Payment, internet, apps, language — the four things travellers worry about, sorted in plain English.
The "four walls" that put off first-time visitors — paying, getting online, apps and language — are far easier to get past than you'd think. Here's exactly how, and how we help you do it.
China is almost cashless — but you don't need a Chinese bank account.
Add your Visa or Mastercard to Alipay before you fly — its 'TourPass' section is built for visitors, so no Chinese bank account is needed. You'll scan a QR code for taxis, food and tickets almost everywhere. WeChat Pay now accepts foreign cards too. Keep a little cash for small stalls and rural spots.
We'll walk you through the exact setup on WhatsApp before you fly.
Travel eSIMs that keep your own apps working.
The easiest option is a travel eSIM you install before you fly — brands like Airalo or Nomad give you data that reaches over the Great Firewall, so Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and Gmail keep working as normal. Or pick up a local SIM at the airport.
Tell us your phone model and we'll recommend an eSIM that fits it.
Taxis, maps, translation — all sorted.
DiDi (it has an English interface) is China's Uber; Apple Maps or Amap get you around; and Google Translate's camera reads menus and signs on the spot — or Pleco for offline Chinese. Alipay and WeChat also double as your wallet and metro pass.
We send a short, tested setup list with your itinerary.
How to get by — and how we've got your back.
Airports, high-speed rail stations and metro lines in the big cities — Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen — have English signage, and Google Translate's camera handles menus and signs even offline. Voice translation works well for a quick chat too.
Your CT-BY specialist is one WhatsApp message away, in English, the whole trip.
Apps and rules change now and then — treat this as a friendly starting point. Before you travel, we'll walk you through the exact setup for your phone and passport, free.
Message us your phone and passport on WhatsApp — we'll get you payment-ready and online before you even land.
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