£1 CN¥9.25
Today
11:54 am
+8h from you
Weather in China
China
25°
Partly cloudy
Wed
9
25
Thu
11
24
Fri
12
23
Sat
11
20
Sun
11
19
SPF level in China
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around China
Language in China
Tipping in China
Tipping is not a widespread practice in China, especially in mainland China. However, there are some exceptions, particularly in tourist-oriented services within larger cities.
Restaurant
Tipping is generally not expected in local restaurants. In high-end establishments catering to tourists, a small tip (5-10%) may be appreciated for exceptional service, but it's not customary.
Bar/Café
Tipping is not expected in bars or cafés.
Taxi
Tipping taxi drivers is not customary.
Hotel Porter
A small tip (10-20 CNY) for porters who assist with luggage is appreciated in higher-end hotels.
Hotel Housekeeper
Tipping hotel housekeepers is not a common practice.
Tour Guide
Tipping tour guides is becoming more common, especially for private tours. A tip of 50-100 CNY per person per day is considered reasonable for good service.
Safety in China
Tips for British travellers
China is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport with you as police carry out random checks and failure to produce it can lead to a fine or detention.
Do not leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers, as drinks can be spiked leading to personal attacks or sexual assault.
Take care of your belongings at major tourist sites and other busy places, especially where foreign nationals gather, as petty crime can occur.
Be aware of scams in popular tourist areas, such as friendly strangers inviting you to a bar, tea tasting or massage, after which the establishment demands a large fee and may threaten you.
If involved in a physical altercation, for example a fight or a dispute over a taxi fare, you could face fines, detention or be held legally responsible regardless of who was initially at fault.
Bonus tips:
Be aware that if you test positive for drugs, regardless of where or when you took them, you can be prosecuted in China, which may lead to heavy fines, detention and deportation.
Avoid travelling in unmarked or unmetered taxis, as there have been incidents of sexual assault and robbery against foreign nationals.
Driving in China
A valid international driving permit (IDP) is required in addition to your UK driving license. You'll also typically need to obtain a temporary Chinese driver's license.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
30-50 km/h (can vary by city and road type)
Alcohol limit
0.02% (very strict)
Remember: China drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
110
Ambulance
120
Fire
119
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in China
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type C, Type I
UK adapter needed?
Yes
China operates on 220V at 50Hz. Plug types A, C, and I are used. British travelers will require an adapter to use their UK appliances.
Cards & payments
Card payments are increasingly common in larger cities, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and major tourist attractions. However, cash is still widely used, especially in smaller establishments, markets, and taxis. Acceptance can vary considerably.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in China
ATMs are widely available in cities, especially in tourist areas, at banks, airports, and shopping centers. Availability may be limited in rural areas.
Local name
自动取款机 (Zìdòng qǔkuǎnjī)
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Using ATMs is generally a safe and convenient way to access cash. Ensure your card is enabled for international use before traveling. Be aware of potential transaction fees from both your bank and the local ATM operator.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK citizens. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in China. Roaming can be very expensive.
Local SIM data package
10GB for 200 CNY (~£22)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities. Public WiFi networks often require a local phone number for registration.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is generally good in urban areas. Some websites and social media platforms may be blocked due to internet censorship. Consider using a VPN for unrestricted access.
Health & vaccinations in China
As a British tourist, you will need travel insurance that covers medical expenses in China. The GHIC/EHIC card is not applicable in China. Ensure your policy has sufficient coverage for any potential medical emergencies, including repatriation.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
It is recommended to consult your doctor regarding vaccinations and other health precautions well in advance of your trip. Tap water is not safe to drink; drink bottled or boiled water instead. Air pollution is a concern in many cities; check air quality reports and take necessary precautions if you have respiratory issues. Food hygiene standards may differ from the UK.
Calling China
Country code
+86
To call China from the UK, dial 00 86 followed by the local number.
To call a Beijing number 1234 5678, you would dial 00 86 10 1234 5678 (10 is the area code for Beijing).
Always include the country code +86 when calling from outside of China. Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas.
UK Embassy in China
British Embassy Beijing
No. 11 Guanghua Lu, Jianwai Diplomatic Residence Compound, Beijing, 100600
Airports in China
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.