it won't grant you access to Google, Facebook, or similar services.
You can buy these SIMs from vendors selling Hong Kong SIMs in Vietnam, or even through apps like Trip, which offer eSIM options. Simply pay, receive the eSIM via email, and add it to your phone. Buying through Trip is generally cheaper and offers various plans, for example, 10GB for 15 days costing around 49 yuan (approximately 180,000 VND). When you run out, you can purchase a new one. You can even try a low-data package for a day to test it out; once used, you can delete the eSIM.
In the next article, I'll show you how to bypass the Great Firewall, allowing you to use Chinese Wi-Fi to access Facebook and watch videos without using your data! This trick has saved me from buying multiple SIM cards.
Payment Apps
Alipay is a super app in China unlike anything I've seen elsewhere. Beyond payments, it hosts thousands of other features. Its mechanism allows for the integration of third-party applications. For instance, you can access bike or car rental apps directly within Alipay, and payments are seamlessly handled through Alipay's interface. Once you get accustomed to Alipay, you'll understand why it's one of Jack Ma's top 10 global companies!
Start by downloading the app and registering for an Alipay account. It's fantastic that you can register using a Vietnamese phone number. You'll then link your credit card for payment. Alipay will require your passport information for verification. After this step, you can use Alipay to pay like a local in China by scanning QR codes and entering payment amounts. Alipay also conveniently displays your QR code for merchants to scan and process payments based on their bill, which is quite useful!
Alipay offers a Vietnamese interface, but the English version is often easier to navigate. Occasionally, some sections might still display Chinese, but there's usually a translation button at the corner of Alipay to translate the entire current screen into Vietnamese, making it very user-friendly.
Alipay has built-in features for purchasing bus passes and metro tickets, which I'll cover in a later section.
For some remote or special regions, it's unclear why foreign Alipay accounts might face payment issues. In such cases, you'll need to use cash, so it's advisable to carry a small amount of physical currency.
When shopping, I can freely try on clothes, then scan with the app to pay, just like the locals – no need to know Chinese!
Messaging Apps
The primary messaging app used by Chinese people is WeChat (WeXin), which is far more popular than Zalo in Vietnam. It also functions as a payment app (people can send money to each other quite conveniently) and, like Alipay, supports integrated mini-programs, though not as user-friendly or diverse as Alipay.
You should install WeChat to communicate with relevant individuals like hotel staff or drivers. The chat function includes a built-in Vietnamese translation feature.
Watching Chinese dramas and reading Chinese stories, WeChat is always mentioned. Having WeChat on my phone made me feel more connected, like I wasn't entirely out of sync with them – a small personal achievement!
Previously, registering for a WeChat account was difficult for Vietnamese users, sometimes requiring an invitation code. However, they have now opened it up for free registration.
Begin by downloading the WeChat app and registering with your Vietnamese phone number. Similar to Alipay, you'll need to link your credit card and verify your passport details.
During my travels, I've noticed many places that only accept WeChat payments, not Alipay. Therefore, having both installed and linked to your credit card will ensure a smoother journey!
WeChat also allows you to purchase tickets for some attractions at better prices than buying them directly. Some of these attractions cannot be accessed through Alipay. The only drawback is the lack of a screen translation function like Alipay, often requiring you to take screenshots and use Google Translate.
... There's much more to share, but my hands are getting tired! I'll continue with Part 2 tomorrow. Remember to save this guide and study it thoroughly when planning your trip to China. It might seem daunting at first, but you'll get used to it after a few tries. If you repost this, please include the full source!
Cre: Nguyễn Ngọc Trà My
