Chapter 1: Survival Guide

1.1 How to Make Payments in China

China is known for its cashless society, with a high reliance on digital payments. The most popular methods for making payments are:

WeChat Pay and Alipay: In China, digital payment platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay are essential for both daily life and travel. Whether you're buying a coffee, booking a taxi, or even paying for entry to tourist attractions, these apps dominate the Chinese payment landscape. As a tourist, being able to use these platforms can significantly enhance your experience and simplify your trip. You can link your foreign credit or debit card to both apps. WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in stores, restaurants, taxis, and even small street vendors. QR Codes: In China, payments are usually made by scanning a QR code using your payment app. Vendors display a QR code for customers to scan and pay digitally.
Cash: While digital payments dominate, cash is still used in certain smaller shops or more rural areas.

Link Your Foreign Credit Card to WeChat Pay and Alipay

Introduction:

Benefits of using these platforms for tourists:

Convenience: You can pay easily without needing cash.
Accessibility: Most shops, restaurants, and even public transportation accept these payment methods.
Security: Both platforms offer robust security measures to protect your financial data.
Discounts and Offers: Occasionally, you may find special offers or discounts for tourists using these apps.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

WeChat Pay:

1. How to Create an Account: o Download the App: Start by downloading the WeChat app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

o Sign Up: Open the app and sign up for a new account by entering your phone number and verifying it via SMS.
o Set Up Profile: After registration, complete your profile by adding your personal details, including your name and profile picture.

2. Linking a Foreign Credit Card:

o Open WeChat, go to the “Me” tab, and tap on “Wallet”.
o Tap on “Cards” and select “Add a Credit Card”.
o Enter your credit card details (card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address).
o The system will process the card, and once linked, you can use it for payments through WeChat Pay.

3. Pay With Payment Code or Scan QR Code

o Usually, there are two ways to pay with WeChat Pay: show your payment code to the scanning machine, or scan the QR code of the shop to enter the price of your purchasing item to pay.
o Due to different situations, you can choose the correct way to pay.

4. Common Issues and Troubleshooting:

o Issue: “Unable to link my foreign card.” Solution: Ensure your card is eligible for international transactions and that the billing address matches what the system expects.
o Issue: "Payment failure" when using the card. Solution: Double-check that your bank allows international transactions and verify that the currency is supported.

Alipay:

1. How to Register for Alipay:

o Download the App: Download Alipay from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
o Sign Up: Open the app and create an account by entering your mobile number and verifying it via SMS.
o Set Up Profile: Complete your profile by adding your personal information.

2. Linking a Foreign Credit Card and Enabling International Transactions:

o Open Alipay, go to the “Me” section, and tap on “Bank Cards”.
o Select “Add Card” and enter your card details, including the card number, expiration date, and billing address.
o The app may ask you to verify your identity, which can be done by uploading a picture of your passport or another identification document.
o After linking, you can set the card as your primary payment method.

3. Tips for Ensuring Smooth Transactions:

o Transaction Limit: Some foreign cards have limits on the amount that can be spent in a single transaction. Contact your bank to confirm if there are any restrictions.

o Currency Conversion: Alipay will convert your currency to RMB automatically. Be aware of the exchange rate and potential fees.

4. Use TourCard to Purchase Local Currency

o If you cannot bind your card with your Alipay account or in some small restaurants and stores that cannot accept international transactions on Alipay. You can try to use the TourCard service. This mini-program of Alipay is provided by the Bank of Shanghai. First, you should search for the TourCard program in Alipay, and tap on the button. Complete the verification field with your passport or ID number to verify. Then load your funds into your Tour Pass account. You can use it now!
o The advantage of using a Tour Card in Alipay is that you can use it in more situations, such as a shop that cannot accept credit cards. Because you have already bought Chinese Yuan in your Tour Card. However, it will charge a 5% service fee for each top-up.

1.2 A Guide to Buying High-Speed Train Tickets (Avoiding Pitfalls)

Introduction: China's high-speed rail network is one of the most advanced and efficient in the world. With trains that connect cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, the high-speed rail is a popular and fast way to travel around the country. However, buying tickets can be tricky for foreigners, especially when using the 12306 website or mobile app.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. How to Purchase Tickets Online Through the 12306 Website:

o Visit the 12306 Website: Open the 12306 website (English version).
o Create an Account: Register for a 12306 account by entering your personal information (name, passport number, contact details).
o Search for Trains: Use the website's search bar to select your departure city, destination, and travel dates.
o Select a Train: Choose a train from the list of available options. The website will show you the train’s departure time, seat availability, and price.
o Choose Seat Type: Select the type of seat (e.g., Second Class, First Class, Business Class).
o Payment: Once you've selected your seat, proceed to payment. You can use WeChat Pay, Alipay, or a foreign credit card.

Screenshot Example: (Insert screenshot of the ticket selection page with English annotations.)

2. Guide on Selecting Seat Types:

o Hard Seat: A basic seat with no recline; suitable for shorter trips.
o Soft Seat: More comfortable with reclining ability, perfect for mid-range trips.
o First Class: Spacious, with wider seats and more legroom.
o Business Class: Premium seating with the most comfort, often available on long-distance trains.

3. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

o Booking During Peak Hours: If possible, avoid booking during Chinese holidays or rush periods (e.g., Chinese New Year or National Day).
o Confusing Station Names: Double-check the station names. For instance, Beijing has multiple train stations, such as Beijing South and Beijing West.

4. Ticket Refund and Exchange Policies:

o Tickets can be refunded or exchanged at train stations if needed, but be aware that there is usually a service fee for changes or cancellations.
o Refunds can also be processed online if done before the scheduled departure.

Practical Tips:

1. Best Times to Book Tickets:

o Train tickets often go on sale 30 days before departure, so try to book as early as possible to secure your seat, especially during busy seasons.
o Tickets can sell out quickly, so check availability as soon as you have your travel dates.
o Mobile Tickets: Some trains allow you to use mobile tickets directly from your phone (no physical ticket needed).
o Physical Tickets: If you need a paper ticket, you can pick it up at the train station by showing your passport and booking number.

1.3 Emergency Phrases (English-Chinese Dialogue for Urgent Situations)

Introduction: While China is a safe country for travelers, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies. Knowing basic phrases in both English and Chinese can help you navigate through unexpected situations, such as losing your belongings, needing medical assistance, or getting lost.

Common Scenarios & Useful Phrases:

1. Lost or Stolen Items: o English: "I’ve lost my wallet. Can you help me?"

o Chinese: "我丢了钱包。你能帮我吗?" (Wǒ diū le qiánbāo. Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma?)
o English: "Where is the lost and found?"
o Chinese: "失物招领在哪里?" (Shīwù zhāolǐng zài nǎlǐ?)

2. Medical Emergencies:

o English: "I need a doctor. Where is the nearest hospital?"
o Chinese: "我需要看医生。最近的医院在哪里?" (Wǒ xūyào kàn yīshēng. Zuìjìn de yīyuàn zài nǎlǐ?)
o English: "I’m allergic to [medicine/food]."
o Chinese: "我对[药物/食物]过敏。" (Wǒ duì [yàowù/shíwù] guòmǐn.)

3. Lost in the City:

o English: "Can you help me find this address?"
o Chinese: "你能帮我找到这个地址吗?" (Nǐ néng bāng wǒ zhǎodào zhège dìzhǐ ma?)
o English: "How do I get to [place]?"
o Chinese: "我怎么去[地点]?" (Wǒ zěnme qù [dìdiǎn]?)

Tips:

1. Apps and Tools for Instant Translation:

o Google Translate: Offers text and speech translations and can be used offline by downloading the language pack.
o Pleco: A Chinese-English dictionary app that also offers character recognition via the camera.

2. Emergency Contact Numbers in China:

\scriptscriptstyle~o~ Police: 110
\scriptscriptstyle~o~ Ambulance: 120
\scriptscriptstyle~o~ Fire Department: 119
o Embassy: Contact your country’s embassy in China for emergency support.

This section of the guide should provide tourists with the essential tools they need to navigate common survival