Ordos Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication Essentials

Stay connected during your travel.

SIM Cards & Internet

Local SIM cards: China Mobile, Unicom, Telecom (passport needed, unlocked phone).
Wi-Fi in hotels/cafes; public Wi-Fi verification often by Chinese number.
A VPN is necessary for many Western apps; download it before you arrive.

Language & Assistance

Navigating language differences.

Overcoming Barriers

Mandarin is official; Ability to speak english is limited outside major tourist spots.
Translation apps (Google Translate offline Mandarin, Pleco) are very useful.
Carry common phrases in Cantonese characters for ready reference.

Useful Phrases Pinyin

Essential words for everyday interactions.

Basic Greetings & Questions

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

Practical Requests

Phrases for common situations.

Navigation & Needs

Where is...?: ...zài nǎlǐ? (...zay naa-lee)
Water: Shuǐ (shway)
Beer: Píjiǔ (pee-jyoh)

Advanced Communication Tools

Digital Solutions

Consider an eSIM for easy data access: Airalo.
Portable Wi-Fi devices offer constant connection: Solis Wi-Fi.
Language learning apps for deeper interaction: Rosetta Stone.
China Post offers mail services for domestic and international shipping.

Connectivity & Convenience

Don't forget to get and set up your VPN before arriving in China.
Blocked apps include Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X/Twitter, and YouTube.
Proficiency in english outside major hotels is limited.
A local SIM card needs your passport for registration.

Pre-Trip Recommendation

For seamless online communication, secure a VPN subscription and download the app on your devices before you enter China.

Business Hours & Schedules

Information about local timings and holiday observations.

Retail & Shops

Typically 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, seven days a week in commercial districts.

Restaurants

Generally 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, with variations for a brunch or late-night operations.

Banking Hours

Banks operate Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Some branches maintain limited weekend hours.

Public Holidays

China observes several holidays. These periods generally involve crowds and higher prices.

Dates

Chinese New Year (late Jan/Feb): Many businesses close; travel demand is very high.
National Day (first week of Oct): High travel demand, crowded attractions.
Other holidays: Qingming, Labor Day, Dragon Boat, Mid-Autumn Festival.

Seasonal Adjustments

Some attractions adjust their schedules based on the season.

Weather Considerations

Outdoor attractions, like grassland activities and dry excursions, often limit operations.
Winter months (November-March) due to cold weather may see complete closures.
Always confirm the latest operating schedules prior to visiting.

Airport Services for Travelers

Lounge Access

Gain independent airport lounge access globally with Priority Pass.
This offering caters to frequent travelers.
(Affiliate link: 10% commission, 30 days cookie).

Flight Compensation

Secure compensation in case of flight disruptions with Compensair.
This service applies to delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
(Affiliate link: €5-12 fixed commission, 30 days cookie).

Holiday Travel Advisory

Traveling during Chinese public holidays, especially National Day and Chinese New Year, means booking transport and accommodation far in advance due to high demand.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Navigate local customs with grace and respect.

Greetings & Dress

Initial interactions and appropriate attire.

Social Norms

A simple "Nǐ hǎo" (Hello) or a nod is customary. Handshakes mark formal settings.
Address elders with due reverence.
Casual dress is usually fine. Modest attire, covering shoulders and knees, is suitable for religious sites.

Dining Practices

Mealtime manners and traditions.

At the Table

Use chopsticks. Never stick them upright in a rice bowl; this resembles funeral rites.
Hosts commonly fill guests' glasses. Slurping noodles or soup is fine.
Tipping is not customary or anticipated for most services in China.

Photography & Taboos

Capturing moments and avoiding missteps.

Mindful Engagement

Photography is generally allowed in public areas. Ask for permission before photographing individuals.
Adhere to all signs regarding photography restrictions in museums or sacred sites.
Avoid sensitive political discussions. Respect Chinese history.

Cultural Sensitivities

Respectful interactions and awareness.

Subtleties to Note

Do not point with your feet. Avoid touching someone's head.
The number '4' is unlucky (sounds like "death"); '8' is lucky (sounds like "wealth").
Public displays of affection are less common. Discretion is advisable for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure Limitations

Accessibility infrastructure is generally limited outside of new public buildings.
Older areas and public transport often lack ramps or wide doorways.
Sidewalks can be uneven, presenting challenges for mobility devices.

Services & Planning

Specialized services for the visually or hearing impaired are limited.
Travelers with mobility needs plan meticulously or consider companion assistance.
Public buses are generally not wheelchair accessible.

Airport Services Advisory

Priority Pass for Lounges

Access independent airport lounges globally.
A Priority Pass membership enhances pre-flight comfort.
Enjoy amenities and quiet spaces before your flight.

Compensair for Flight Issues

Seek compensation for flight delays or cancellations.
Compensair assists with denied boarding cases.
It supports visitors in securing eligible funds.

Safety Precaution

For LGBTQ+ travelers, exercise discretion in public. While generally safe, China remains a conservative society.

Money & Banking

Guidance on currency, payments, and financial services.

Currency & Exchange

The official currency is the Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY or RMB).

Financial Tips

Exchange foreign currency at banks or authorized exchange offices.
Carry some cash for small purchases, though mobile payments dominate.
ATMs are widely offer and accept international cards for withdrawals.

Mobile Payments

Mobile payment platforms are the standard transaction method in China.

Digital Wallets

WeChat Pay and Alipay are universally accepted for almost all transactions.
Link your international credit or debit card to these apps upon arrival.
Many vendors prefer mobile payments, and some may not accept cash.

Banking Services

Access to banking facilities for various needs.

Bank Operations

Major banks like Bank of China, ICBC, and China Construction Bank are present.
Bank hours are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Bring your passport for any bank services, including opening temporary accounts if staying long-term.

Tipping & Haggling

Understand local customs regarding gratuities and pricing.

Cultural Insights

Tipping is not customary in China and may even cause confusion.
Haggling is common in local markets; less so in modern shops or supermarkets.
Bargain politely and with a smile for a fair price.

Traveler's Cheques & Credit Cards

Traveler's Cheques

These are generally not accepted inside China; rely on cards or mobile payments.

Credit Cards

International credit cards have limited acceptance, mostly in high-end hotels and large department stores.

Withdrawal Limit

ATMs may have daily withdrawal limits for international cards. Organize in response to larger expenses.

Payment Strategy

Prioritize setting up WeChat Pay or Alipay with your foreign card for a cashless and smooth transaction experience across Ordos.

Ordos Travel Tips