China travel FAQ

Your China trip, made clear.

Practical answers for international travelers — from visas, payments and mobile data to trains, food, private guides and a comfortable daily pace.

  • Private journeys
  • Local specialists
  • Flexible pace
Travel style Private & flexible No rigid coach-tour timetable.
Bookings Passport-ready Rail, flights and hotels coordinated.
Communication Local guides English and other languages on request.
While travelling On-trip support Help when plans need attention.
Frequently asked questions

What international travelers ask us most.

Search for a topic or browse by category. If your situation is different, send us your nationality, dates and preferred destinations for a personal answer.

Planning your private journey

04 questions
Are all Sloth China Tour journeys private?

Yes. Your journey is arranged for your own party — whether you are a couple, family, group of friends or small private group. You will not be added to a large coach tour, and the daily rhythm can be adjusted around you.

Can I customize the route, hotels and guide language?

Yes. We can adjust the dates, city order, hotel style, transport, daily pace and experiences. English-speaking guides are commonly arranged; Spanish, French, German and other languages can be requested, subject to destination and guide availability.

How many days should I allow for a first trip to China?

For several major cities, about 10–17 days creates a much more comfortable first journey. With around 7 days, we normally recommend focusing on one or two regions instead of spending too much of the holiday in transit.

How does planning and booking work?
  1. Share your dates, travelers, interests and preferred comfort level.
  2. Receive a suggested route and quotation.
  3. Refine the pace, hotels and experiences with your planner.
  4. Confirm only after you receive the written booking and payment terms.

Every proposal states exactly what is included and excluded. International flights, visas and meals are not assumed unless they are specifically listed.

Entry, visas & arrival

04 questions
Do I need a visa to visit China?

It depends on your passport, trip length, arrival route and reason for travel. China has visa-free and visa-free-transit arrangements for some travelers, but eligibility and permitted routes can change.

Please confirm your individual situation with the Chinese embassy or consulate serving your country and the National Immigration Administration before purchasing non-refundable international flights. We can help design a practical route, but final entry approval rests with the relevant authorities.

What passport information is needed for reservations?

Train tickets, domestic flights and hotels may require your full legal name exactly as shown in the passport, nationality, passport number, date of birth and expiry date. Bring the same original passport used for the booking throughout the journey.

Can you meet us at the airport or railway station?

Yes. Private airport and station transfers can be included in your itinerary. Your final travel information will explain the meeting point and local contact method. If a flight changes, contact the trip support number as soon as possible so the transfer can be adjusted.

Will the hotels be prepared for international guests?

We select and confirm accommodation suitable for international travelers. You will need to present your passport at reception, and the hotel normally handles the required accommodation registration. If you plan to stay in a private home or apartment, ask us about the separate local registration requirements.

Money, phones & daily life

05 questions
What is the easiest way to pay in China?

Mobile payment is widely used. Many international visitors register Alipay or WeChat before departure and link an eligible international bank card. Availability, limits and card verification depend on the payment provider and your issuing bank, so complete setup early.

Carry a physical bank card and a modest amount of RMB cash as backup. The Chinese government’s official guide for international visitors explains current mobile-payment, cash and bank-card options.

Will my phone and usual apps work in China?

Hotel Wi-Fi and mobile data are widely available, but some international websites and services may not operate in the same way as they do at home. Before departure, install the apps you need, update passwords, keep important confirmations offline and decide whether your home-country roaming or a suitable eSIM is best for you.

Can I buy a local SIM card?

Yes. International travelers can generally apply for a local SIM using a passport at an official telecom service outlet. Plans and activation requirements vary. For a short trip, international roaming or an eSIM may be simpler; your planner can suggest a practical setup for your route.

Do I need a power adapter?

China uses 220V / 50Hz electricity and several plug shapes are encountered. A compact universal travel adapter is the easiest option. Check that each charger is marked for 100–240V before plugging it in.

Is tipping expected?

Tipping is not compulsory in everyday situations in China. A gratuity for a private guide or driver is optional and should reflect the service you received. Your planner can provide destination-specific guidance without adding pressure.

Trains, transfers & luggage

03 questions
How do high-speed train tickets work for foreigners?

China uses real-name rail tickets. Your passport details must match the reservation, and you should carry the original passport used to buy the ticket. Travelers can use the official China Railway 12306 English website; for a private itinerary, we can coordinate the agreed rail bookings and station transfers for you.

What should I know about luggage on trains?

Pack so you can move your main suitcase through station security and onto the train comfortably. Storage space can be limited, particularly for oversized cases. Tell us in advance if you have several large suitcases, a wheelchair, stroller or special equipment so we can plan vehicles and station assistance appropriately.

Will major sightseeing be scheduled on transfer days?

We normally keep substantial intercity transfer days light instead of forcing a full sightseeing schedule around a train or flight. When distance and timing allow, a simple neighborhood walk or relaxed evening can be added without making the day feel rushed.

Food, comfort & special needs

04 questions
Can you accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions?

Tell us every allergy and dietary requirement during planning, including how severe it is. We can brief guides, recommend suitable restaurants and prepare a written Chinese-language explanation. Cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed in every kitchen, so travelers with serious allergies should also carry prescribed medication and a translated emergency card.

Can I drink tap water, and what are public toilets like?

Use bottled or properly boiled water unless your accommodation specifically confirms that the tap water is potable. Toilet standards vary: airports, hotels and modern shopping centers are usually straightforward, while some attractions may have squat toilets. Carrying tissues and hand sanitizer is useful.

Is a private China trip suitable for families or older travelers?

Yes. A private journey makes it easier to shorten walking periods, add rest time, choose convenient hotels and avoid unnecessarily early starts. Tell us about mobility limits, stairs, wheelchairs, children’s ages or medical considerations before the itinerary is confirmed; accessibility differs between historic sites and natural areas.

What should I prepare for health, weather and unexpected changes?

Travel insurance with medical and trip-interruption cover is strongly recommended. Bring enough prescription medication in its original packaging, plus copies of important documents. China’s climate varies greatly by region and altitude, so ask for a city-by-city packing note close to departure rather than relying on one national weather forecast.

Entry, payment and transport rules can change.

Before departure, recheck your airline, the Chinese embassy or consulate, the National Immigration Administration and China Railway 12306. Your Sloth China Tour planner can help you identify which information applies to your route.

A personal answer is better

Tell us how you want to experience China.

Share your dates, passport nationality, travel party and the places that inspire you. We’ll turn the details into one private, comfortably paced journey.

Private planning · Flexible itineraries · Local support
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