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Mars

Mars is a Shenzhen-based writer with over two decades of firsthand experience living in mainland China and traveling regularly to Hong Kong. He specializes in practical travel prep for China — including eSIMs, VPNs, mobile payments, and cross-border logistics between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

How to Use Taxis and DiDi in China as a Foreigner (2026)

October 21, 2026August 5, 2026 by Mars
Passenger using a smartphone while riding in the back seat of a car

Learn how to hail taxis and use DiDi in China, enter destinations, pay, communicate with drivers, and handle common trip problems.

Categories Transport & Booking Tags Amap, China Taxis, China Transport, DiDi China, Ride-Hailing in China Leave a comment

China Hotel Check-In for Foreigners: 2026 Guide

September 24, 2026August 5, 2026 by Mars
International traveler presenting a passport and booking confirmation at a hotel reception desk in China

Prepare for hotel check-in in China with the right documents, booking details, address information, payment backup, and registration expectations.

Categories Transport & Booking Tags Accommodation Registration, China Hotels, Foreigners in China, Hotel Check-In Leave a comment

How to Book Hotels in China as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)

October 23, 2026August 3, 2026 by Mars
book hotels in China

Book accommodation in China as a foreign visitor and verify guest acceptance, location, payment, cancellation, and check-in requirements.

Categories Transport & Booking Tags China Hotels, Hotel Booking in China, Trip.com Leave a comment

First Trip to China Checklist: What to Do Before You Fly (2026)

October 21, 2026July 28, 2026 by Mars
China travel checklist for first-time visitors

Everything you need to do before flying to China — visas, apps, payments, and SIM cards.

Categories Before You Go Tags Alipay setup, China eSIM, first time china, visa-free China, VPN China Leave a comment

How to Book China Train Tickets as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)

October 15, 2026July 28, 2026 by Mars
China high speed train

Compare official 12306, Trip.com and station-window booking, enter passport details correctly, and prepare for station entry and boarding.

Categories Transport & Booking Tags 12306, China rail booking, China train tickets, china travel, China travel tips 2026, foreigner China travel, G train China, high speed train China, Trip.com Leave a comment

Internet Access in China for Tourists (2026 Guide)

October 15, 2026July 28, 2026 by Mars
Internet access in China for tourists: eSIM, SIM and roaming

Choose between international roaming, a compatible travel eSIM and a local SIM for China. Check your phone, trip length and offline backup before departure.

Categories Internet & Apps Tags China internet, china travel, China travel tips 2026, eSIM China, Google Fi China, Great Firewall, roaming China, VPN China Leave a comment

How to Pay in China as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)

October 22, 2026July 27, 2026 by Mars
How to Pay in China as a Foreigner

How to use WeChat Pay and Alipay as a foreign visitor — setup, tips, and what to do if it fails.

Categories Money & Payments Tags Alipay foreigner, China cashless, china travel, China travel tips 2026, paying in China, RMB cash China, WeChat Pay foreigner, Wise card China Leave a comment

Apps to Download Before Visiting China (2026 Guide)

November 4, 2026July 27, 2026 by Mars
Apps to Download Before Visiting China

The essential apps every China traveller needs — WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, Amap, and more.

Categories Internet & Apps Tags alipay, china travel, didi, wechat Leave a comment

Your First 72 Hours in China: A Practical Arrival Guide (2026)

October 30, 2026July 24, 2026 by Mars
first 72 hours in China travel checklist

A practical arrival guide — what to do in your first 72 hours in China, from the airport onwards.

Categories Before You Go Tags alipay, china checklist, china travel, esim, first time china, visa, vpn Leave a comment
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Recent Posts

  • Sick in China? How to Find Medical Help as a Visitor
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  • China Travel eSIM Won’t Install? What to Check Before You Fly
  • Mobile Data Not Working After Landing in China? What to Check
  • Futian Checkpoint to Mong Kok: MTR, Fares, and Border Tips

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