Zhangzhou Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are major providers. Purchase SIM cards at official stores or Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport with a valid passport. Real-name registration is necessary.

Internet Access and Wi-Fi Availability

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, plus common spaces like train stations.
Many public Wi-Fi networks verification with a Chinese mobile number.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access international online platforms and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp).

Language Barriers & Translation Resources

English proficiency limited outside large hotels and tourist areas. Translation tools are useful.

Recommended Resources

Pleco (offline Chinese dictionary), Baidu Translate (online), Google Translate (with VPN).
WeChat translates messages within conversations, which is helpful.
Baidu Translate and Google Translate translate text from images.

Important Phrases

Basic Chinese phrases for daily interactions.

Essential Greetings

Hello: Nǐ hǎo (nee-how)
Thank you: Xièxiè (shyeh-shyeh)
Pardon me: Duìbuqǐ (dway-boo-chee)

More Useful Phrases

Phrases for buying things and navigation.

Shopping and Asking Questions

Yes: Shì (shur)
No: Bú shì (boo-shur)
How much is this?: Zhège duōshǎo qián? (zhe-guh dwor-shao chee-an?)

Additional Communication Resources

Postal Services

China Post offices for international postcards or parcels.
Reliable services for international shipping.
Locate a China Post office in Zhangzhou.
Send memories home.

Language Learning Platforms

Rosetta Stone for comprehensive language lessons.
Prepare for cultural interactions with basic phrases.
Improve your ability to connect with locals.
Learn essential vocabulary for travel.

VPN for International Services

Download and set up your VPN before arriving in China to access many international websites and apps. This is a tool for communication.

Business & Financial Schedules

General operating hours and public holidays that may affect services.

Government Offices

Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM (often closed for lunch).

Banks & ATMs

Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Some branches may open on weekends. ATMs are widely available.

Retail & Malls

Retail Shops: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM/10:00 PM, daily. Malls: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, daily.

Religious and Public Holidays

Holidays can majorly impact how businesses run and travel. Plan ahead.

Major Holiday Impact

Chinese New Year (late Jan/Feb): Most businesses close for about a week. Expect major trip interruptions.
National Day Golden Week (Oct 1-7): Significant domestic travel. Attractions and transport very crowded.
May Day (May 1-3/5): Increased travel and crowds.

Airport Access & Services

Enhance your airport experience and manage travel delays.

Traveler Benefits

Airport Lounges: Priority Pass access for comfort during layovers.
Flight Compensation: Compensair assists with flight delays or cancellations.
Travel Insurance: A smart addition for unexpected events.

Seasonal Closures & Limited Schedules

Off-Peak Season

Some smaller businesses or rural attractions could have limited hours.
Closures may occur during the low season (mid-winter).
Always check ahead of time if planning to visit specific small establishments.

Holiday Preparations

Businesses may close in preparation for major holidays like Lunar New Year.
Reduced hours during certain festive periods.
Confirm operating times before your visit.

Seasonal Business Adjustments

Some smaller businesses or rural attractions might have limited hours or close during the low season (mid-winter) or for major holidays. Always check ahead of time.

Cultural Etiquette & Sensitivity

Guidance for respectful interaction with local customs.

Greeting Customs & Appropriate Attire

Simple nods or 'Nǐ hǎo' (hello) are appropriate. Handshakes common in business settings. Addressing elders with respect.

Dress & Conduct

Casual wear generally acceptable.
Modest attire (covered shoulders and knees) for temples or religious sites.
Respectful interaction builds positive connections.

Dining & Photography Practices

Wait for elders to be seated first. Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in your rice bowl. Slurping noodles indicates enjoyment. Sharing dishes common. Tipping not customary.

Capture Moments Thoughtfully

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in rural areas.
Avoid intrusive photography. Respect 'No Photography' signs in sensitive areas.
Polite requests often met with kindness.

Cultural Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Be mindful of subjects to avoid in conversation.

Topics to Navigate Carefully

Politics: Avoid discussing sensitive political topics concerning Chinese government policies or internal affairs.
Sensitive Subjects: Taiwan, Tibet, and Hong Kong are sensitive; best to avoid discussion.
Gift Giving: Do not give clocks, sharp objects, or white/black items (associated with funerals).

Gender Considerations & LGBTQ+ Information

China has a generally conservative society.

Social Context

Public displays of affection are rare.
Homosexuality not illegal, but public displays of affection by same-sex couples are rare and generally not openly accepted.
Zhangzhou is not a primary LGBTQ+ hub.

Accessibility Information

Mobility Infrastructure

Infrastructure is generally challenging. The sidewalks might not be level or blocked.
Ramps and lifts not universal, especially in older buildings or public transport.
Newer facilities like high-speed rail stations, large hotels, and shopping malls have improved accessibility features.

Limited Specialized Services

Signage mainly in Chinese, sometimes with Pinyin. English information is scarce.
Public announcements typically in Mandarin. Specialized services for visual/hearing impairments are limited.
Private car hire with a driver the most flexibility for accessible travel.

Accessibility Overview

Planning for Accessibility

Specific resources for Zhangzhou regarding accessibility are limited.
Planning with private transport options may be beneficial for those with mobility challenges.
Look for modern hotels with stated easy-to-access facilities.

Assistance Services

Consider hiring a local guide who can assist with accessibility needs.
Communicate specific requirements to your accommodation in advance.
Don't hesitate to ask for help from locals, though language may be a barrier.

Safety & Planning Note

Always verify information and plan routes in advance, especially when navigating areas with potentially limited accessibility infrastructure.

Travel Logistics & Support

Rendering your journey comfortable and well-informed.

Money & Banking

China's currency is the Renminbi (RMB), also known as Yuan (CNY).

Payment Methods in China

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are dominant; cash less common.
International credit cards are accepted in major hotels and department stores, but less so elsewhere.
Currency exchange available at banks and airports.

Health & Safety Precautions

Basic health and safety measures contribute to a worry-free trip.

Staying Well

Travel insurance is recommended.
Drink bottled water.
Carry a basic first-aid kit and any necessary personal medications.

Getting Around Zhangzhou

Various transport options for finding your way in the city and region.

Transport Choices

Public buses: Extensive network, inexpensive.
Taxis/Didi: Readily available, use ride-hailing apps for convenience.
Walking: Best for exploring Old Town and specific districts.

Tourist Information & Support

Where to find assistance and information during your stay.

Visitor Information

Hotel concierge: A good source for local information and bookings.
Local tourism offices: May be available in tourist areas.
Emergency numbers: Police (110), Ambulance (120), Fire (119).

Consular Services

Communicate with your country's's embassy or consulate for assistance if needed.

Embassy Support

For passport, visa, or emergency assistance.

Travel Registration

Register your travel with your country's foreign office for alerts.

Document Copies

Keep copies of documents like passports and visas, separate from originals.

Departure Information

Confirm your flight details and allow ample time for airport transfers, especially from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport.

Zhangzhou Travel Tips