Everything you need to sort out before and during your first trip to Beijing — visas, payments, transport, language and etiquette.
8 min read · KOULING's Beijing Travel Guide
Beijing is one of the easiest major cities in China to visit as a foreigner — the metro is in English, signage is bilingual and most tourist sites are set up for international visitors. But a few things work differently here. This page covers them before you land.
Before you arrive
A short checklist, in order of how much trouble it causes if you skip it.
Check your visa — Many nationalities now qualify for visa-free transit (72h / 144h) or visa-free entry. Rules change — verify with your airline before booking.
Set up mobile payment — Alipay and WeChat Pay can both be linked to foreign cards. Cash and cards work, but QR payment is what locals actually use.
Install a China-friendly maps app — Google Maps data is poor here. Download AMap or Baidu Maps, or an English alternative, before you fly.
Get a VPN sorted in advance — Many Western sites and apps are blocked. Install and test before arrival — you cannot download one once you are here.
Book attraction tickets online — The Forbidden City and popular museum entries often sell out; passports are required at pickup.
Paying for things
Card acceptance is good at hotels, malls and larger restaurants. In small shops and markets, QR payment or cash is expected. ATMs accepting foreign cards are common in the city — look for Bank of China, ICBC or China Construction Bank.
Getting around
The Beijing subway is the fastest way across the city: 20+ lines, English signage, flat fares from CNY 3. Trains run roughly 05:00–23:00. For short hops, taxis and ride-hailing are cheap; always have your destination written in Chinese to show the driver.
Language
English is widely used in hotels, the airport and major attractions, less so in small shops and taxis. Learning a few words goes a long way: 你好 (nǐ hǎo, hello), 谢谢 (xiè xie, thank you), 多少钱 (duō shǎo qián, how much), 不要 (bú yào, I don't want it).
Customs worth knowing
Carry your passport — You need it for hotels, train tickets and attraction entry. A digital copy is not accepted.
Tap water is not for drinking — Hotels provide kettles; bottled water is cheap and everywhere.
Tipping is not expected — It is not customary in restaurants or taxis.
Queue jumping happens — Stand your ground politely at ticket lines and metro doors.
