top of page
pexels-tea-1869716_1280.jpg

BEFORE YOU GO...

Here's what you should know first

We are delighted to welcome you to a YuhoChina programme. This guide contains everything you need to prepare for your journey to China from practical logistics to cultural context.

What to Pack

Pack light and smart. China's major cities have excellent shopping, so you do not need tooverpack. Below is a recommended packing list — your teacher may adjust this based on yourspecific itinerary and time of year.

Essential Documents (hand luggage only)

​

  • Passport & Printed visa

  • Travel insurance certificate — printed and digital copy

  • Emergency contact card

  • Any required medical documents or prescriptions

 

Clothing

​

  • Comfortable, well-worn walking shoes( you will walk a lot)

  • Smart-casual clothing for corporate and university visits (no ripped jeans, no offensive
    slogans)

  • Modest clothing for temple or heritage site visits — shoulders and knees should be
    covered

  • Light layers: air conditioning in China is often very cold, even in summer

​

Tech & Accessories

​

  • Universal travel adapter — China uses Type A and Type I sockets (same as Australia)

  • Portable power bank & Earphones

 

Health & Hygiene

​​

  • Personal medications

  • Basic first aid: paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitiser

  • Pocket tissues. (Public toilets in China do not always provide toilet paper)

  • Insect repellent and sunscreen if needed

  • Reusable water bottle (Tap water in China is not safe to drink; bottled water is provided)

​

Money

 

  • Card linked to Alipay or WeChat Pay for daily spending — see section below

 

Programme Materials

 

  • Field observation journal

  • Any pre-trip research notes or reading

  • Pen and notebook

Flights & Airport Logistics

Arriving in China

​

  • On the plane, you will complete an Arrival Card — keep this safe until you leave China

  • Proceed to immigration with your passport, visa, and Arrival Card

  • Health declaration may be required — your YuhoChina guide will advise

  • Your YuhoChina in-country lead will meet the group at the arrivals hall

  • Do not leave the arrivals area without your teacher or YuhoChina guide

 

Luggage

​

  • Label every bag with your name, school name, and your teacher's phone number

  • Keep valuables (passport, money, medication) in your hand luggage

  • Standard international luggage allowance applies — confirm with your airline

Staying Connected — Apps, Internet & Communication

China operates a different digital environment from the UK. Many apps and websites you use at
home are not easily accessible within China's network without prior preparation. This is a known,
manageable difference, not a risk.


With the right setup before you depart, communication is seamless.

What is Blocked in China

​

  • Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, Drive, Classroom)

  • WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat

  • YouTube, Twitter/X

​

Solution: either use an international roaming data plan from your UK carrier (this bypasses
Chinese network filters entirely), or have a VPN installed and tested before departure. See below.

​

YuhoChina Communication Stack

​

All group communication during the programme will run through WeChat. Every student, teacher
will be added to the WeChat group before departure. This is the primary channel for daily
updates, location sharing, and emergency contact.

image.png

Essential Apps — Download Before Departure​​

​

The following apps must be downloaded and tested before you leave the UK. Some require setup

steps that cannot be completed in China.

​

  • WeChat(微信) - All group communication, voice/video calls, group chat with teachers and YuhoChina staff. Also your primary contact with locals. Download from App Store/Google Play. Register with your UK phone number.

  • Alipay(支付宝) - Mobile payments for food, transport, shopping, and almost for everything. China is almost entirely cashless. Visa/Mastercard can be linked. Open the international version. Add your UK debit or credit card. Verify your identity.

  • DiDi(滴滴) Ride-hailing — equivalent to Uber. English interface available. Use for getting taxis safely without needing cash or Mandarin. Select the international version. Register with your UK phone number. Link a payment card. (Teachers/group leaders will manage group rides.)

  • Pleco - Chinese–English dictionary with offline function. Useful for reading menus, signs, and understanding vocabulary in real time. Free version is sufficient. No account required. Works offline.

  • Google Translate - Camera translation (point at text, get instant translation) and voice translation. Very useful for menus, signs, and conversations. Download Google Translate and download the Chinese language pack for offline use before you leave the UK. The app works offline once the pack is installed.

  • AMaps(高德地图) - Navigation in China. Google Maps does not function reliably in China. Download Amaps. Works (more accurately) without a VPN.

​

Internet Options in China

​

  • International roaming plan

  • Local SIM card

  • Pocket WiFi device

  • VPN - for Staff who need access to school systems, Google Drive, or email. (Note: only government-sanctioned VPNs are fully legal; use discreetly.)

Currency & Payments

China's Currency


The official currency is Renminbi (RMB), also called Yuan (CNY or ¥). Approximate exchange
rate: £1 = approximately ¥9.0–9.5 (check current rates before departure).


How China Pays: Mobile-First


China is one of the world's most cashless societies. The majority of transactions — from high-end
restaurants to street food stalls — are completed by scanning a QR code through Alipay or
WeChat Pay. Carrying significant cash is no longer necessary in cities. However, small amounts
of RMB are useful for rural areas, markets, and emergencies.


Setting Up Mobile Payments

 

  • Download Alipay (see section above). Link a Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card to Alipay

  • Your spending is PIN/Face ID protected, so your card is not exposed

  • Keep screenshots or printed copies of your Alipay QR code as backup


Tipping


Tipping is not customary in mainland China and is generally not expected in restaurants, taxis, or
hotels. If you wish to show appreciation to an individual who has provided exceptional service, a
small token is always gracious, but it is not an obligation.

Flights & Airport Logistics
Currency & Payments
What to Pack
Staying Connected

*More information coming up soon...

bottom of page