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Travel In China Information

China Visa Money Language Passports Maps Karen traveling in China, with camera in hand and wearing a backpack.

Travel in China: Here's some travel information to answer some of the most common questions about China travel: Do I need a visa? For China, yes; For Hong Kong? Maybe not. Do I need a passport? (YES! What money (currency) do they use use in China? Is the water safe to drink? What language do they speak, and what to pack.

Driving, Getting Around: Maybe you'd like to know what side of the road they drive on, and where to get a map of China. What's the food like? Where can I get a China travel guide book? What attractions should I plan to see on a China trip? Do they accept credit cards? Travelers checks? Read on.

Travel as a tourist to Beijing, Shanghai, Nanning, Hainan and the China Provinces on mainland China -- the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) -- and you will need a visa. Travel as a tourist to Hong Kong China, and most visitors don't need a visa. You'll use different money in Hong Kong than you will in the PRC. Read on for info, photos, tips on travel in China.

China Travel Information and Tips

  • Do I need a China Visa Yes, in almost all cases, with a fee and passport photo. Apply well before you travel, unless you are going to Hong Kong as noted above for group tours ex-Hong Kong.

  • Do I need a visa for Hong Kong? Tourist visas  without a fee are usually issued on arrival in most cases. Check here for official Hong Kong visa info (government site.) Most visitors don't need a visa if they will be staying in Hong Kong. But, should you decide to go discount shopping in Shenzhen (which is in the PRC west of Hong Kong) or to the casinos in Macau, you WILL need a visa. You can arrange a visa in Hong Kong. Ask your tour operator or hotel. Many organized tours can apply for group visas good for the day(s) of the tour. This is faster and less costly than applying for China before you travel.

  • What money (currency) do they use in Mainland China (PRC)
    In the PRC, it's remnimbi -- the Peoples Money; the unit is the yuan. About 1 CNY (yuan) = 16 US cents ($1 USD = 6.35 CNY). China currencies (money) ARE different: If you go from Beijing to Hong Kong, you will use different money. Rates do fluctuate, so check before you travel. Travellers checks are accepted at banks and many hotels will have an exchange desk as well. Credit cards are usually accepted at major hotels but check first. ATMs are not as widely used here as elsewhere. Do back up your travel money; don't rely on just one currency and method.

  • What money (currency) do they use in Hong Kong China
     In Hong Kong, the unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar HKD. About 1 HKD (Hong Kong dollar) = 13 US cents ($1 USD = 7.80 HKD). Rates do fluctuate, so check before you travel. Travellers checks are accepted at banks, and many hotels will have an exchange desk as well. Credit cards acceptance and ATMs not as common as in western countries. DO back up your travel money. See travel currency tips page for how to carry, etc..

  • What Language do they speak in China? Tour guides speak a wide variety of foreign languages and most foreign visitors can be accommodated; English is commonly spoken by tourism operators and hotel desk staff. Generally, Cantonese is spoken more commonly in Hong Kong (Cantonese Phrasebook) and south China, while Mandarin (also referred to as Putonghua -- the common language) is spoken more in Beijing and the provinces, though increasingly popular in Hong Kong, too.  Perhaps get a Mandarin Phrasebook- (see one on Amazon)  to carry in your bag or purse). Even if you are traveling with a tour group with an English speaking guide, it's helpful to be able to translate or to point to the Chinese characters in the book when you need to.

  • Travel Health What shots do I need for China? Always check with a travel health clinic before you go. Have your regular vaccinations up to date (polio, tetanus, DPT, etc), and consider flu shots and a Hep AB combo such as Twinrix. China covers a large and varied geographical area, each with its own considerations, so it depends on where you will be going. For example, hot and humid areas may have tropical disease advisories that would not apply to travel in Beijing. or in winter. For more information see my travel tips Passports etc page, and check for your country travel advisories links on my disclaimer page. Governments update changing conditions faster than I possibly can.

  • What is the weather like in Hong Kong China? See weather forecast and current conditions in Hong Kong, along with any weather warnings, etc. at Hong Kong Observatory. This is the most up to date information, and well worth marking in your phone or email so you can check it when you are traveling.

  • What to Wear in China China ia a huge country; the climate varies seasonally and geographically. If you will be in Beijing and the north from October to April, roughly, you will need a warm coat, hat and gloves. Even Hong Kong can be cool at night in winter. Rain gear is always advisable. Summer can be sweltering and rainy in much of the country. I've put a section dealing with travel tips and what to pack. You don't need to pack a lot, but choose wisely. See China Travel Clothing for my packing list.

  • Books about China, travel guide books, phrasebooks See China section on my travel books page. Knowing the history and geography of this amazing country will make tours of landmarks and historic sites much more meaningful, and will impress the stuffing out of your fellow travelers and guides.

  • What side of the road do they drive on in China? In China, they drive on the right; Be prepared for lots of honking horns in most places, though some cities such as Guangzhou (the former Canton) long ago banned random honking.

  • What side of the road do they drive on in Macau and Hong Kong? In Hong Kong and Macau, they drive on the left. If you are accustomed to countries where they drive on the right, then be sure to pay attention when you are walking/ crossing streets.

  • Maps of China Here's a handy pocket map book to take along; see it on Amazon: the China Pocket Atlas or check the related books on the lower part of that page. Make sure maps are in English (or whatever language you prefer), as many tourist maps in China are written only in Chinese characters.

China Travel Pages

Here are a few more travel in China pictures and information pages, or choose from the left menu. In no way are these pages a comprehensive travel guide -- that is beyond the scope of any site or book, I think, and certainly beyond my capabilities! But I hope that my experiences will better prepare you for what to see and what to do on yoour trip to China. Enjoy your Snapshot Journey!

Duk LIng antique junk at sail on harbour in Hong Kong China Man in China leading two water buffalo over a highway bridge.woman wearing travel clothes for China trip China travel page icon showng street in Beijing x