Guangdong China Travel Guide
Local SIM cards and mobile providers are readily available. Consider an eSIM from Airalo for convenience.
Wi-Fi is widespread, but a local SIM or portable Wi-Fi from Solis Wi-Fi is reliable. A VPN is generally useful for blocked websites.
China Post offers domestic and overseas mail services from post offices located in most districts.
Standard Mandarin is official; Cantonese is widely spoken. English proficiency is limited. Consider a language learning platform like Rosetta Stone.
Download offline language help apps and a reputable VPN service before arriving inside China, as many VPN websites are blocked within the country.
Understand usual business hours and how religious and public holidays may influence services.
Typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM with a lunch break. Closed on weekends and public holidays.
Malls generally open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Small shops and markets have varied hours.
Food from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, dinner starting AT 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Some street food stalls are available late.
ATMs are ubiquitous, found in banks, shopping malls, subway stations, and local stores.
China has a number of public holidays when businesses, government offices, and banks may be closed or have reduced hours.
Check national holiday dates to anticipate crowds. Consider Priority Pass for airport lounge access. If flights get disrupted, Compensair assists with compensation claims.
Navigate social customs and traditions with respect and understanding.
Simple greetings and appropriate dress in different settings.
Permissions and restrictions when taking photos.
Subjects and actions generally avoided in Chinese culture.
Carry a small amount of cash (¥100 notes or smaller) for shopping at small merchants or in situations where mobile payment might not be accepted.
For travelers with mobility challenges, understanding the city's infrastructure and available services is important.
Guangzhou's urban landscape has various levels of accessibility.
Some transportation options are generally more straightforward to navigate for travelers with mobility challenges.
Dedicated services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments may be limited.
English-language information on accessibility in Guangzhou may be limited.
Logistical considerations for travelers requiring accessibility support.
Thoroughly research specific locations and their features.
Inform hotels and tour operators about specific requirements.
Plan for additional time for transport and site navigation.
Be prepared for varied urban terrain and crowd levels. Metro platforms often have tactile paving.
