15 Common Tourist Mistakes in China (And How to Avoid Them)
Posted on December 8, 2025 by CSK Team
Every traveler makes mistakes. But you can learn from the mistakes of thousands who went before you. Here are the most common errors tourists make in China—and how to avoid them.
Before Arrival
1. Not Downloading VPN Before Flying
The mistake: Assuming you can download a VPN after landing.
Why it fails: VPN websites and app stores are blocked in China. You literally cannot download VPN software from inside China without already having a VPN.
The fix: Download, install, and test your VPN before departure. Set up at least one backup VPN app. See our VPN guide.
2. Not Setting Up Mobile Payment
The mistake: Assuming cash or credit cards work everywhere.
Why it fails: China is essentially cashless. Many vendors don't accept cash, most don't take international credit cards, and some won't know how to process either.
The fix: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your international card before arrival. Carry some cash as backup, but mobile payment is primary. See our Alipay guide.
3. Relying on Google Maps
The mistake: Opening Google Maps to navigate in China.
Why it fails: Google is blocked. Even with VPN, Google Maps uses wrong coordinates in China, showing your location 100+ meters from where you actually are.
The fix: Download Baidu Maps or use Apple Maps. Both work correctly in China. See our navigation guide.
Transportation Mistakes
4. Not Booking Train Tickets in Advance
The mistake: Showing up at the train station assuming tickets are available.
Why it fails: Popular routes sell out days ahead. Holiday periods sell out immediately. The "sold out" message at the station ruins travel plans.
The fix: Book through Trip.com 3-7 days in advance. Popular routes during holidays: book immediately when tickets release (15 days ahead).
5. Underestimating Train Station Time
The mistake: Arriving 20 minutes before departure like a flight.
Why it fails: Chinese train stations require security screening, ticket collection, finding your gate in huge stations, and boarding queues. Missing a train is easy.
The fix: Arrive 45-60 minutes before departure. First-time visitors at unfamiliar stations: 90 minutes. Boarding closes 5 minutes before departure—no exceptions.
6. Taking Unmarked Taxis at Airports
The mistake: Accepting rides from people approaching you inside the terminal.
Why it fails: Unlicensed taxis overcharge massively, take circuitous routes, or worse. Scam central.
The fix: Use official taxi queues only or order a Didi from the designated pickup area. Metro is even safer.
Money Mistakes
7. Exchanging Currency at Airports
The mistake: Converting large amounts of currency at airport exchange counters.
Why it fails: Airport rates are 5-10% worse than standard rates. On a $500 exchange, that's $25-50 lost.
The fix: Exchange minimal amounts at airports (just for immediate needs). Use ATMs, mobile payment, or city banks for better rates.
8. Not Telling Your Bank
The mistake: Using your card in China without notifying your bank.
Why it fails: Fraud detection systems flag Chinese transactions. Your card gets blocked at the worst moment—when you need it.
The fix: Call your bank before departure. Tell them your travel dates and that you'll be using cards in China.
Cultural Mistakes
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9. Tipping Everywhere
The mistake: Leaving tips at restaurants, in taxis, at hotels.
Why it fails: Tipping isn't part of Chinese culture. It causes confusion, embarrassment, and sometimes staff will chase you down to return the money.
The fix: Don't tip at restaurants, taxis, or most hotels. Exception: tour guides at international-style operations appreciate tips.
10. Getting Angry in Public
The mistake: Losing your temper when things go wrong.
Why it fails: Public displays of anger cause "loss of face" for everyone involved. The person you're angry at becomes less likely to help. Nothing improves.
The fix: Stay calm. Smile. Be patient. Things work out better when everyone saves face.
Safety Mistakes
11. Trusting Strangers Who Approach You
The mistake: Following friendly strangers who want to "practice English" or show you something special.
Why it fails: Classic scam setup. Tea house scams, art gallery scams, and other ripoffs begin with seemingly innocent friendly approaches.
The fix: Politely decline all unsolicited invitations. Real friendly locals don't invite strangers to mystery locations.
12. Assuming Traffic Will Stop
The mistake: Stepping into crosswalks expecting cars to yield.
Why it fails: Chinese traffic rules are... flexible. Cars don't reliably stop for pedestrians. Electric scooters appear silently. Injuries happen.
The fix: Look everywhere constantly. Cross with groups of locals. Never assume a vehicle will stop.
Practical Mistakes
13. Forgetting Toilet Paper
The mistake: Entering public restrooms unprepared.
Why it fails: Most public toilets don't provide toilet paper. Some don't provide soap. This discovery at the wrong moment is unpleasant.
The fix: Carry tissues at all times. Small pack in pocket, backup in bag. Consider hand sanitizer too.
14. Drinking Tap Water
The mistake: Filling your water bottle from the tap or using tap water for brushing teeth.
Why it fails: Tap water isn't safe to drink in China. Even locals don't drink it.
The fix: Drink only bottled or boiled water. Hotels provide kettles. Bottled water is cheap (¥2-3).
15. Over-Planning Without Flexibility
The mistake: Booking every hotel, train, and activity in advance with no room for changes.
Why it fails: Things change. Weather, unexpected discoveries, new friends, changed interests. Rigid schedules prevent the best travel experiences.
The fix: Book first and last accommodations, big transportation, and must-do attractions. Leave gaps for spontaneity.
Bonus Mistakes
Trying to See Everything
China is enormous. Rushing between cities to check boxes means seeing nothing well.
Fix: Fewer cities, more depth.
Eating Only at Tourist Restaurants
Restaurants with English menus and picture-perfect presentations are rarely the best food.
Fix: Eat where locals eat. Follow the crowds.
Not Learning Any Chinese
"Everyone speaks English" is false. Outside major hotels and tourist sites, English is rare.
Fix: Learn 10 essential phrases. They make everything easier.
Quick Reference: What to Do Instead
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| No VPN | Download before departure |
| No mobile payment | Set up Alipay/WeChat Pay |
| Using Google Maps | Use Baidu or Apple Maps |
| Last-minute trains | Book 3-7 days ahead |
| Late to station | Arrive 45-60 minutes early |
| Unmarked taxis | Official queue or Didi only |
| Airport exchange | ATM or mobile payment |
| Card not working | Notify bank before trip |
| Tipping | Don't (except tour guides) |
| Getting angry | Stay calm, save face |
| Following strangers | Politely decline |
| Assuming cars stop | Look everywhere, always |
| No toilet paper | Carry tissues |
| Drinking tap water | Bottled or boiled only |
| Over-planning | Leave flexibility |
Want to avoid all these mistakes? The China Survival Kit was designed to help first-timers navigate China smoothly—all the knowledge you need, offline-ready.
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