FAQ

FAQs- HelloChinaTrip

Explore the answers to the most common questions about traveling with HelloChinaTrip. From visa assistance to customizable itineraries, learn how our services make your China trip seamless and unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our FAQs will guide you on what to expect, how to prepare, and why HelloChinaTrip is your best choice for a personalized and enriching experience in China.

Traveling independently in China offers freedom but can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. With HelloChinaTrip.com, you can enjoy the benefits of a well-organized, small group or private tour, including expert guides, pre-arranged accommodations, seamless transport, and the convenience of skip-the-line access to major attractions. A tailored tour ensures you experience China without the stress of planning, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey.

Let our friendly team help you plan the perfect China trip from start to finish.

  • Private Tours: Tailored specifically for your group, whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, offering flexibility and a personalized experience with expert guides and exclusive itineraries.

  • Group Tours: Small group tours that focus on popular sites in China, allowing you to explore with like-minded travelers. These tours are scheduled around fixed dates and offer a cost-effective way to see the best of China.

  • Custom Tours: Completely personalized to your preferences, providing private guides, drivers, and fully customized itineraries to suit your schedule. Perfect for those seeking exclusivity and flexibility.

Yes, we understand that language can be a barrier, which is why our expert guides are fluent in both English and Mandarin. Our tour guides are certified by China’s National Tourism Administration, ensuring their English proficiency is up to international standards. Additionally, we offer guides fluent in other languages in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an. You will have 24/7 access to your guide for a worry-free experience.

Yes! Our tours are flexible, allowing you to join a group for just part of the journey if it fits your schedule. If you prefer traveling independently for some parts but want to experience a group tour for others, we can accommodate that. Reach out to our travel consultants to discuss your itinerary and explore the best options that suit your travel style. We’re here to help!

Planning ahead is key to making the most of your time in China. We leverage our experience to ensure you see the best sites at the perfect times, travel in comfort, and experience the authentic side of China. When you reach out to us, we’ll assign a dedicated travel consultant to help design your perfect tour, making sure your trip becomes a beautiful and memorable adventure tailored to your interests. Let’s plan your dream tour together!

Yes, at HelloChinaTrip, we offer flexible accommodation options to ensure your comfort throughout your journey. From budget-friendly choices to luxury hotels, we’ll tailor the accommodations based on your preferences and travel plans. Our team will work with you to select the best options that suit your style and budget. Speak with our travel consultants to explore the variety of accommodations available and make your trip to China as enjoyable as possible.

No, not at all! At HelloChinaTrip, we prioritize your authentic travel experience. Our no-commission-based shopping policy means we don’t take you to shops where tour guides or agencies earn commissions. We believe in showing you the real, uncommercialized side of China, with visits to the most fascinating cultural and scenic locations. You can shop where you choose, without any pressure from the tour. This policy allows you to enjoy a more genuine and enriching experience throughout your trip.

At HelloChinaTrip, we focus on providing premium tours that offer great value and enriching experiences. Every tour includes:

  • Luxury accommodations at 4- and 5-star hotels, centrally located for convenience.
  • Late departures to ensure you maximize your sightseeing time.
  • Flexibility in tour preferences to add additional tours.

We also offer discounts for children under 12 and potential price reductions for larger private group tours. Contact our team for more details on how to get the best value from your China journey!

Planning ahead is key to making the most of your time in China. We leverage our experience to ensure you see the best sites at the perfect times, travel in comfort, and experience the authentic side of China. When you reach out to us, we’ll assign a dedicated travel consultant to help design your perfect tour, making sure your trip becomes a beautiful and memorable adventure tailored to your interests. Let’s plan your dream tour together!

While we cannot directly process visas for China, we provide an invitation letter for visa applications to all travelers booking with us. Visas must be obtained from the Chinese embassy in your home country before departure. If you’re entering and leaving China multiple times, ensure your visa covers these entries. For tours in other countries, we can assist with visa arrangements, provided you’ve booked a tour with us. Contact our team for more details on visa support!

Yes, we can help with other travel arrangements while you’re in China, as long as you’re booking a tour with us. We can assist with:

  • Domestic flights
  • Bullet train travel
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Tickets for entertainment and shows

Our team is happy to help you organize everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

To enter China, visitors must follow the necessary procedures, including a health check, frontier inspection, customs declaration, and security check. Ensure you have:

  • A valid passport, visa, and any other required documents.
  • An Entry Card, provided on flights or ships before arrival, to complete at the Frontier Inspection Station.
  • A declaration form if you have items to declare.

Chinese customs may conduct an inspection. For more details, we recommend visiting the Chinese embassy website in your country.

While we aim to avoid emergencies, we understand that they can occur. In case of a non-life-threatening emergency, you can contact your HelloChinaTrip tour guide as the first point of contact.

For urgent situations:

  • 110 for police
  • 120 for an ambulance

We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance before departure. Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll provide all necessary emergency contact information to ensure you’re well-prepared during your tour.

Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi, but if you prefer not to pay for hotel services, there are plenty of internet cafes available. Rates vary by location and provider. If you need assistance, just ask your tour guide.

Please note, popular websites like Google, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are not accessible in China. It’s recommended to set up an alternative email provider before your trip to avoid communication issues during your tour.

In China, major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and JCB are accepted in large shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants. However, in smaller shops, rural areas, or specialized stores, cash is often the preferred payment method.

Traveler’s cheques can be cashed at major banks, but they are not accepted as payment at most places. Make sure to carry an alternative payment method when traveling in remote regions.

In China, mobile communication is widely available through 4G and 5G networks. The three main service providers are China Telecom, China Mobile, and China Unicom. You can purchase SIM cards at stores or service booths by providing identification and paying for phone credit. Phone numbers are 11 digits long, and credit can be added either online or at convenience stores. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance!

Yes! Whether you’re traveling with young children or as a senior traveler, HelloChinaTrip designs tours that are age-appropriate. We offer flexible pacing, ensuring comfort for all participants while still providing an enriching experience.

While not mandatory, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance before your trip. It provides peace of mind, covering potential travel disruptions, health emergencies, or unexpected cancellations during your time in China. It’s always better to be prepared!

Our tours feature a mix of cultural, historical, and modern experiences. You’ll explore iconic landmarks, enjoy local performances, visit hidden gems, and have time for leisurely exploration, ensuring a well-rounded experience of China’s rich diversity.

Absolutely! We offer customizable tour options to suit your interests, whether you want to add specific destinations, extend your stay, or focus on certain experiences. Just let our team know your preferences, and we’ll create the perfect tour just for you!

 

Want a More Personalized Best China Tour?

Talk to us about booking a private or custom tour for your unique China experience.

FAQs-Payment

This guide provides essential information on payment methods available to foreign visitors in China, including the use of international bank cards, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and digital RMB. It helps travelers navigate payment options easily and securely during their stay in China.

 If you hold your local currency, you can exchange it for RMB cash at banks with currency exchange signs, foreign exchange agencies, institutions with foreign currency exchange permits, or self-service exchange machines. Please consult the corresponding bank for the currencies that are accepted.

Yes. You can withdraw RMB cash through your bank card at ATMs that display the corresponding clearing organization logos. Please consult your bank for the withdrawal limit.

Foreign bank cards can be used at merchants that accept payment with corresponding card organization logos such as Visa, MasterCard, etc. If you hold a UnionPay card issued outside of China, it can be used at all POS merchants within China. If the merchant does not display the logo, you can ask the cashier whether the card can be used.

Yes. You can download Alipay, WeChat, and UnionPay Quick Pass apps, bind your bank card, and make QR code payments at merchants displaying the corresponding logos.

Search for “Alipay” in your phone’s app market. Register with either an overseas or mainland China phone number, click “Register Account,” select the “International Version,” and click “Add Now” to access the card binding page.Follow the instructions on the page to complete the card binding process.

The following bank cards are supported.

Once bound, you can make QR code payments at merchants displaying the Alipay logo and most merchants in China, including in sectors such as dining, transportation, hotels, and supermarkets.

Search for “WeChat” in your phone’s app market. If you register with an overseas or mainland China phone number, you will see the RMB wallet; if you register with a Hong Kong phone number, you will see the HKD wallet. Go to the card binding page from the WeChat Pay notification or add a bank card from the wallet page. Select the simplified binding option, fill in the card information, and complete the 3DS verification to finish binding.

You can then make QR code payments at merchants displaying the WeChat Pay logo and most merchants in China, including in sectors such as dining, transportation, hotels, and supermarkets.

Search for “UnionPay Quick Pass” in your phone’s app market. Register with some overseas or mainland China phone numbers. Search for the “Travel Pass” card, prepare your passport or travel permit, and follow the instructions on the page to enter the application information and SMS verification code to apply for the card. Once you have your overseas bank card ready, click the “Recharge” button on the Travel Pass detail page and follow the instructions to top up.

You can make QR code payments at merchants displaying the UnionPay Quick Pass QR code logo. Most merchants in China, including those in dining, transportation, hotels, and supermarkets, can accept this.

Yes. If you have an overseas e-wallet, there is no need to open a new account or download a domestic app. When you see a UnionPay standard QR code merchant, you can directly use an e-wallet partnered with UnionPay for QR code payments.

If you see the Alipay logo, you can directly use an Alipay-partnered e-wallet to make payments.

Prepare your passport, permanent resident ID, or other identity documents. Follow the bank staff’s guidance to fill out the application form, provide a phone number under your name to receive bank SMS messages for verification purposes. If you do not have a phone number, you may provide a family or company landline. After submitting your application, wait for the bank’s review. Once approved, you can open a bank account and enjoy more comprehensive financial services within China.

Yes. Download and install the “Digital RMB (Pilot Version)” app, register with your phone number, and activate any operating institution’s wallet. Add your Visa or MasterCard, pre-load or top up as needed; alternatively, you can top up with cash at an institution’s counter without any fee. Hong Kong users can also top up via FPS (Faster Payment System) using a local Hong Kong bank account, currently with no transaction fee. To make payments, click "Scan," scan the merchant's QR code to pay; click "Pay/Receive" or swipe up on the wallet page to enable "Payment Code" for payments. You can also use digital RMB for payment at online merchants such as Didi, Meituan, Ctrip, and Qunar.

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