Guangzhou 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 international 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 translation apps and a reputable VPN service before arriving in China, as many VPN websites are blocked within the country.
Understand typical operating 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.
Lunch from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, dinner from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Some street food stalls are open late.
ATMs are ubiquitous, found in banks, shopping malls, metro stations, and convenience stores.
China has several national 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 practices 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 purchases at small vendors 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 easier 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.
Practical 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.
