I am glad that more and more people interested in traveling in China. In the last few years, China grew more and more beautiful and modern. It is always worth to go visit China as least once if you never been there before. Having lived in China for almost 18 years, I have some tips to share with all whom planning to go to China.

In United States, drivers yield to pedestrians at all time. But this is not the case in China. Most drivers don't yield to pedestrians in China. So I advise you to wait for the green light before crossing. And even though, you still need to look out for the turning vehicles. If there is a tunnel or a little bridge available, take it.

I read some previous articles saying that there is no toilet paper provided in the restaurants. This is true for most of the cases. But you can always easily buy a little box of tissue for about $0.25 in any stores. It is always good to keep one in your pocket.

You don't have to know how to use chopsticks in order to have dinner at Chinese restaurants. If you look like foreigners, the waiters may bring you fork and knife. If they don't, you can always ask them for one.

There are not so many foreigners living in China, especially in small cities and towns. Sometime you may think people look you different. That is because they are curious at you. And believe me, they always look you at the good way. You are always welcome and being respected.

Most foreigners have language issue while traveling in China. Not many people in China can speak English. It is always good to learn some basic Chinese sentences before you get there. If you are lazy to do so, try to copy some Chinese sentences on cards with English translation on the back. So you can show them to people when you want to ask them questions. If you have to ask someone in English, ask someone look like a student. Because English language is a require subject in school so most Chinese students know at least some English. Please make sure you speak really slow and clear in order to let them understand easily.

Always keep some cash in your pocket. Credit cards are not popular used in China. Not all stores and restaurants accept credit cards. Checks are even worse. I had seen few people use checks in my 18 years living in China. So if you don't want to be embarrassed, keep at least 100 RMB (Chinese currency) in your pocket.

The last thing I want to remind you is to write down some emergency numbers on a piece of paper and keep them safe in your pocket. You may not use them, but you surely need them. I wish you will have a nice trip in China.

Learn more about this author, Huo Chen.
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