Postcards from … by Cynthia Dammerer

If it’s been a few years since your last visit to China, or you’ve never been before, be very prepared. China has changed dramatically, particularly when it comes to technology and how visitors pay for almost everything.

Here are some practical tips that could save you a lot of stress once you arrive.

The biggest surprise for most Australians is that China has become an almost cashless society. While we still happily tap our credit cards or phones at home, China has largely skipped traditional card payments altogether.

Instead, almost every shop, restaurant, taxi, attraction and convenience store expects payment through either WeChat Pay or Alipay. Even some large businesses don’t accept physical international credit cards.

Before you leave Australia, download both apps, and link your credit card and set up the payment functions. It’s well worth taking the time to do this at home rather than trying to work it out after landing, when your bank may freeze your card immediately for suspected fraud!

Although Visa and Mastercard are becoming more widely accepted within these apps, don’t rely on carrying your credit card alone.

It’s also wise to carry a small amount of Chinese cash for markets, small purchases or the occasional vendor who prefers cash.

Getting around China is incredibly easy thanks to its excellent transport network, but you’ll need another app for rideshare services before you arrive.

Download the DiDi CHINA app (different to the Australian app), the Chinese equivalent of Uber, and set it to English before you travel. Link your payment method in advance so you’re ready to book a ride the moment you need one. Set up autopay if you can, or you will have to manually pay each trip.

While you’re downloading apps, add Google Translate and the XE Currency Converter to your phone as well. Google Translate can be invaluable when reading menus, signs or communicating with locals, while XE makes it easy to quickly convert prices into Australian dollars.

One tip many travellers overlook is preparing for banking emergencies. Write down the overseas contact numbers for your credit card providers before you leave Australia. Don’t rely on the Australian customer service number, as many won’t work internationally. If your card is unexpectedly frozen because of overseas transactions, having the international number readily available can save hours of frustration.

For phone connectivity, roaming is often the easiest option. While it may cost a little more than buying a local SIM card, many travellers find it far more reliable, especially for receiving pins to confirm things like banking messages.

Be cautious about installing or using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as they can sometimes interfere with important local apps such as DiDi or payment systems, creating more problems than they solve.

Another surprise for many first-time visitors is the language barrier. Even in major international hotel chains, you shouldn’t assume staff will speak English. Some front desk staff speak none, or limited English, and restaurant or housekeeping staff may not speak any at all. Having Google Translate readily available can make everyday interactions much easier.

While some regulations exist, smoking remains far more common than in Australia. Outdoors, indoors, and even in hotel corridors. Some hotels still place ashtrays near lifts, meaning cigarette smoke can drift underneath guest room doors.

Accommodation standards may also differ from what Australians expect. Don’t assume that every international hotel brand will have restaurants or bars operating throughout the day. Some properties only serve breakfast, with restaurants and bars closed for lunch and dinner.

Power outlets can also catch visitors out. Some hotels allocate international visitors to rooms fitted with Australian or American-style sockets, but many chargers, particularly Apple chargers with only two pins, may still require an adaptor depending on the outlet configuration. Packing a universal travel adaptor remains the safest option.

One of China’s greatest travel experiences is its remarkable high-speed rail network. Stations operate much like airports. You’ll pass through passport checks, baggage screening and security before entering the departure area, and passengers are only permitted onto the platform shortly before departure.

Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure, earlier during busy holiday periods. When booking, consider selecting a Quiet Zone carriage if available for a more peaceful journey.

China is an exciting destination that has embraced technology faster than almost anywhere else in the world. A little preparation before you leave Australia can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and enjoying a smooth, memorable journey.

• Cynthia Dammerer is a seasoned traveller having worked for many of Australia’s biggest travel brands.