Handan Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication Essentials

Staying connected is simple with local SIM cards.

Mobile & Internet

Local SIM cards: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom (passport needed).
Airalo eSIM: Digital SIM for convenient activation.
Solis Wi-Fi: Portable Wi-Fi device for constant connection.

Wi-Fi & Language Aids

Wi-Fi is available, and translation tools can assist.

Connectivity & Language

Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels/cafes (often needs Chinese number).
VPN: Needed for many Western websites/apps.
Rosetta Stone: Learn basic Mandarin phrases.

Language & Postal Services

Mandarin is local; basic phrases are helpful.

Local Communication

Mandarin Chinese: Local language, Handan dialect variations.
English proficiency: Limited outside major hotels.
China Post: Services for letters and parcels.

Essential Phrases

Knowing a few phrases can enrich your experience.

Mandarin Phrases

Hello: Nǐ hǎo (nee how)
Thank you: Xièxie (shyeh-shyeh)
How much?: Duōshǎo qián? (dwor-shaow chyen?)

Banking, Business Hours & Holidays

Financial & Schedules

Banks: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Mon-Fri (some weekend).
ATMs: Widely available 24/7.
Shops: 9:00 AM/10:A.M. TO 9:00 PM/10:00 PM.
Restaurants: Lunch (11:30 AM-2:00 PM), Dinner (5:30 PM-9:00 PM).

Cultural & Public Holidays

Museums/Attractions: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Mondays).
Spring Festival: Major holiday, businesses close (late Jan/Feb).
National Day: First week of Oct (Golden Week), expect crowds.
Public Holidays: Qingming (Apr), May Day (May), Dragon Boat (Jun), Mid-Autumn (Sep/Oct).

Language Tip

Download offline translation packs for apps like Google Translate or Pleco.

Traveler's Etiquette

Respect local customs for a fulfilling journey.

Greeting Customs

Slight nod, handshake in business, 'Nǐ hǎo' informally.

Attire

Casual, modest dress; cover shoulders/knees at religious sites.

Dining

Shared dishes, host orders, slurping noodles accepted. Tipping is not customary.

Photography & Taboos

Ask permission before photographing individuals.

Cultural Respect

Ask permission for photos of people.
Avoid restricted areas (military, government).
Avoid political discussions (Tibet, Taiwan, Tiananmen Square).

Sensitive Topics

Be mindful of being sensitive to the culture.

Cultural Notes

Number '4' is unlucky (sounds like 'death').
Number '8' is lucky.
Avoid gifts of clocks (sounds like 'ending') or sharp objects.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Social Context

Gender: Society is generally conservative.
Public displays of affection: Less common.
LGBTQ+: Not illegal, but often not openly discussed.

Public Conduct

Public displays between same-sex couples: Rare, may attract stares.
Handan: No specific LGBTQ+ venues.
Public conduct: Modesty is generally preferred.

Legal & Social Advisory

A VPN is required for accessing many Western websites and apps in China. Public Wi-Fi is limited and often unsecured, so caution is advised when connecting.