Hi everyone. First-time traveler to China this Saturday.

Any general tips?

Best options for cash? Exchange or is an ATM available?
Taxis: do they accept credit cards?
How common is it for merchants to accept credit cards?

Thanks!

It would help to know where in China you're going -- it's a very big country, you know, and very different out in the boonies than in the cities.

There are ATMs all over the cities and even in some smaller towns. Not all of them will accept foreign ATM cards, but I've never had trouble finding one.

Hmmm. I always pay cash, so I'm not sure, but I'd be surprised if they did. Taxis in China are cheap.

It depends on the merchant. In the major cities, most larger merchants will accept credit cards. Smaller mom-and-pop stores won't.

General tips:

1. Taxi drivers don't speak English. Have your hotel write down the name and address of wherever you want to go in characters. Make sure you keep a hotel name card with you (it has the name and address of the hotel written in characters) for when you want to return. All hotels have them.

2. If you're in a major city and get lost, need directions, or just have questions about a good local restaurant, location of a drug store, etc., just go into any large hotel -- there will be at least one person who can speak English and will be able to help you.

3. China, like every other country in the world, has its own tourist scams, but they're comparatively subtle. Beware (or, more accurately, be wary) of locals who invite you to tea shops and "art students" who want to show you their exhibition. However, many Chinese are curious about westerners and like to practice their English -- don't assume that everyone who speaks to you is a con artist.

4. Except in department stores and designer stores in upscale malls, prices are negotiable. Feel free to bargain, though (1) you will always pay the "gweilo" premium, i.e. don't expect to pay the locals' price, and (2) please bargain with goodwill and respect.

5. Chinese cuisine has evolved over nearly 5,000 years, and is the most sophisticated, varied and interesting in the world. Even street food is relatively safe to eat provided it is cooked. Be adventurous. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables, unless they've been peeled. Drink bottled or boiled water only. Water in most major cities is potable, but may have increased lead content due to old plumbing. The more popular Chinese liquors are frequently counterfeited. You're okay ordering in a restaurant, but if you want to buy a bottle or two to take home, stick to upscale shops, the government "Friendship" store (if you're in Beijing), or the duty free at the airport.

6. Any "antiques" that are for sale to tourists, i.e. you, will not be authentic (there are some exceptions to this in smaller towns, but it is unlikely you will encounter these). The "official seal" does not indicate a genuine antique -- everything will be a reproduction. However, some of these reproductions are quite good and make excellent souvenirs. When you negotiate the price, however, always remember that you are buying a reproduction and not a genuine antique -- adjust your price accordingly.

7. China has a variety of different electrical outlets, all of which are 220-240v/50Hz. Bring plug adapters with you. They're not hard to find in larger cities, but you don't want to waste your time on a shopping expedition for these. China is an incredibly photogenic country -- bring your still and video camera. You can photograph anywhere and anything EXCEPT in train stations, military installations, etc.

8. My personal pet peeve about foreign travelers to China: as with any country, it is always a good idea to pick up a few common words for the sake of politeness. "Thank you" is "she she," but it's pronounced with two rising tones. Listen carefully to how the locals say it, and avoid the flat, western "shay shay" that so many travelers seem to use.

9. You will probably be surprised by how free, open and progressive Chinese society appears. Though the government is, of course, totalitarian, unless you are a political activist you won't encounter anything remotely repressive. As in any country, it's always advisable to remember you're a guest and avoid criticizing your host. Most Chinese won't be interested in discussing internal politics with you, but if any do you don't have to worry about getting arrested or anything like that. The police in China don't usually speak English, but they will be very helpful if you are lost or have a problem -- far more so than their counterparts in the U.S. A little sign language, lots of pointing, and a map and/or guidebook with pictures goes a long way.

10. The quality of counterfeit DVDs has dropped dramatically in the last couple of years, partly because of government crackdowns on copyright infringement and partly because many of the Hollywood studios are now releasing very low-priced Chinese-specific versions of their films. Don't waste your money.

11. The traditional Chinese toilet is a "squatter." It takes skill to use and, if you get it wrong . . . well, you just don't want to get it wrong. In dozens of visits to China over the last 15 years, I've managed to avoid ever having to use one. Hotels and upscale restaurants will have "sitters." Carry your own toilet paper, as there may not be any.

Best options for cash? Exchange or is an ATM available?

Most ICBC, BOC, and other major banks accept foreign ATM cards. (Remember there is a certain extra charge incurred when using a foreign card)

Taxis: do they accept credit cards?

They only accept cash (in Shanghai they also accept the Shanghai Public Transportation Card SPTC, which is used in the subways, buses, etc.) I can't remember if other cities have these kinds of cards?

How common is it for merchants to accept credit cards?

Most hotels and western restaurants accept international credit cards. Call them ahead of time if you want to be sure.

Don't know if i agree with this

Not my OP, but thank you very much. With our trip looming on the horizon, this is the kind of information that we can put to good use.

^

Dennis

Rumor has it that it will disappear soon after the Olympics to make way for a really snazzy W Hotel.

Also, re DVDs, I still like them (and haven't noticed any decline in quality).

Thanks for the tips everyone.

I am going to Beijing, then commuting to Shanghai, then HK, then back to Guangzhou over the next 3 weeks.

I wanted to know if there was an ATM at the PEK airport, so I don't have to carry cash on the flight out, or worry about an exchange. Some airports like HK or Istanbul have Citibank or B of A ATMs, so it's fairly convenient to not worry about cash until you get there.

But thanks everyone, espec. PTravel.

There are plenty of ATM's at PEK...it will be no problem to find one. I always try to have around 100 bucks in cash on me wherever I am traveling as you never know when you might need it!