Mainland China travel tips

kernelkel

Hi, off to mainland China (Guangzhou) for a work trip in April, can anyone advise the best solutions for the following:-

Paying for the metro, food, drinks etc in local vendors and shops, in my hotel etc

I have Alipay but I have read it needs Internet connection to work and I hadn't planned on having roaming on my phone. (Samsung with Sky Mobile). Should I get a China Sim and if yes where from? 

Am I likely to need cash and is it best to take cash out over there using a debit or credit card (which is best?) or take some USD to exchange in my hotel? 

Maps - Google offline maps were what I was planning to use but I hear Google is a no go. 

Any tips from recent travellers much appreciated 

Thanks 

Voyager2002

If you can download maps before you travel then they will still be there off-line when you need them. You will not be able to connect to Google anything while you are there.

As with any foreign country, withdrawing cash on a credit card may lead to cash advance fees and interest. Use one of the recommended travel cards or get a debit card that does not charge for foreign use.

You would be able to exchange pounds: I don't think it is worth exchanging into US dollars first, but if you have any old dollars lying around at home then do bring them.

NoodleDoodleMan

"I have Alipay but I have read it needs Internet connection to work and I hadn't planned on having roaming on my phone. (Samsung with Sky Mobile). Should I get a China Sim and if yes where from? "

I'm not up on the present situation - however when we went to China about 12 years ago my friend had to go through  a machine automated verification system at the airport in order to allow a foreigner to access the internet, this partly involved scanning his passport.

Chinese governmental authorities restricted access to Google services, for example.

I'd recommend you seek a more knowledgeabe source - mobile 'phone usage could also be a limited scenario.

[Deleted User]

It's been a few years since I went, but last time Google services were blocked and that resulted in the whole phone having issues. However they blocked it seemed to cause the phone to hang on waiting for a response that never came.

Another issue is that Google Maps isn't good in China. Lack of detail, outdated, and flat out wrong at times.

A SIM will help, as will a VPN. I used one without issue, but obviously it's up to you.

Another option is a mobile WiFi access point. You can rent them at the airport.

NoodleDoodleMan

I had a quick trawl on the internet - it appears that the Chinese authorities endeavour to thwart VPN linkups designed to bodyswerve their restrictions on access to the net.

These are anecdotal of course - so difficult to gauge what the present scenario is.