May 28, 2014, 8:47 am
Last edit by: moondog
Please contact any of the China Ambassadors if you feel there is a post or thread that should be added to this guide.
5/20/25 Update (Moondog)
The last update to this Wiki was performed 2 years ago by @gududan. What's changed since then is that we have fewer active forum participants, so most important threads are on the first page. We also might appear to be biased towards Shanghai, but this is more a function of us spending more time in Shanghai than other cities (i.e. not because we think Shanghai is superior).
@gugdan's thread list below is still pretty good/current, but I'll add a few more insights:
China Forum Guide
Most Helpful Threads in the China Forum
FAQ [coming soon]
5/20/25 Update (Moondog)
The last update to this Wiki was performed 2 years ago by @gududan. What's changed since then is that we have fewer active forum participants, so most important threads are on the first page. We also might appear to be biased towards Shanghai, but this is more a function of us spending more time in Shanghai than other cities (i.e. not because we think Shanghai is superior).
@gugdan's thread list below is still pretty good/current, but I'll add a few more insights:
- In spite of it being a monopoly, Ctrip is an invaluable resource for booking flights and hotels within China (they do trains too, but 12306 is arguably better for that mission)
- Get WeChat and Alipay working before your trips
- You probably also want a working V solution (look at that thread in order to make an informed decision; the cheaper options often don't work well or at all)
- There are numerous "~10 days in China" threads. Some of them are quite old, but it's fine if you bump any that seem relevant to you. It's also fine to start new threads; we enjoy those conversations
- Didi is the easiest ride sharing app for foreign visitors to use. You can access it via Alipay and WeChat, but having the native app is slightly better, performance wise
- Eleme is another great app; it allows you to order pretty much any type of food (I don't think it has an English version, but you can search for things like "Taco bell" and order based on pictures)
- Use Dianping (Chinese only, I think) if you want to find restaurants near you
- The visa, TWOV, and visa exempt countries threads are also important because you want to ensure that your plans are legally compliant
China Forum Guide
Most Helpful Threads in the China Forum
- China Visas and Getting Into China
- All Things Transportation
- AliPay and WeChat Pay, which replaces Banks & Exchanging Money (outdated)
- Avoiding Scams
- Best and Fast VPN, also Optimal cell phone strategies in China and Mobile Phones, Internet, and Computers
- Food in China
- Hotels
- Language & Culture Primer
- The Big Three: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou
- Activities, Tours, and Places to Visit
- Meeting Up with Other FT-ers in China
- Connecting/transiting within PEK Beijing Capital Airport
- Connecting/transiting within PVG Shanghai Pudong Airport
- Connecting/transiting within CAN Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
FAQ [coming soon]
PLEASE READ FIRST: China Board FAQ/Most Important Threads
Changed, but if you have suggestions let us know. 
Much better now, sounds like a real Chinese southerner
Apr 12, 2011 | 10:43 pm
#17
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FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
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Apr 13, 2011 | 2:24 am
#19
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,452
I could swear that I learned the latter in my HS Chinese classes (Taiwanese teacher), but I've never paid much attention to this since. I have no trouble distinguishing "n" from "ng", but 山西/陕西 continues to perplex me to this day.
Apr 13, 2011 | 10:56 pm
#20
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
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Jeez, you're right. Typo, quick fingers on pinyin. I was reading your message and was going nuts as I thought you were quoting me and couldn't figure out how 光临 was incorrect.
May 20, 2011 | 9:14 pm
#21
Join Date: May 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, SPG Gold, Hertz Gold
Posts: 333
BofA customer using CCB ATM - no foreign transaction fees
Banks & Exchanging Money
Obtaining/Exchanging RMB Cash:
2. ATM. Many travelers feel that using ATMs is the safest and best option to obtain cash. Presently, Chinese banks do not charge ATM fees though your home bank might. Obtaining cash via ATMs offer some of the best exchange rates, and convenience is undeniable. Few other tips:
ATMs are abundant in China although some smaller branches (even of major banks) may not work despite logos indicating otherwise. Smaller cities may not have ATMs or may not work with your card, so plan ahead and stock up on cash in a larger city.
Make sure your card is in good shape. It is often wise to bring two cards, with one being a backup. ATMs accept both four and six digit PINs.
Your home country bank may have an agreement with a local bank, so it may be worth a phone call to avoid additional fees.
Using an ATM inside/adjacent a bank branch is advisable in case you have issues using the ATM. It is easier to work with someone live rather than dealing with an after-hours service in Chinese.
Cash withdrawal limits are typically 2000 or 2500 RMB per transaction. This is a limit imposed by Chinese banks for ATM withdrawals. However, you can simply perform numerous consecutive transactions at a time up to your banks limit (no need to retrieve and then re-inset your card.
Obtaining/Exchanging RMB Cash:
2. ATM. Many travelers feel that using ATMs is the safest and best option to obtain cash. Presently, Chinese banks do not charge ATM fees though your home bank might. Obtaining cash via ATMs offer some of the best exchange rates, and convenience is undeniable. Few other tips:
ATMs are abundant in China although some smaller branches (even of major banks) may not work despite logos indicating otherwise. Smaller cities may not have ATMs or may not work with your card, so plan ahead and stock up on cash in a larger city.
Make sure your card is in good shape. It is often wise to bring two cards, with one being a backup. ATMs accept both four and six digit PINs.
Your home country bank may have an agreement with a local bank, so it may be worth a phone call to avoid additional fees.
Using an ATM inside/adjacent a bank branch is advisable in case you have issues using the ATM. It is easier to work with someone live rather than dealing with an after-hours service in Chinese.
Cash withdrawal limits are typically 2000 or 2500 RMB per transaction. This is a limit imposed by Chinese banks for ATM withdrawals. However, you can simply perform numerous consecutive transactions at a time up to your banks limit (no need to retrieve and then re-inset your card.
Bank of America is a shareholder of CCB and BofA customers are not charged the transaction fee when obtaining RMB cash at CCB ATM's. Currency is exchanged at spot rate. I personally have accounts with BofA and CCB and have gotten cash (2000rmb per day limit) at CCB ATM's using my BofA ATM card multiple times with no foreign transaction fees charged.
May 21, 2011 | 8:26 pm
#22
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,452
There are 5+ banks in my local area and all of them support foreign cards. The only reason to go out of your way to use a CCB ATM, is if you are trying to withdraw from a BofA account; otherwise, those guys hit you with close to $20 in fees. I'm in the process of moving away from BofA myself because: 1) my CCB ATMs frequently run out of money on Sundays; and 2) CCB doesn't have very good coverage in Beijing.
Oct 29, 2011 | 4:00 am
#24
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Location: SJC, SFO, YYC
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Posts: 13,436
Transit Without Visa (TWOV)
• There are some routings that are A-B-C-D with B, C being two different Chinese transit airports and B-C technically a domestic segment. It is actually legal to do this but may present some head scratching, especially if there is a change of airline in the middle somewhere.
Any experiences, negative or positive?
Last edited by mre5765; Oct 29, 2011 at 4:13 am
Nov 6, 2011 | 10:17 pm
#25
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FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
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Meeting Up with Other FT-ers in China
Right now we only have two master meet up threads, limited to Shanghai and Beijing. If you plan to be in another city in China and wish to link up with other FT-ers, feel free to create a new thread. Otherwise, for the two big cities go here:
Beijing Meet Up Thread
Shanghai Meet Up Thread
Beijing Meet Up Thread
Shanghai Meet Up Thread
Nov 7, 2011 | 9:46 pm
#26
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FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
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I have been updating the Activities/Tours/Places to visit links in our guide. If you find another thread you think is worthy to be linked or is missing, please let me or one of the other China Ambassador's know. Thanks.
Dec 12, 2014 | 5:35 pm
#27
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,494
Few updates made to indicate new DCC thread and 10 year visa. Any other updates required please let me know.
May 17, 2023 | 9:04 pm
#29
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,452
But, you do raise a good point. Since people will presumably start to travel to China again fairly soon, an update is probably in order.
As I look over the Wikipost at the top of this thread, I think the topic list is okay (maybe add Wechat/Aliplay), but some of the redirect targets could be changed (e.g. the visa index item points to an old thread).
Last edited by moondog; May 17, 2023 at 9:10 pm
