About a month ago I returned from my first ever visit to China. It was cool. The kind of cool that feels like falling into an alternative reality where everything looks vaguely familiar yet remains slightly different — and some very usual things simply don't work.

China (I was particularly in Shanghai, which deserves its own love letter) has its specifics: payment systems, networks, digital life, and of course the legendary language barrier.

So here are my personal tips on how to prepare. Plus vibe, minus panic. Because when you are well prepared, you can simply relax and enjoy the ride.

Our beloved contactless payment methods are either not very widespread in China (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay) or totally banned (Google Wallet). Meanwhile, Alipay and WeChat are absolutely everywhere. Michelin restaurants, street vendors, taxi drivers, tiny souvenir shops — everyone is armed with a QR code and ready.

You scan. You pay. You feel futuristic.

All you need to do:

There will be a small commission for foreign card transactions, but convenience outweighs everything. Truly.

Can you pay with your plastic credit card?

Yes — hotels and large malls usually accept it. However, not every café or restaurant will. You also can't pay for taxis or public transport with a foreign card.

What about cash?

Cash isn't obsolete, just slightly nostalgic. It is wise to have some (we used it for metro tickets when QR codes decided to take a philosophical break). However, you will still need Alipay — for example to call DiDi or order food.

Final verdict: Alipay + some cash just in case = the power couple of your trip.

Before arrival, I heard dramatic whispers: You can't buy a tourist SIM in China. Only eSIM will work.

This is simply not true. Big cities like Shanghai or Beijing have kiosks directly at the airport. They may be more expensive than in the city. I have never checked. I always need to connect immediately.

I recommend a physical SIM for one very solid reason: you get not only internet, but also a Chinese phone number. And that number is obligatory for using online services such as taxis, food delivery, and even some map features.

The flaws?

If your phone doesn't support two SIM cards, you will have to remove yours for the duration of the trip. Slightly inconvenient if people insist on calling you.

And then, of course, you meet the Great Firewall of China. The largest digital celebrity in the country. Interestingly, I experienced fewer issues with eSIM when it came to certain apps.

Get ready to say goodbye to Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, YouTube, Netflix and friends.

Unless you...

VPN services are extremely helpful. Even with eSIM, some apps moved at an annoyingly low speed.

Download several options in advance. Popular ones are easy to find. They may experience occasional instabilities, so it is wise to have backups.

Or you may choose to call it a digital detox and post everything only once you return home.

Which is 100% not my style.

In China, Google Maps is off the table.

iPhone users may rely on Apple Maps, which works reasonably well. However, it is still not as detailed as AMap.

The English adaptation is far from poetic, yet sufficient for planning routes. It is particularly useful for public transport — it shows exactly which metro line or bus to take.

And if underground adventures are not your preference, DiDi is the number one taxi choice. Taxis in China are surprisingly affordable. I don't recommend choosing the very cheapest option — pay an extra 10–20 yuan and your ride will still be less expensive than in Dubai, yet just as comfortable.

Take this as an axiom: English proficiency is very limited. Of course, high end places will have English speaking staff. However, the moment the situation shifts slightly from the standard script, the language barrier rises immediately.

And I was in Shanghai — considered very international.

So don't hesitate to take out your phone. I often used audio transcription, and it worked beautifully. Scanning a local menu may not always deliver full clarity, but at least you will know which type of meat you are ordering.

Surprises are delightful. Selective surprises are better.

Remember that the culture and language are very different, and even common international gestures or words may not resonate in the same way.

Learning a few phrases goes a long way. I survived happily with Ni hao (hello) and Xie xie (thank you), but if you practice for a few days with Duolingo, you might even manage to order food confidently. And the hearts of the locals will melt — I have seen this theory work with my friend.

China is intense, fascinating, efficient, chaotic, futuristic and deeply traditional — often within the same street. Prepare well. Panic less. Scan more QR codes. Happy China trip.