China travel basics: time, money, power and language

Time and currency

Mainland China uses China Standard Time, UTC+8. Use the local departure and arrival times printed on each ticket, and check the calendar date on overnight flights.

Renminbi is the currency; prices are usually shown as yuan, RMB, CNY or ¥. Set up a mobile wallet before departure, bring a bank card and keep a cash backup. Check any conversion or transaction fee before paying.

• Keep the phone number used for bank verification active.
• Save your bank’s lost-card contact outside the wallet app.

Power, chargers and your day bag

China’s mains electricity is 220V at 50Hz. Bring a plug adapter that fits your devices and Chinese sockets. An adapter changes the plug shape; it does not change voltage. Read the input label on each charger or appliance before using it.

Keep your passport, phone, charger, water and any personal essentials accessible during travel days. Read the airline’s power-bank and baggage rules before packing; carry a power bank in the cabin as directed by the carrier.

Names and addresses matter more than pronunciation

Save the Chinese name and address of your hotel and each major pickup point. A city can have several airports or railway stations, so a translated city name alone is not enough for a driver.

Download the language packs you need for translation. For food allergies or other important requirements, prepare an accurate written explanation rather than relying on a single translated word.

Keep travel documents and help within reach

Carry the original passport used for train tickets, hotel check-in and attraction reservations. Keep a secure separate copy of the details and your insurer’s assistance contact.

Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao have separate entry arrangements. Check each border crossing before booking a route that includes more than one of them.

Common questions