Essential Tips for China
Practical information about plugs, emergency services, time zones, measurements, and cultural considerations to make your trip smooth.
🔌 Electrical Plugs & Voltage
China uses Type A and Type I electrical outlets:
- Voltage: 220V, 50Hz
- Plug types: Type A (two flat pins) and Type I (three flat pins)
- For US visitors: You'll need a voltage converter (not just a plug adapter)
- For EU/UK visitors: Just a plug adapter should work for most devices
Tip: Bring a universal adapter with voltage conversion capability. Most modern electronics (laptops, phones) are dual voltage (100-240V).
🚨 Emergency Numbers
120
Ambulance
110
Police
119
Fire
- 119: Also handles fire, rescue, and hazardous materials
- English speakers: Limited at emergency services; try to have a Chinese speaker help
- Hotel front desk: Can usually help contact emergency services
🕐 Time Zone
China uses a single time zone: China Standard Time (CST / UTC+8)
- Despite China's vast size, the entire country is on UTC+8
- Beijing time: Same across all provinces
- Sunrise/sunset: Can be very early in the west (Xinjiang) and late in the east
- No daylight saving time changes
📏 Measurements
China uses the metric system:
- Temperature: Celsius (°C)
- Distance: Kilometers (km)
- Weight: Grams (g) and kilograms (kg)
- Volume: Liters (L)
- Height: Centimeters (cm)
Quick conversion: 0°C = 32°F, 100km ≈ 62 miles, 1kg ≈ 2.2lbs
🎭 Cultural Etiquette & Sensitive Topics
Topics to Avoid:
- Taiwan: Don't suggest it's independent or refer to it as a separate country
- Xinjiang: Avoid criticizing government policies or mentioning human rights concerns
- Tibet: Similar caution regarding the Dalai Lama or Tibetan independence
- 1989 Tiananmen Square: Never mention
- Falun Gong: Don't discuss this group
- Comparison to Taiwan: Never compare mainland China unfavorably to Taiwan
Safe Conversation Topics:
- Chinese history, culture, and traditions
- Food and regional cuisines
- Travel destinations you've visited in China
- Sports (especially basketball and table tennis)
- Technology and Chinese innovations
- Learning Chinese (locals love when foreigners try)
General Etiquette:
- Queuing: Chinese people generally queue patiently; don't cut in line
- Spitting: While less common now, some older generations still spit—try not to emulate
- Volume: Public spaces can be loud; this is normal
- Photography: Always ask before photographing people
🗣️ Language Tips
- Mandarin: Official language throughout China
- Cantonese: Spoken in Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macau
- Translation apps: Baidu Translate, Google Translate, Pleco (for Chinese characters)
- Learn key phrases: "Hello" (你好 - nǐ hǎo), "Thank you" (谢谢 - xièxiè), "How much?" (多少钱 - duōshao qián)
- Characters: Learn to recognize numbers and common food items
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