Visiting China can be an adjustment for visitors that are unfamiliar with the culture, and it is always good to be prepared before traveling. Visiting its capital, Beijing, is no exception.
Yes, Beijing has a lot of wonderful sights to see and foods to try, but it can be quite the culture shock. Here are some of my tips on anything from smog to carrying cash, toilet trouble, and table manners.
1. Visa Applications Can Be Challenging
Unless you hold a passport from Singapore, Brunei, or Japan, you will need a visa if you wish to stay for longer than 72 hours in China. It can be time consuming and at times very difficult to get hold of a visa. So as soon as you know that you want to go to China, start applying for a visa.
If your country of residence is the same as your nationality, i.e., the country that issued your passport, then you should be able to get a 30-day tourist visa without too many delays. American travelers can find exact visa requirements on the U.S. Department of State website.
If, however, you are an expatriate, it is very difficult to get hold of a visa because you need to apply in the same country your passport is from. I had this problem in France, holding a German passport. The embassy expected me to go back to Germany to apply for the visa.
2. Download a VPN Before You Leave Home
Once you have your visa, download a VPN (virtual private network) on your phone if you are planning to use the internet or go on social…
