Hefei Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

The main mobile providers in China are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Your passport is documentation for SIM card purchase.

Staying Connected

Pre-paid SIM cards offer various data and call plans.
Local SIM cards provide good 4G/5G coverage.
eSIM services, like Airalo, are also convenient.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces like shopping malls.

Accessing Online Resources

Chinese phone number registration is often typical for public Wi-Fi.
A VPN is good for accessing numerous international web pages and apps.
Portable Wi-Fi devices, like those from Solis Wi-Fi, offer reliable connections.

Language & Translation

Mandarin Chinese (普通话 Pǔtōnghuà) is the official language. Hefei also has its local dialect, but Mandarin is widely understood.

Bridging the Gap

English proficiency is limited outside major international hotels.
Translation apps like Google Translate or Baidu Translate are useful.
Language learning platforms, such as Rosetta Stone, are helpful.

Postal Services

China Post (中国邮政) is the national postal service. Its branches are widespread across Hefei.

Sending Mail & Packages

Branches handle both domestic and international mail.
You can send letters and packages from official China Post locations.
Staff can assist with necessary customs forms for international shipments.

Important Phrases

Essential Greetings

Hello: Nǐ hǎo (nee how)
Thank you: Xièxie (shyeh-shyeh)
Pardon me: Duìbuqǐ (dway-boo-chee)
Yes/No: Shì / Bù shì (shur / boo shur)

How much?: Duōshǎo qián? (dwor-shaow chyen?)
I don't understand: Wǒ tīng bù dǒng (wor ting boo dong)
I want: Wǒ yào (wor yaow)
Do you have...?: Nǐ yǒu...? (nee yoh...?)

Helpful Tip

Write down important addresses and hotel names in Chinese characters. This helps taxi taxi drivers and locals understand your destination.

Business Hours & Schedules

Be aware of typical operating times for various services and holiday impacts.

Operating Hours

Government offices/banks: Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM. Shops: 10 AM - 10 PM. Restaurants: Lunch 11:30 AM - 2 PM, Dinner 5:30 PM - 9 PM. Museums: 9 AM - 5 PM, often closed Mondays.

Banking Hours & ATMs

Banks are available Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM. Some limited weekend hours. ATMs are widely available 24/7 at banks, malls, and metro stations.

Seasonal Schedules

Tourist attractions typically remain open year-round. Specific facilities or performances might have seasonal variations. Check in advance.

Public Holidays

Be aware of major Chinese holidays, as they impact services and crowd levels.

Holiday Impacts

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) means the majority of businesses close for a week.
National Day (The Golden week holidays) means attractions are extremely crowded.
Other holidays (Qingming, Labour, Dragon Boat, Mid-Autumn) also lead to increased crowds.

Event Planning

Event Considerations

Local festivals can add unique cultural insights.
Book accommodations and transport in advance for event periods.
Anticipate larger crowds at popular sites during events.

Detailed Holiday Schedule

Major National Holidays

Spring Festival (Spring Festival): Variable dates (Jan/Feb).
Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day): Early April.
Labour Day (May Day): Early May.

Other Festivals

Dragon Boat Festival: June.
Mid-Autumn Festival: September/October.
National Day (Golden Week): First week of October.

Holiday Awareness

Plan ahead for major Chinese holidays. They significantly impact service availability and crowd levels at attractions.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Engage with local culture respectfully to enrich your experience.

Greeting Customs

A simple "Nǐ hǎo" (Hello) is appropriate. A slight nod is common.

Interacting with Locals

Handshakes are common in formal or business settings.
Business cards are typically exchanged with both hands.
A polite smile helps bridge communication gaps.

Appropriate Attire

Casual wear is generally acceptable in most public places.

Dressing Respectfully

Modesty is appreciated when visiting temples or religious sites.
Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered at such locations.
Comfortable walking shoes are practical for sightseeing.

Dining Practices

Wait to be seated or follow the lead of your hosts. Using chopsticks is common.

Table Manners

Do not stick chopsticks upright in your rice bowl.
Serve others before yourself, especially elders.
Tipping is not customary and can be considered impolite.

Photography Ethics

Photography is generally allowed in public areas.

Picture Taking

Always ask permission before photographing individuals.
Avoid intrusive photography, especially of individuals without their consent.
Some museums or specific exhibits prohibit photography; look for signage.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Conversation Topics

Avoid discussing sensitive political topics regarding the Chinese government.
Do not bring up topics like Tibet, Xinjiang, Taiwan, or Tiananmen Square.
Public displays of affection are uncommon and generally kept to a minimum.

Social Norms

Less emphasis on personal space in crowded areas compared to Western cultures.
Public LGBTQ+ presence or support is limited.
Spitting in public is less common but still occurs.

Gender & LGBTQ+

Gender Considerations

Gender roles are generally traditional.
Women travel freely and safely in Hefei.
Respectful dealings are for all travelers.

LGBTQ+ Information

Homosexuality is not illegal in China.
Public displays of affection by same-sex couples are uncommon.
Limited overt LGBTQ+ public presence or support.

Observe Local Behavior

Observe local behavior in different situations. This helps you learn and adapt to local customs quickly.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility infrastructure in Hefei is developing, however still has limitations.

Infrastructure for Mobility Challenges

Accessibility infrastructure is improving in newer developments, like up-to-date accommodations, new metro stations, and primary retail malls.

Challenges Encountered

Older areas, traditional attractions, and many public spaces often lack ramps.
Elevators or accessible restrooms are often missing in older structures.
Sidewalks can be uneven, posing challenges for wheelchair users.

Accessible Attractions & Transportation

Newer museums and metro lines generally offer better accessibility features.

Easier Access Points

Newer museums, like the Anhui Provincial Museum, often have elevators and accessible routes.
Hefei Metro: Newer lines and stations are generally more accessible.
Specific accessible taxis or services are not widely available for tourists.

Visual or Hearing Impairments

Services specifically for visual or hearing impairments are less common for tourists.

Available Support

Tactile paving can be found in some urban areas and metro stations.
Information in Braille or sign language interpretation is rare for tourists.
Consider bringing a phrasebook or translation app for communication.

Resources & Organizations

Specific resources for international travelers with accessibility requirements are limited.

Seeking Assistance

Contact hotels in advance to verify access.
Tour operators may help with arranging required assistance.
Local support groups exist but are mainly for residents.

Direct Hotel Contact

Contact your hotel directly to ask about particular accessibility features and services they offer.

Hefei Travel Tips