10 Essential Tips For Foreigners Visiting Beijing (2025)

1. Visa & Documentation

• Ensure your passport is valid for 6+ months and apply for a Chinese visa in advance.
• Carry a printed copy of your hotel reservation for immigration checks.

2. Transportation

• Download “Beijing Metro” or “Amap” apps for real-time subway/bus routes.
• Use Didi (China’s Uber) for taxis; cashless payments via Alipay/WeChat Pay are preferred.

3. Language Barrier

• Major attractions like the Forbidden City offer English audio guides.
• Learn basic Mandarin phrases (e.g., “Nǐ hǎo” for hello) or use Google Translate’s offline mode.

4. Food Safety

• Enjoy street food like jianbing but opt for stalls with long queues (indicates freshness).
• Avoid tap water; drink bottled water or boiled tea.

5. Cultural Etiquette

• Tipping is not expected in restaurants/hotels.
• Dress modestly when visiting temples (e.g., Lama Temple).

6. Money & Payments

• Exchange currency at banks (not street vendors) for better rates.
• Link your credit card to Alipay TourPass for mobile payments.

7. Crowd Management

• Visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu (less crowded than Badaling).
• Book Forbidden City tickets online 7 days early (limited daily entries).

8. Health Precautions

• Carry mask/air purifier for occasional smog days.
• Pack probiotics/antidiarrheal meds for dietary adjustments.

9. Connectivity

• Buy a local SIM card (China Unicom) at the airport for unrestricted internet access.
• VPNs are required for Google/Facebook/WhatsApp.

10. Emergency Contacts

• Save these numbers: Police (110), Ambulance (120).
• Register with your embassy upon arrival.

Quick Cheat Sheet