Which map should I prepare?
Choose a map that displays your destination clearly and test it with your hotel's actual Chinese name and address. Beijing's official visitor service links both an English city map and Amap's English version. Keep the Chinese name as well as the English spelling: translated attraction names and similarly named stations can lead to different results. Save the final entrance or meeting point, not just the wider neighbourhood.
Beijing government: English city maps and Amap English version
How do I prepare for a taxi or ride-hailing trip?
Set up the official ride-hailing app or service before the journey and check the phone number and payment method it will use. Beijing's visitor guidance describes DiDi's English interface and use of Chinese or foreign phone numbers. Confirm the requested pick-up point, destination and vehicle details for each ride; an English interface does not remove the need to identify the correct entrance or street level.
Can I use 12306 with a foreign passport?
Yes. China Railway's English website accepts valid foreign passports for real-name booking. Enter the passenger name and passport details accurately, complete the requested identity checks and confirm the journey and payment. Keep the booking information and carry that same original passport for travel. If you book through an agency instead, use its support channel for that order rather than assuming 12306 can resolve the agency's payment issues.
China Railway 12306: English ticketing and travel FAQ
Trains guide →Where should I find attraction booking apps or mini programs?
Start from the attraction's official website or verified account and follow its booking link. Check the visitor document, visit date and booking status before paying. Some attractions publish their ticket steps through a WeChat account, such as Chengdu Panda Base. A search result, map listing or similarly named mini program is not itself confirmation that you have reached the operator.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: official tickets
What should I save if an app stops working?
Keep your accommodation's Chinese address, important contact details and confirmed booking references in a separate offline note or downloaded file. Add the original Chinese names beside your translations, and check any essential translation with staff before acting on it. Keep a payment backup as well. This small set of records helps you continue the journey while you resolve a network or account problem.
State Council portal: payment service guide for overseas visitors
Beijing government: English city maps and Amap English version
Payments guide →Sim Internet guide →Prepare an alternative to Google and WhatsApp
Google and some overseas messaging services, including WhatsApp, are restricted on normal mainland networks. Test a map that supports your destinations and agree a working contact method with your accommodation and travel companions. Keep each address in Chinese, the correct entrance or pick-up point, telephone numbers and confirmed booking references in an offline note.
Prepare an alternative to Google and WhatsApp · Policy scope verified: 2026-09-06