The practical stuff every Aussie needs to know
Getting into China — more paperwork than the rest of Asia combined
China is not a rock-up-and-get-a-stamp-on-arrival country. You'll need to plan ahead and get your visa sorted before you fly. The process isn't difficult but it requires paperwork, patience and sometimes a visit to the Chinese visa centre. Here's how it works for Australians.
Australians need a tourist visa (L visa) to enter China. Apply at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Sydney, Melbourne or your nearest city. Costs AUD $109.50 for single entry, AUD $164.50 for double entry, AUD $219.50 for 6-month multiple entry, AUD $329 for 12-month multiple entry. Each entry allows 30 or 60 days. Processing takes 4 business days (standard) or 2-3 days (express, extra fee).
If you're transiting through China, several cities offer 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit. Available at Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen and others. You must have a confirmed ticket to a third country (not your origin). You're restricted to the city/province of entry. This is a great option for a short stopover — enough time to see the Great Wall, the Bund or eat your way through Chengdu. Check current city list before booking.
Completed application form (online at visaforchina.cn), passport with 6+ months validity and blank pages, passport photo (48mm x 33mm — non-standard size, get it done at the visa centre), hotel booking confirmation, flight itinerary, and sometimes a letter of invitation or detailed travel itinerary. The form asks a lot of questions including previous Chinese visits and your employment details. Be thorough and honest.
China has been expanding visa-free arrangements. As of late 2024, some countries receive 15-30 day visa-free entry. Check the latest announcements for Australia-specific policies as this situation changes frequently. Even if visa-free entry becomes available, it may have conditions (specific ports of entry, no extensions). Always verify current rules with the Chinese Embassy before booking.
If you're working in China, you need a Z visa and work permit. Your employer handles most of the paperwork — they'll get you a work permit notification letter, which you use to apply for the Z visa. Once in China, you convert to a residence permit within 30 days. The process is bureaucratic but your employer should guide you through it. Teaching English is the most common reason Aussies get work visas.
If your partner is Chinese and you want to stay long-term, the S1 visa (for stays over 180 days) or S2 visa (under 180 days) based on family reunion is the path. You'll need your marriage certificate (notarised and apostilled), your spouse's Chinese ID and hukou (household registration), and an invitation letter. The S1 must be converted to a residence permit within 30 days of arrival. Processing can be slow — start early.
If you're staying long-term on a work, study or family visa, you'll convert to a residence permit at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 30 days of arrival. This acts as your visa for the duration and allows multiple entries. Bring your passport, visa, photos, health check results (from a designated Chinese hospital), lease agreement and other supporting documents. Budget a full day for this.
Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions with separate immigration. Australians get 90 days visa-free in Hong Kong and 30 days in Macau — no application needed. However, entering mainland China from Hong Kong or Macau still requires a Chinese visa (or you can use the 144-hour transit exemption if eligible). Don't assume your Hong Kong entry covers mainland China — they're completely separate.
China can and does refuse visa applications without explanation. Journalists, NGO workers and anyone with a history of activity China considers sensitive (Tibet, Xinjiang, Falun Gong, Taiwan advocacy) may face difficulties. Previous travel to these regions can trigger additional scrutiny. Keep your application straightforward and your social media clean. If asked about the purpose of your visit, "tourism" is always the safest answer. Don't overthink it — most applications are approved without issues.
If the paperwork feels overwhelming, use a visa agent. Companies like CIBT, CTS and various online services will handle your application for AUD $50-100 on top of the visa fee. They'll check your documents, flag errors before submission and handle the visa centre visit. Worth it for first-timers. Some travel agents also offer visa processing as part of a package. The investment saves you time and reduces rejection risk.
Valid Chinese visa in your passport. Passport with 6+ months validity. Completed arrival card (filled out on the plane). Fingerprints taken at immigration (biometric collection for foreigners). Hotel registration — your hotel registers you automatically, but if staying at a private residence you must register at the local police station within 24 hours. Customs declaration for large amounts of cash (over USD $5,000 equivalent).
The greatest food country on earth — no argument
China has the most diverse and incredible food culture in the world. What you eat at your local Chinese takeaway is not Chinese food — it's a pale shadow. Eight major regional cuisines, thousands of sub-regional specialties, and a street food culture that makes every other country look amateur. This is where your taste buds go to heaven.
From Chengdu and Chongqing in the southwest. Famous for the "mala" (numbing-spicy) flavour from Sichuan peppercorns and dried chillies. Mapo tofu (silky tofu in spicy sauce), kung pao chicken, dan dan noodles, hotpot, twice-cooked pork. If you like heat, Sichuan food is your religion. A meal at a local restaurant costs 30-60 RMB. Chengdu was the first city in Asia to be named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Enough said.
From Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Dim sum (yum cha), roast goose, wonton noodle soup, char siu (BBQ pork), steamed fish with ginger and spring onion. Cantonese food is about fresh ingredients, delicate flavours and letting the quality of the produce shine. The best yum cha in the world is in Guangzhou, not Sydney. A dim sum session costs 40-80 RMB per person. Go mid-morning for the full experience.
Peking duck is the headliner — crispy skin, tender meat, served with pancakes, spring onions, cucumber and hoisin sauce. Da Dong and Quanjude are the famous Beijing duck restaurants. A whole duck costs 200-400 RMB and serves 2-3 people. Also try zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), jianbing (savoury crepes from street vendors for 8-15 RMB) and lamb hotpot. Northern food is wheaty — noodles and dumplings instead of rice.
Jiaozi (boiled dumplings), guotie (pot stickers), sheng jian bao (pan-fried soup dumplings in Shanghai), xiao long bao (soup dumplings — the ones you're thinking of). Every region has its own dumpling style. Shanghai's xiao long bao from Din Tai Fung are famous, but the local spots on side streets are just as good and a quarter of the price. A plate of dumplings costs 15-30 RMB. You'll eat them every day.
A pot of simmering broth (spicy, mild or both — split pot is called yuan yang) into which you dip raw meats, vegetables, noodles and tofu. Sichuan-style is the most famous — nuclear red and packed with chillies and peppercorns. Haidilao is the best-known chain (famous for their over-the-top service including noodle-dancing waiters and free manicures while you wait). Budget 80-150 RMB per person for a full hotpot session.
Chuan'r (lamb skewers with cumin and chilli) on every street corner. Jianbing (breakfast crepes) in Beijing. Roujiamo (Chinese "hamburgers" — spiced meat in a flatbread) in Xi'an. Stinky tofu in Changsha. Grilled oysters in Zhanjiang. Night food streets in every city are a sensory assault — smoke, noise, crowds, incredible smells. Most street food items cost 5-20 RMB. This is where the real eating happens.
Xi'an's Muslim Quarter is one of the greatest food streets in the world. Lamb paomo (bread torn into pieces in lamb soup), roujiamo, biang biang noodles (thick, hand-pulled, named after the sound they make slapping the bench), persimmon cakes and pomegranate juice. All halal. The street runs for about a kilometre and is packed every night. Come hungry and eat your way from one end to the other. Budget 50-80 RMB for a feast.
Shanghai food is sweeter than most Chinese regional cuisines. Red-braised pork belly (hong shao rou), hairy crab (seasonal, October-November), sheng jian bao (pan-fried pork buns), scallion oil noodles, lion's head meatballs. Shanghai also has a massive restaurant scene from cheap noodle shops to Michelin-starred fine dining. A local meal costs 25-50 RMB. Fine dining can go into the thousands — but it's world-class.
Don't drink tap water — ever. Bottled water everywhere for 2-3 RMB. Chinese people drink boiled water (kaishui) and every hotel room will have an electric kettle. Street food is generally safe if it's cooked fresh — high heat kills everything. Oil quality at very cheap restaurants can be questionable (the "gutter oil" scandal was real). Eat at busy, popular places and you'll be fine. Your stomach may need a few days to adjust to the oil and spice levels.
Dianping (Dazhong Dianping) is China's equivalent of Yelp/TripAdvisor and it's far more useful. It shows ratings, photos, prices and menus for every restaurant. The app is in Chinese but Google Translate's camera feature can translate menus in real time. Point your phone camera at a Chinese menu and it translates on screen. This one trick makes eating in China infinitely easier. Download both apps before you go.
Cheap lagers and a booming craft scene
China is the world's largest beer market by volume. The mainstream beers are light, cheap and designed for drinking with food. But there's also an exploding craft beer scene in the big cities. Beer is cheap everywhere — a bottle of local lager costs less than a bottle of water in some places. Here's your drinking guide.
China's most famous beer internationally, brewed in Qingdao (originally by German colonists in 1903). A clean, light lager at 4.7% ABV. Around 5-10 RMB at a shop, 15-30 RMB at a restaurant. Available absolutely everywhere in China and exported worldwide. It's decent — nothing remarkable but perfectly good with Chinese food. Visit the Tsingtao Brewery Museum in Qingdao if you're a beer nerd.
Snow (Xuehua) is the world's best-selling beer by volume. Light, watery, 3.7% ABV. Around 3-6 RMB per bottle. Found everywhere, especially in the north. It's... functional. Not the best beer you'll drink but at 50 cents a bottle, you get what you pay for. Think of it as hydration with a slight buzz. Perfectly fine with a plate of lamb skewers at a street stall.
The local beer of Beijing, brewed since 1980. Light lager, slightly more flavour than Snow. Around 4-8 RMB. If you're in Beijing, you drink Yanjing — it's a local pride thing. Available in draught at many Beijing restaurants and bars. The brand was the official beer of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Pair it with Peking duck and you're having a proper Beijing experience.
Harbin Beer in the northeast (China's oldest beer, established by Russians in 1900). Zhujiang Beer in Guangzhou. Wusu Beer in Xinjiang (stronger at 4.5% and genuinely good — popular with backpackers). Each region is loyal to its local brew. Trying the local beer in each city is part of the experience. They're all light lagers but each has its own subtle character. Prices are universally cheap — 4-10 RMB.
China's craft beer scene has exploded in the last decade. Beijing: Great Leap Brewing, Jing-A, Arrow Factory. Shanghai: Boxing Cat Brewery, Liquid Laundry, Tap House. Chengdu: Harvest, Master Gao. Guangzhou and Shenzhen have growing scenes too. Expect to pay 40-80 RMB per pint — expensive by Chinese standards but comparable to Australian prices. Quality is genuinely world-class at the best breweries.
If you really want to drink like a local, baijiu (white spirit, 40-60% ABV) is China's national drink. Made from sorghum or rice, it tastes like a combination of rubbing alcohol and fire. It's served at dinners, banquets and celebrations. "Ganbei!" (dry your glass!) is the toast — and they mean it. Moutai is the premium brand (a bottle costs 1,500-3,000+ RMB). Erguotou is the everyday version at 15-30 RMB. Pace yourself or you'll be destroyed.
Chinese business and social drinking revolves around baijiu toasts. Each person at the table will toast you individually — and you're expected to drink. "Ganbei" means empty glass. "Suiyi" means drink at your own pace (say this if you want to survive). Chinese drinking etiquette is about showing respect and building relationships. If you can handle a few rounds of baijiu without falling over, you'll earn genuine respect.
Qingdao (Tsingtao) is to Chinese beer what Munich is to German beer. The annual Qingdao International Beer Festival (August) is Asia's version of Oktoberfest. The city has a German colonial heritage visible in its architecture and brewing tradition. You can buy fresh draught beer in plastic bags from street vendors — literally beer in a bag. If you're a beer lover, Qingdao deserves a visit just for this.
Baijiu hangovers are legendary and brutal. The cheap stuff (under 30 RMB) will make you feel like you've been poisoned — because chemically, you sort of have been. If you must drink baijiu, stick to mid-range or better quality (100+ RMB per bottle). Never mix baijiu with beer (the Chinese call this "depth charge" for a reason). Eat plenty of food while drinking. And know that politely declining is always an option — "wo bu neng he" (I can't drink) works.
Shaokao (Chinese BBQ) and beer is the ultimate combination. Every Chinese city has late-night BBQ street stalls — lamb skewers, chicken wings, grilled eggplant, garlic prawns, all cooked over charcoal with cumin and chilli. Grab a plastic stool, order 50 skewers and a few big bottles of local beer. This is Chinese nightlife at its most authentic. Total damage: 50-100 RMB per person. The best nights in China happen at these stalls.
The most advanced transport network in Asia
China's transport infrastructure is world-class. The high-speed rail network is the best on the planet, the metro systems in major cities are modern and cheap, and ride-hailing apps work seamlessly. The challenge for foreigners is that everything runs on Chinese apps and Chinese language. Here's how to navigate it all.
DiDi Chuxing is China's dominant ride-hailing app. Download the international version (DiDi Global) which has English language support. Works in all major cities. Pay by international credit card through the app. A ride across central Shanghai costs about 30-60 RMB. DiDi is safe, metered and eliminates the language barrier (you type the destination, driver follows the app). Essential — you'll use it multiple times daily.
China's high-speed rail network is the largest in the world — over 42,000km of track. Beijing to Shanghai in 4.5 hours at 350 km/h. Guangzhou to Shenzhen in 30 minutes. The trains are clean, punctual and comfortable. Second-class seats cost roughly 0.4-0.5 RMB per km. Beijing-Shanghai is about 550 RMB second class. Book on Trip.com (English interface) or at the station. You'll need your passport to book and board.
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing and dozens of other cities have modern, clean and cheap metro systems. Single rides cost 3-10 RMB depending on distance. Signs are in Chinese and English (Pinyin). Buy single-trip tokens from machines (some accept international cards, some don't — carry small RMB notes). Alipay and WeChat Pay can be used to tap in and out if you have them set up.
China has a massive domestic aviation network. Airlines include Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, Spring Airlines (budget) and many others. Beijing to Chengdu from 500-1,200 RMB, Shanghai to Xi'an from 400-900 RMB. Book through Trip.com or the airline apps. Chinese airports are modern but large — arrive at least 2 hours before departure. Delays are common due to air traffic congestion and military airspace restrictions.
Taxis in Chinese cities are metered, plentiful and cheap. Flag fall is 10-14 RMB in most cities. A 20-minute ride costs about 25-40 RMB. The challenge: almost no taxi drivers speak English. Have your destination written in Chinese characters on your phone (screenshot from Google Maps or your hotel's business card). Some drivers refuse foreigners because of the communication difficulty — don't take it personally, just flag another one. Or use DiDi.
Dockless shared bikes (Meituan, Hello, Didi bikes) are everywhere in Chinese cities. Scan a QR code, ride, park. Costs about 1.5-3 RMB per ride. The problem: they require a Chinese app with Chinese payment set up. If you've got Alipay or WeChat Pay working, you can use them. If not, old-fashioned walking is free. The bike lanes in Chinese cities are generally well-separated from traffic.
Useful for reaching places the train network doesn't cover. Bus stations are in every city. Quality ranges from modern coaches to questionable rural minibuses. Tickets can be bought at the station (bring your passport). For most tourist routes, the train is faster and more comfortable. Buses are mainly useful for reaching rural destinations, national parks and smaller towns off the rail network.
Google Maps doesn't work properly in China (it's not blocked, but the map data is offset and inaccurate). Use Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode) instead — both are excellent but primarily in Chinese. Apple Maps actually works reasonably well in China as a compromise. Download offline maps before you go. Having your hotel and key destinations saved in Chinese characters on your phone is essential.
Outside of international hotels and tourist sites, English is rarely spoken in China. Taxi drivers, train station staff, restaurant workers — assume zero English. This is the biggest challenge of travelling in China. Google Translate's offline Chinese pack, a phrasebook app, and having key addresses written in Chinese characters are non-negotiable. Learning "ni hao" (hello), "xiexie" (thank you) and "duoshao qian" (how much) gets you surprisingly far.
Trip.com (formerly Ctrip) is the best app for booking trains, flights and hotels in China. It has a full English interface, accepts international credit cards and is reliable. Book high-speed train tickets in advance — popular routes sell out, especially around Chinese holidays (Spring Festival, National Day). You can pick up booked train tickets at any station using your passport. This one app covers 80% of your transport needs in China.
The cashless revolution and how to survive it
China has gone nearly cashless. Everything — from street food vendors to luxury shops — runs on mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay). This is amazing for locals but has been a nightmare for tourists. The good news: both platforms now accept international credit cards. The bad news: setting them up isn't always smooth. Here's the full guide.
China is the most cashless society on earth. Many shops, restaurants and street vendors ONLY accept WeChat Pay or Alipay — they literally don't have a cash register. Taxi drivers may not carry change. Some places will refuse cash outright. If you arrive in China without mobile payment set up, you'll struggle immediately. This is the single most important logistical challenge to solve before your trip.
Download Alipay, register with your passport and link an international Visa or Mastercard. The "Tour Card" function lets foreigners load money and pay via QR code. Load at least 500-1,000 RMB to start. The setup process can be fiddly — do it before you leave Australia when you have reliable internet and patience. Once working, you can pay for almost everything by scanning QR codes. This is your number one priority.
WeChat is China's super-app (messaging, social media, payments, everything). WeChat Pay now accepts international cards for foreigners. Download WeChat, register, link your card. The payment function works similarly to Alipay — scan QR codes or show your QR code to pay. Having both Alipay and WeChat Pay set up is ideal, but if you can only get one working, either will cover you for 95% of daily transactions.
Despite the cashless revolution, always carry some physical RMB. ATMs accept international cards (ICBC, Bank of China, CCB are the most reliable). Withdrawal limits are usually 2,500-5,000 RMB per transaction. Some older shops, rural areas and certain transport (like some bus routes) still only take cash. Keep 500-1,000 RMB in your wallet as backup. Notes come in 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 RMB denominations.
Chinese currency is the Renminbi (RMB), and the unit is the Yuan (CNY/¥). AUD $1 gets you roughly 4.5-5 RMB. The currency is not fully convertible — you can exchange at banks and licensed money changers but rates at airport counters are poor. ATM withdrawals give the best exchange rate. You can buy RMB from Australian banks before departure but rates are worse than withdrawing in China.
Street food meal: 15-30 RMB. Local restaurant meal: 30-60 RMB. Western restaurant meal: 80-200 RMB. Beer at a shop: 5-10 RMB. Craft beer: 40-80 RMB. Metro ride: 3-10 RMB. DiDi ride across town: 20-50 RMB. Budget hotel: 150-300 RMB. Mid-range hotel: 300-600 RMB. Monthly rent for an apartment in Shanghai: 4,000-10,000 RMB. China varies hugely — Shanghai and Beijing are 2-3x more expensive than second-tier cities.
Wise transfers to Chinese bank accounts work but are slower than in other Asian countries (1-3 business days). Your partner can receive to her Chinese bank account (ICBC, Bank of China, CCB). Western Union has outlets in China but rates are poor. For regular transfers, Wise is still the best option for rate and convenience. Your partner will need to provide her bank details including the SWIFT code and branch name.
China is NOT a tipping culture. Tipping is not expected and in some contexts can even be seen as insulting (implying the person needs charity). Don't tip at restaurants, taxis, or hotels. Don't tip tour guides unless they explicitly indicate it's appreciated (some tourist-oriented guides have adapted to Western customs). At high-end international hotels, tipping is understood but still not expected. When in doubt, don't tip.
If your Alipay or WeChat Pay stops working (card declined, verification issue, app glitch), you can be stranded. Restaurants may not accept cash, taxis won't have change, ticket machines might only take mobile payment. Always carry cash backup. Have your hotel's contact saved in case you need to call for help. If all else fails, international credit cards work at larger chains (Starbucks, McDonald's, international hotels) as a last resort.
As soon as you land, buy a water or coffee at the airport using Alipay or WeChat Pay to confirm it's working. If there's an issue, the airport is the easiest place to fix it — there are bank branches, ATMs, and English-speaking staff at the service counters. Don't wait until you're at a street food stall in a hutong at 10pm to discover your payment app isn't functioning. Test early, fix early.
One of the safest countries you'll visit — with some unique risks
China is remarkably safe for personal security. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare. You can walk alone at night in most Chinese cities without concern. The risks here are different from Southeast Asia — it's less about crime and more about scams, pollution, food safety and navigating a system that doesn't always make sense to outsiders.
China has extensive surveillance (CCTV everywhere) and a massive police presence. Street crime is genuinely low. Muggings and violent assaults against foreigners are extremely rare. You can walk around Beijing or Shanghai at 3am and feel safer than in most Australian cities. Pickpocketing exists in tourist areas and crowded transport, but it's less common than in Europe. Standard precautions apply — front pockets, don't flash cash.
The "tea ceremony" scam in Beijing and Shanghai: friendly English-speaking locals invite you for tea, you end up with a bill for 1,000+ RMB. The "art gallery" scam: similar setup, they pressure you into buying overpriced art. If anyone approaches you in a tourist area speaking good English and wants to take you somewhere specific, it's almost certainly a scam. Real Chinese people are friendly but they don't usually accost tourists on the street.
Air quality in major Chinese cities (especially Beijing, but also Chengdu, Xi'an and northern cities) can be genuinely hazardous. Download an AQI (Air Quality Index) app and check daily. When AQI exceeds 150, consider wearing an N95 mask. If it exceeds 200, limit outdoor exposure. Southern cities (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Kunming) generally have better air quality. Summer tends to be better than winter. This is a real health issue, not just an inconvenience.
Google, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, WhatsApp, YouTube, most Western news sites and many other services are blocked in China. This is NOT optional or theoretical — they simply don't work. You NEED a VPN (Virtual Private Network) installed BEFORE you arrive. ExpressVPN, Astrill and NordVPN are the most reliable for China. Download and test before departure. Without a VPN, you cannot access your normal apps, email or social media.
All foreigners must register with local police within 24 hours of arrival in each new city. Hotels do this automatically when you check in. If you're staying at a private residence (friend's house, Airbnb), you must go to the local police station (paichusuo) with your host and register. This is strictly enforced and failure to register can result in fines. Keep your hotel receipts as proof of registration.
Don't discuss Tibet, Xinjiang, Taiwan independence, Tiananmen Square, or criticise the Communist Party in public or online. Don't photograph military installations, police stations or government buildings. Don't participate in protests or political gatherings. These are not suggestions — they are laws that are enforced. Foreigners have been detained for social media posts. Keep your political opinions to yourself while in China. Seriously.
China experiences typhoons on the southeast coast (July-September), earthquakes in Sichuan/Yunnan, flooding along major rivers during summer monsoon season, and extreme cold in the north during winter. Check weather forecasts and follow local warnings. The Chinese government's disaster response is generally fast and well-organised, but rural areas can be cut off during severe weather.
China has a two-tier healthcare system. Public hospitals are cheap but overcrowded, non-English-speaking and chaotic. Private/international hospitals and clinics in major cities (Beijing United Family, Shanghai United Family, Raffles Medical) are excellent but expensive. Travel insurance is essential — make sure it covers medical evacuation to Hong Kong or Australia if needed. Pharmacies (yaodian) are everywhere and many medications are available without prescription.
We cannot stress this enough: install a VPN BEFORE you enter China. Once you're behind the Great Firewall, you cannot download VPN apps from the app store (they're removed from the Chinese App Store). ExpressVPN and Astrill are the most reliable. Buy a subscription, download the app, and test it before you board your flight. Without a VPN, you have no Google, no Gmail, no Facebook, no WhatsApp, no Instagram, no YouTube. You are digitally isolated.
Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Fire: 119. Australian Embassy Beijing: 010 5140 4111. Australian Consulate Shanghai: 021 2215 5200. Australian Consulate Guangzhou: 020 3814 0111. Save these in your phone before arrival. Register with Smartraveller. China is safe — but if something does go wrong, having these numbers accessible is invaluable. The embassy can help with lost passports, legal issues and medical emergencies.
Getting connected behind the Great Firewall
Getting a Chinese SIM card is straightforward but comes with a unique twist — most of the internet you're used to is blocked. You'll need both a local SIM for Chinese apps and a VPN to access your normal services. Here's how to get connected and stay connected.
China's largest carrier with the best coverage nationwide, including remote areas. 4G/5G coverage across the country. Tourist SIM packages with data start from around 100-200 RMB for 30 days. You'll need your passport for registration. China Mobile stores are on every major street in every Chinese city. Their coverage in rural areas and along train routes is the best of the three carriers.
The second-largest carrier. Strong coverage in cities, slightly weaker in very remote areas compared to China Mobile. Often recommended for foreigners because their tourist SIM packages are straightforward and their stores tend to be more foreigner-friendly. Good 4G/5G speeds in urban areas. A tourist SIM with 20GB for 30 days costs about 150-250 RMB.
The third carrier. Good coverage and competitive data packages. Less commonly used by foreigners but perfectly functional. Their CDMA/LTE network means some older foreign phones may have compatibility issues — check your phone's band support. In practice, China Mobile or China Unicom are the safer choices for foreign travellers.
Airport arrivals halls at Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun and other international airports have carrier counters. Staff will set up the SIM and register with your passport. Also available at carrier stores throughout cities — look for the red (China Mobile), orange (China Unicom) or blue (China Telecom) signage. Buying at the airport is easiest as staff are used to dealing with foreigners.
Chinese SIM card registration is strict. You'll need your passport and facial recognition (they'll take a photo). Some stores may refuse to sell to foreigners if they're unsure of the process — this is annoying but try another branch. The airport counters are always set up for foreign registrations. Once registered, your SIM is linked to your passport number. This is used for various verifications including train ticket purchases and hotel check-ins.
Chinese mobile data is reasonably priced. Typical tourist packages: 20-40GB for 30 days at 100-250 RMB. Top up through the carrier's app (Chinese language), at carrier stores, or at convenience stores. Data speeds are excellent in cities — China has one of the best 5G networks in the world. Coverage along high-speed rail routes is generally good. Speeds drop in very rural or mountainous areas.
Your Chinese SIM gives you access to Chinese internet, which means no Google, no Facebook, no WhatsApp, no Instagram, no YouTube and no Western news sites. You MUST have a VPN installed before arrival (you can't download VPN apps from app stores inside China). A good VPN (ExpressVPN, Astrill) will let you access blocked sites, but speeds can be slow, especially during politically sensitive periods when the Firewall tightens.
WeChat (messaging, payments, everything). Alipay (payments). Baidu Maps (navigation). DiDi (ride-hailing). Trip.com (travel booking). Dianping (restaurant reviews). Taobao (shopping). Download all of these before you enter China. They work without a VPN and are the tools that make daily life in China functional. WeChat especially is non-negotiable — it's how China communicates.
eSIMs from international providers (Airalo, Nomad) can give you data in China, and some route traffic through foreign servers meaning you bypass the Great Firewall. This sounds ideal but: speeds can be slow, coverage may be limited, and you won't have a Chinese phone number (which you need for many Chinese services and apps). Use an eSIM as backup data/VPN but still get a physical Chinese SIM for local functionality.
WeChat is not optional in China. It's not just a messaging app — it's how you pay, how you book, how you communicate, how you scan QR codes, how you access mini-programs for everything from ordering food to calling a courier. Your partner, her family, your landlord, your colleagues — everyone communicates through WeChat. Set it up before you arrive, add your partner and key contacts, and get comfortable using it. WeChat IS daily life in China.
Where to find Aussies, cold beers and something familiar
The Australian expat community in China is significant, particularly in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou. There are Aussie bars, business networks and social clubs in all the major cities. The China expat experience is different from Southeast Asia — it's more professionally focused and the social scene revolves around international communities. Here's where to find your mob.
Shanghai has the largest Australian expat community in mainland China. The former French Concession (Jing'an/Xuhui area) is expat central — tree-lined streets, Western restaurants, cocktail bars and coffee shops. The Camel Sports Bar on Yueyang Road shows NRL, AFL and cricket on big screens and is the unofficial Aussie gathering spot. The Boxing Cat Brewery taprooms are also popular with the Australian crowd.
AustCham Shanghai (Australian Chamber of Commerce) runs regular networking events, business lunches and social gatherings. Highly active and well-organised. Good for professional connections and meeting long-term Aussie residents. The Shanghai Aussie Rules Football Club fields teams and has an active social calendar — even if you don't play, the post-match sessions are legendary. Anzac Day services at the Australian Consulate are the biggest annual community event.
Sanlitun is Beijing's main expat and nightlife district. The Bookworm (bookshop-bar), Great Leap Brewing taprooms and numerous sports bars cater to the international crowd. The Australian Embassy is in the Chaoyang district and organises community events. AustCham Beijing runs professional networking. The Aussie community in Beijing is smaller than Shanghai but there's a strong presence in the diplomatic, business and education sectors.
Guangzhou has a smaller but dedicated Aussie expat community, many connected to trade and business. The Zhujiang New Town (Tianhe district) area is the main expat zone. Hooley's Irish Pub and various sports bars show international sport. AustCham South China covers the Guangzhou/Shenzhen/Pearl River Delta region and runs events. Dim sum sessions are the social glue here — any excuse for yum cha with mates.
Shenzhen is China's tech capital and attracts Aussies in technology, manufacturing and business. Shekou (Sea World area) is the main expat neighbourhood — international restaurants, bars and a waterfront promenade. The Brew has been a long-running expat gathering spot. Shenzhen is right next to Hong Kong (30 minutes by metro), so the expat communities overlap. Younger and more tech-focused than other Chinese cities.
Chengdu is increasingly popular with Western expats who want Chinese culture without the intensity of Shanghai or Beijing. The cost of living is lower, the food is incredible and the pace is more relaxed. Jiuyanqiao bar street and the Tongzilin area have expat-friendly venues. The Aussie community is smaller but growing, attracted by the quality of life. If you love spicy food and pandas, Chengdu is hard to beat.
Kunming in Yunnan province has near-perfect weather year-round and a small but growing expat community. Lower cost of living than coastal cities. Good base for exploring Yunnan's incredible landscapes (Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Tiger Leaping Gorge). The Green Lake (Cuihu) area has cafes and bars popular with long-term foreign residents. A quieter, more relaxed alternative to the mega-cities.
China has an Australian Rules football community with clubs in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hong Kong (which plays in China leagues). The Asian Gaelic Games and AFL Asia leagues organise regular tournaments. Even if you've never played, joining training sessions is one of the fastest ways to make Aussie mates in China. The post-match drinks are where the real bonding happens. Search for your city's AFL club on WeChat or Facebook (via VPN).
The Australian Chamber of Commerce operates in Shanghai (AustCham Shanghai), Beijing (AustCham Beijing) and South China (Guangzhou/Shenzhen). They run monthly mixers, business breakfasts, industry seminars and the big annual Australia Day ball. Membership is worth it if you're in China for business. Even casual members get access to events that connect you with established Aussie professionals who know the ropes.
WeChat groups are the primary way expats connect in China (Facebook groups exist but require VPN). Ask any Aussie you meet to add you to the local WeChat groups — "Aussies in Shanghai," "Beijing Expats," etc. SmartShanghai and TheBeijinger are English-language lifestyle sites with event listings. RedFrog Events runs social events in Shanghai. And as always, Passport Mates is here to connect Aussie blokes navigating life and relationships in Asia.