What are the most common China travel mistakes?

The biggest China travel mistakes are arriving without a VPN set up, having no mobile payment app configured, relying only on cash, not downloading offline maps, and drinking tap water. Most of these are easy to avoid with a little preparation before your trip.

China's streets are exciting -- but arriving unprepared can turn excitement into stress

Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and many other apps are blocked in China by the Great Firewall. If you arrive without a VPN already installed, you won't be able to download one -- VPN websites and app downloads are restricted. Fix: Download and test a VPN like ExpressVPN, Astrill, or Mullvad before you leave home. Alternatively, get an eSIM with international roaming that bypasses restrictions entirely.

China is essentially cashless. Many small restaurants and street vendors don't accept cash at all, and some don't even have change. Showing up with only a credit card and cash will leave you unable to pay at many places. Fix: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your foreign card before arriving. It takes 10 minutes and saves you enormous hassle.

Ironically, while China is cashless, some ATMs don't accept foreign cards, and getting change for large bills is difficult. Cash-only travelers often struggle at small vendors who genuinely don't carry change. Fix: Use mobile payment as your primary method and keep small amounts of cash (100-200 RMB) as backup only.

Google Maps is unreliable in China -- it shows outdated locations, missing roads, and no public transit directions. Without offline maps, you'll be lost without data. Fix: Download Gaode Maps (Amap) or Baidu Maps, and save offline maps for your destination cities. Also download MetroMan for offline metro maps.

Tap water in China is not safe to drink, even in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing. Locals always boil it first. Fix: Buy bottled water everywhere (it's cheap, about 2-3 RMB per bottle) or boil tap water before drinking. Most hotels provide electric kettles.

Many public restrooms in China don't provide toilet paper, especially at train stations, tourist sites, and older restaurants. Fix: Always carry a small pack of tissues. You can buy them at any convenience store for 1-2 RMB.

Tipping is not customary in China and can actually cause confusion or embarrassment. Waiters don't expect it, taxi drivers don't expect it, and hotel staff don't expect it. In some cases, people may chase you down thinking you forgot your money. Fix: Simply don't tip. The price you see is the price you pay.

China uses a mix of plug types (A, C, and I). Many hotels have universal outlets, but not all. Fix: Bring a universal adapter. A portable battery pack is also essential since you'll use your phone constantly for payments, maps, and translation.