Vacation in China in Seven Tips

The most populated country in the world is home to some of the most spectacular wonders-both natural and man-made-on the planet. The Great Wall of China, the Three Gorges Dam, the Terracotta Warriors, and the rock formations of the Li River and Zhangjiajie National Park share popularity with magnificent cities like Xi'an, Beijing, and Shanghai. A trip through these territories is not particularly complicated or conflictual, but a good travel insurance is always advisable. If you are thinking of spending your vacation in China, plan your trip following these tips:

Before embarking on the journey, one must plan it. The first thing we should consider is whether we want to do it with the help of a travel agency or "on our own." If we choose to hire through a travel agency, they will assist us with the itinerary, which is usually set in advance, obtaining the visa, and the transport routes. Regarding obtaining the visa, it is important to note that it typically takes between two to ten business days, and in the U.S., it can be obtained through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in New York. Additionally, many agencies will handle it for you.

Once all the requirements for entry into the country are secured, we recommend scanning both the visa and passport along with the flight tickets and keeping a backup copy in an email account in case of theft or loss.

Healthcare in Chinese cities is generally acceptable, although it may worsen in rural areas; therefore, we recommend carrying a basic first aid kit. As for vaccinations, it is true that U.S. travelers are not obligated to receive any, although the Department of State recommends Tetanus-Diphtheria, MMR, and Hepatitis A.

Regardless of the type of trip taken, travel insurance is essential for unforeseen events that may arise. Loss of luggage, theft, or a last-minute emergency that requires trip cancellation would be covered by InterMudial insurance. A special mention goes to the healthcare section. As already mentioned, healthcare attention in China is acceptable, so if an emergency arises, it is best to have insurance that includes a translator and even repatriation if necessary.

In summer, temperatures in China can exceed 100°F, so it is advisable to bring lightweight clothing, as well as long-sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid sun exposure and insect bites in rural areas. Additionally, it is recommended to include sunscreen, sunglasses, and a potent insect repellent. As for footwear, comfort is key, although in rural areas it is advisable to cover the feet. In cities, wearing shorts and sandals is perfectly acceptable.

The currency in China is the Chinese Yuan, and it is recommended to carry enough cash outside of major cities. In rural areas, credit card payments are not always accepted, and access to ATMs is quite limited.

Taxis in China are very inexpensive, but one must take certain precautions, such as insisting the driver use the meter, as many will avoid using it and then charge prices unrelated to the original fare. Additionally, it should be noted that almost no one speaks any language other than Chinese, so it is highly advisable to have the destination address written in Chinese or bring a map to show the driver where you want to go.

China will test your patience. The language barrier and gestures make communicating with them, at times, a challenging and complicated mission. Therefore, it is best to arm yourself with patience and not to be in a hurry, as fluency in a conversation will be notably lacking.