RMB (Renminbi), also called yuán or kuài (¥/CNY). 1 Yuan = 10 Jiao = 100 Fen (Fen is rarely used in daily life).

Check current rates before arrival; as of 2025, roughly 1 USD ≈ 7 CNY.

UTC+8 (Beijing Time, no Daylight Saving Time—set your watch once!).

Mandarin (Putonghua) is the official language. English is spoken in major tourist areas, but learning basic phrases like xièxie (thank you) and nǐ hǎo (hello) will make a big difference.

Foreign credit/debit cards work in hotels, malls, and tourist spots, but cash (small bills: ¥10/¥20) and mobile payments (*Alipay/WeChat Pay*) dominate for street food, markets, and taxis.

Right-hand side (same as the US and China’s mainland).

Always carry your passport or a photocopy for hotel check-ins, attraction tickets, and police checks (not required 24/7, but essential for key services).

Metric system (kilometers for distance, Celsius for temperature—35°C = 95°F in summer!).

Comparable to Western metropolises (hotels and restaurants can be pricey), but services like spas (¥200-500) and dental care are significantly cheaper than in the West (up to 50% less).

Download a VPN before arrival to access Google, WhatsApp, and other blocked apps. China’s Great Firewall restricts some Western platforms, but VPNs ensure connectivity.

Before Arrival:

Exchange ¥500-1,000 per person at your home bank (better rates than airports). Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks.

At Beijing Capital Airport:

ATMs (Bank of China/ICBC) and exchange counters are available, but fees may apply. Look for “UnionPay” signs for wider ATM compatibility.

In Beijing:

ATMs are common in tourist areas, but foreign card fees may apply (check with your bank).

These mobile payment platforms are crucial in China. Here’s how to set them up:

1、Alipay：

• Download: Get the international version before arrival via your app store.

• Sign Up: Register with a foreign phone number (SMS verification required).

• Bind a Card: Go to *Me > Payments > Add Card*—enter your international credit/debit card (a small test charge verifies it).

Use Cases:

• Subway/Metro: Scan QR codes at gates (no physical tickets needed).

• Taxis/Shops: Scan merchant QR codes or let them scan yours.

• Top Up: Add funds via your linked card or at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart).

2. WeChat Pay：

• Download: Install WeChat (both a messaging app and payment platform).

• Sign Up: Register with your phone number, create a profile, and verify via SMS.

• Bind a Card: Me > Wallet > Add a Bank Card*—link your foreign card or PayPal.

Use Cases:

• Book Tickets: Use mini-programs like 故宫博物院 for Forbidden City tickets (book 7 days in advance, passport required).

• Split Bills: Use the Transfer feature among friends.

• Local Services: Book spa/dental appointments via Meituan mini-program.

Tipping is not customary — most venues include service charges in prices. For exceptional service (e.g., private tour guides, 5-star hotels), a ¥50-100 tip is appreciated but never expected. Taxi drivers won’t mind if you round up to the nearest Yuan.

Western Traveler Note: Unlike the U.S. or Europe, tipping isn’t expected, but a small gesture for outstanding service is polite.

Gaode Maps or A Maps (高德地图):

China’s most accurate app (supports English searches for “Forbidden City” or pinyin “Gugong”). Features real-time traffic, subway/bus routes, and Didi integration. *Pro Tip*: Download offline maps for areas without data (e.g., Great Wall sections).

Baidu Maps & Didi:

Similar to Gaode; Didi is China’s ride-hailing app (book via phone number, cash/WeChat/Alipay accepted). Select “English Mode” in Didi settings if available.

1. Subway

• Coverage: 27 lines cover all major attractions (Tiananmen, Summer Palace). Signs are in English and Chinese, lines are color-coded.

• Fares: ¥3-6 per trip (distance-based).

How to Ride:

• Buy tickets at vending machines (cash/card) or use the **Yitongxing App (亿通行)**—scan QR codes at gates (linked to Alipay/WeChat).

• Keep your ticket/QR code until exiting—no re-entry without payment!

• Avoid Rush Hours: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5–7 PM (trains get extremely crowded).

2. Buses

• Fares: ¥2-3 (cheapest option, but routes are mostly in Chinese).

• How to Use: Use Gaode to find bus numbers/stops. Pay with exact cash (front door), Yikatong card, or scan QR codes with Alipay/WeChat when boarding.

3. Taxis & Didi

• Taxis: Metered (start at ¥13, ¥2.3/km after 3km). Ask “*Kāi biǎo ma?*” (Use the meter?) if unsure. Accepts cash/WeChat/Alipay.

• Didi: More convenient for communication—app shows estimated fares and driver details.

4. Bike-Sharing

• Brands: Meituan Bike (美团单车) and Hello Bike (哈啰单车).

• How to Rent: Scan QR codes on the bike via their apps (linked to Alipay/WeChat). ¥1-2 per 30 minutes.

• Tips: Check brakes and tires before riding; park only in designated zones (marked with blue lines).

Safety Note for Western Travelers: Always use licensed taxis or Didi, avoid unmarked vehicles, and keep emergency contacts handy.

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Freezing (-10°C to 0°C), dry, and windy. Pack a thick down jacket, thermal layers, gloves, and a scarf. Indoor heating is strong (20–25°C)—wear removable layers!

• Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot (25°C–35°C), humid, and rainy. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing, a foldable umbrella, and sunscreen. Carry a thin jacket for icy AC in malls/metro.

• Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov): Mild (15°C–25°C), ideal for exploring. Pack layers—bring a light jacket for cool evenings.

• Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, power adapters (China uses Type A/C plugs, 220V), and a reusable water bottle.

• Health Precautions: Carry any prescription medications, a basic first-aid kit, and N95 masks for air quality concerns (check AQI via IQAir app).

• Forgot Something?: Malls like Wangfujing sell affordable essentials.

• Air Quality: Beijing can have high pollution levels. Monitor AQI and avoid outdoor activities on “red alert” days.

• Jet Lag: Adjust to UTC+8 by shifting sleep schedules before arrival and staying active upon landing.

• Dongcheng District: Centrally located near the Forbidden City/Tiananmen—luxury options (Peninsula Beijing) and budget hostels (Nanluoguxiang area).

• Chaoyang District: Modern, expat-friendly (Sanlitun for nightlife, Taikoo Li for shopping).

• Xicheng Hutongs: Experience traditional courtyard homes in Shichahai—*confirm if the guesthouse has private bathrooms* (some share facilities).

• Avoid Risks: Use trusted platforms like Booking.com or Ctrip; avoid unlicensed rentals. Popular chains: Jinjiang, Holiday Inn, Home Inn.

• Peak Times: Book 2–3 months ahead for Chinese New Year (Feb) and Golden Week (Oct 1–7)—prices can double, and availability drops.

• Major Sites: Most have ramps/elevators (e.g., Forbidden City offers free wheelchair rentals with deposit).

• Resources: Check VisitBeijing’s Accessibility Guide and AccessChina for accessible hotels/transport. Call attractions ahead to confirm facilities.

Western Traveler Tip: Look for hotels with English-speaking staff and Western breakfast options if needed.

Spring (March–May, cherry blossoms) or autumn (September–November, cool weather) are ideal. Avoid Golden Week (crowds) and summer heat/humidity.

Visit major sites at 7–9 AM or 4–6 PM. For the Great Wall, choose weekdays or less crowded sections like Mutianyu or Huanghuacheng.

• Carry small cash for markets, greet with *nǐ hǎo*, and avoid littering—Beijing prides itself on cleanliness.

• No eating/drinking on the subway (fines up to ¥50); smoking is banned in public indoor spaces and most outdoor areas (use designated smoking zones).

• Respect local customs: Avoid discussing sensitive topics (e.g., politics, Taiwan) and dress modestly at religious sites.

• Download a VPN (for Google/WhatsApp) and WeChat’s “Scan” feature for real-time menu translation.

• Use translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco for offline use.

• Ambulance: 120

• Police: 110

• US Embassy (Beijing): +86 10 8531 3000

• EU Assistance: Contact your country’s embassy (details online).

• Avoid unmarked taxis, stay in well-lit areas at night, and keep valuables secure.

• Use Didi or licensed taxis, and save emergency contacts in your phone.