Maoming Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Providers

China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the three main providers. Purchase SIM cards at official stores along with your passport.

Acquisition & Usage

Passport is mandatory for SIM card registration.
Top up credit for calls, texts, and data.
Consider an eSIM for convenience, such as from Airalo.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public areas. Many public networks require a local Chinese phone number for verification.

Staying Online

A VPN is necessary to access a lot of foreign websites/apps.
Install and configure your VPN before arrival.
Portable Wi-Fi devices like Solis Wi-Fi offer constant connection.

Postal Services

China Post offers domestic and international mail services for your needs.

Sending Mail

Look for official China Post offices.
International services generally available.
Package shipping options are also present.

Language & Translation

Mandarin Chinese is the official language, with local Cantonese dialects spoken. English proficiency is low outside major tourist areas.

Tools for Communication

Translation apps: Pleco (offline dictionary), Google Translate (with VPN).
Baidu Translate for real-time translation.
Language learning with Rosetta Stone before your trip.

Essential Phrases

Basic Greetings

Hello: Nǐ hǎo (你好)
Thank you: Xièxie (谢谢)
Excuse me/Sorry: Duìbuqǐ (对不起)
Yes: Shì (是)

Practical Questions

No: Bù (不)
How much?: Duōshǎo qián? (多少钱?)
I do not't understand: Wǒ bù dǒng (我不懂)
Where is...?: ... Zài nǎlǐ? (...在哪里?)

Communication Tip

Write down important addresses or names in Cantonese characters to show to taxi drivers or locals. This greatly simplifies navigation.

Business Hours & Schedules

Retail Stores

Typically open from 9:00 AM/10:00 AM to 9:00 PM/10:00 PM. Shopping malls may open later and close later.

Restaurants

Generally open from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for lunch and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM/10:00 PM for dinner. Street food stalls may operate late.

Attractions

Hours vary, but usually from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM/6:00 PM. Check specific opening times for each site.

Banking & ATMs

Banks generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Some branches have limited weekend hours.

Accessing Funds

ATMs are widely available 24/7 in commercial areas.
Major plastic cards are accepted at most ATMs.
Mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay) is dominant.

Public Holidays

Major public holidays affect services and travel inside China.

Dates & Impact

Chinese New Year (late Jan/Feb): many closures, travel surges.
National Day (early Oct Golden Week): crowded sites, higher prices.
Banks/gov offices may have reduced hours during holidays.

Travel Logistics

Seasonal Considerations

Seasonal closures are rare, except during extreme weather (e.g., typhoons).
Not as many visitors in winter, milder weather for sightseeing.
Always confirm specific hours closer to your travel date.

Airport Services

Enhance airport experience with Priority Pass lounge access.
Seek flight compensation for delays/cancellations via Compensair.
Consider arrival/departure times around holidays.

Planning Ahead

Check the listings for national holidays, as these impact availability and prices across all services.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Navigate local customs with grace and respect during your visit to Maoming.

Greeting Customs

A simple "Nǐ hǎo" (hello) is appropriate. A nod or slight bow is common. Handshakes are common in formal settings.

Interactions

Initial greetings are considered generally brief and polite.
A smile often transcends language barriers.
Give people space during conversations.

Appropriate Attire

Casual and comfortable attire is typically fine for most settings.

Dress Code

Modest dress, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered, at religious sites.
Comfortable walking shoes are practical for exploration.
Consider weather conditions and humidity when choosing clothing.

Dining & Tipping

Tipping is not customary in China. Shared dishes are common.

Mealtime Mannerisms

Use chopsticks for eating; practice ahead if unfamiliar.
Offer food to others, especially elders, as a sign of respect.
Do not leave extra money as a tip in restaurants.

Photography Permissions

Generally, taking photos in public areas is fine.

Visual Respect

Ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially children.
Avoid photographing government or the military buildings where restrictions apply.
Respect requests if someone prefers not to be photographed.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Discussion Aversions

Avoid discussions on politics (Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang).
Do not criticize the government or Chinese culture.
Sensitive historical events are generally not open for debate.

Etiquette Don'ts

Do not stick chopsticks vertically in rice (resembles incense for the dead).
Public displays of strong emotion might be viewed as impolite.
Refrain from any actions that could be seen as disrespectful.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Societal Norms

China generally holds conservative social values.
Public displays of affection are uncommon.
Same-sex public affection may draw stares.

LGBTQ+ Travel

LGBTQ+ rights are not formally recognized.
Private tolerance generally exists.
Exercise discretion, specifically in public.

Cultural Respect Reminder

A polite and observant approach to local customs greatly enriches your travel experience.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with mobility challenges should plan attentively for Maoming.

Infrastructure Overview

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges is generally limited.

Challenges

Older buildings and public buses often are without ramps or elevators.
Sidewalks may present uneven surfaces and obstacles.
Newer hotels, shopping malls, and major train stations often have better facilities.

Accessible Options

Major new attractions or modern facilities might give some accessibility features.

Mobility Friendly

High-speed trains are generally accessible for passengers.
Modern government buildings and hospitals are typically more accessible.
Airport facilities are typically designed with accessibility in mind.

Sensory Impairment Services

Specific services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Available Support

Public information is mainly in Chinese characters.
No widespread specific services or guides cater to these needs.
Advance preparation for communication tools highly suggested.

Information Resources

Very few specific resources for international travelers with disabilities exist in Maoming.

Preparation Guidance

Research specific venues in advance for accessibility features.
Contact hotels and attractions directly for up-to-date details.
Consider bringing personal assistance devices for convenience.

Planning for Accessible Travel

Pre-book Transport

Arrange wheelchair-friendly cabs or personal cars in advance.

Communicate Needs

Inform hotels and tour operators about specific requirements.

Local Assistance

Enquire about local services that may provide for particular needs.

Accessibility Advisory

Thorough planning and direct communication with service providers are for a smoother accessible travel experience in Maoming.

Maoming Travel Tips