Shenzhen Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & eSIMs

China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the three major mobile network providers in China. Purchase at official carrier stores with your passport.

Options

Physical SIMs available at airport or urban areas.
Your passport is necessary for registration.
Consider ESIM from Airalo for data on arrival.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas.

Important Notes

Free public Wi-Fi might need a Chinese phone number for authentication.
Many international websites and apps (Google services, Facebook, WhatsApp, X/Twitter, YouTube) are blocked.
A reliable VPN subscription is necessary for accessing blocked services.

Postal Services

China Post operates throughout Shenzhen, dispatching domestic and international mail and parcel services.

Courier Options

China Post for general mail.
Major international courier services like DHL, FedEx, and UPS are present.
Offices in Shenzhen for sending documents or packages abroad.

Language Barriers & Translation

Mandarin Chinese is the official and most widely spoken language in Shenzhen. English proficiency is limited outside major international hotels.

Translation Resources

Use translation apps: Google Translate (download offline Mandarin pack) or Baidu Translate.
Have important addresses and phrases written down in Chinese.
Use image recognition features on translation apps for menus or signs.

Important Phrases Mandarin Pinyin

Common Greetings & Responses

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

Practical Questions & Needs

How much is this?: Zhège duōshǎo qián? (zheh-guh dwor-shao chyen?)
I don't understand: Wǒ bù dǒng (wor boo dong)
Do you speak English?: Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma? (nee hway shwor ying-yu ma?)
Where is the bathroom?: Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ? (tsuh-swor zai naa-lee?)

VPN Essential

Purchase and install your VPN Before arriving in China. Test it to ensure it functions, as setting it up can be difficult once in the country.

Business Hours & Schedules

Navigating operating times in Shenzhen.

Offices

Generally 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Monday-Friday.

Shopping Malls & Large Stores

Typically 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, daily, including weekends.

Smaller Shops & Markets

Vary widely; many open long hours, some operate into the late night.

Banking & ATMs

Banks usually operate 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Some major branches open on Saturday mornings with limited services.

ATM Access

ATMs are widely available 24/7 throughout the city.
Look for major bank ATMs (ICBC, Bank of China) for international card compatibility.
Access to funds is straightforward.

Public Holidays Affecting Services

Major national holidays bring significant closures, reduced services, or extreme congestion.

Peak Travel Periods

Chinese New Year (Late Jan/Feb): Most significant holiday, businesses close for a week or more, crowded transportation.
Labor Day (May 1-3): A public holiday often extended into a longer break.
National Day (Oct 1-7, Golden Week): A major travel period with widespread congestion.

Seasonal Closures & Limited Schedules

General Consistency

Most businesses maintain regular hours year-round.
Summer months may see reduced beach services.
Be aware of typhoon season impacts on outdoor activities.

Holiday Planning

Avoid major national holidays for quieter visits.
Public transport can be exceptionally busy during holidays.
Check local forecasts for weather-related service adjustments.

Airport Services

Consider Priority Pass for airport lounge access. For flight delays or cancellations, Compensair can assist with compensation claims.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Interacting respectfully in Shenzhen.

Greeting & Attire

A polite nod or slight bow is common. Handshakes are customary in business settings or when meeting formally.

Dress Code

Address people by their title and surname.
Shenzhen is a modern and generally casual city.
Modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) is appropriate for temples or formal venues.

Dining & Tipping Practices

Tipping is not customary or expected in mainland China.

Chopstick & Sharing Guidelines

Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice.
Shared dishes are customary; use serving spoons or communal chopsticks.
Clink glasses and sip when toasted ("Ganbei!").

Photography Permissions & Restrictions

Photography is generally acceptable in public areas and at tourist attractions.

Guidelines

Always ask permission before photographing individuals.
Be discreet and respectful in religious settings.
Avoid photographing military installations, government buildings, or sensitive infrastructure.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Be mindful of cultural sensitivities during conversations and interactions.

Topics to Avoid

Political topics, especially those related to Tibet, Xinjiang, Taiwan, or Tiananmen Square.
Do not write names in red ink; this color tradition associates with death.
Do not give clocks or umbrellas as gifts, as they symbolize bad luck or separation.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Considerations

Gender Safety

Shenzhen is generally safe for solo female travelers.
Standard safety precautions apply, especially at night.
Public displays of affection are generally discreet across genders.

LGBTQ+ Public Conduct

While not illegal, public displays of affection among same-sex couples may be less common.
Such displays could attract unwanted attention in some areas.
Shenzhen is relatively more cosmopolitan, but discretion is generally advised.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure & Transport

Shenzhen has made progress in improving accessibility in newer buildings.
Many metro stations have elevators, ramps, and tactile paving.
Modern attractions generally feature wheelchair access.

Support & Resources

Signage in metro stations often includes Braille.
Translation apps assist in bridging communication gaps for hearing impairments.
Contact attractions directly for current accessibility features.

General Advisory

Engage with an open mind and practice patience. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases is appreciated. Bargain politely in markets where prices are not fixed. Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, and be discreet in religious settings.

Shenzhen Travel Tips