Practical Guides

China Guides for Foreigners

Step-by-step guides on payments, transport, daily life, and more — written for expats, students, and tourists in China.

Payment

How to Set Up WeChat Pay as a Foreigner (2026)

Before you start, gather these three items:

5 min read

How to Set Up Alipay with a Foreign Card (2026)

First, decide which type of Alipay account you need. Here’s a quick comparison:

4 min read

Transport

Complete Guide to China's Subway Systems (2026)

China's metro systems are modern, efficient, and the best way to navigate its sprawling megacities. Here’s a quick overview of the major networks:

8 min read

How to Use Didi (China's Uber) as a Foreigner

Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is China's dominant ride-hailing app, similar to Uber. It's essential for getting around in cities where hailing a taxi can be difficult, especially if you don't speak Chinese. The

6 min read

Food

Ordering Food in China: Meituan, Ele.me & Restaurant Guide

In China, Meituan (美团 Méituán) is the dominant food delivery platform, like Uber Eats on steroids. Ele.me (饿了么 Èle.me), owned by Alipay, is a strong competitor. Here’s how to get started:

6 min read

Daily Life

How to Get a SIM Card in China as a Foreigner

You have three major options. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

5 min read

How to Open a Bank Account in China as a Foreigner

For short-term tourists, you probably don't need one. You can use WeChat Pay and Alipay by linking an international credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard). However, there are spending limits (~¥3,00

7 min read

Best VPN for China: Honest Guide (2026)

Let's be direct: China's internet is governed by the "Great Firewall" (GFW), which blocks access to many websites and services you likely use daily. Without a VPN, you will be cut off from:

5 min read

Emergency

China 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Complete Guide (2026)

Starting December 1, 2024, China has expanded its Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy from 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days) for citizens of 76 eligible countries. This allows you to stay in mainlan

6 min read

How to See a Doctor in China as a Foreigner

China has a tiered hospital system. Knowing which type to choose can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s a quick comparison:

6 min read

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