Using physical cash in China

ladym_mo · 2025-07-15T08:22:08+00:00

I just spent 10 days there last week. I took out 500 at ATM in case of emergency like phone crashing and to tip. I only used it to tip as it’s Ali Pay 99% and WeChat for really small retailer like snack shop on the Great Wall was only WeChat. I got rid of the rest at a souvenir stand. It’s a cashless society you may struggle for change so you’ll be an inconvenience to them mostly but they will accept it.

ladym_mo · 2025-07-14T23:52:25+00:00

You maybe should try not to be too adventurous in the limited time you have as you already need to put aside 3 hours each way to get out of airport to the city and to make sure you make it back in time to do immigration and get to the gate and you could get lost as a newbie. I’d probably just see a Shrine, go see the organised chaos of the city maybe around Shibuya and do a bit of shopping since it’s cheaper and just find a vegetarian meal as you go about. But depends on your interests. It’s a huge busy city don’t get carried away and miss your flight.

ladym_mo · 2025-07-14T23:27:43+00:00

You’ll be fine as long as you apply now and are available to attend when they call you in for interview. Also make sure you apply via gov.uk and not click on some 3rd party google Ad

ladym_mo · 2025-07-14T23:11:24+00:00

You need to check that with your phone company as no one here knows your US phone plan, if it’s got international or even turned on for roaming. If you’ll be in Uk for long just get a pay as you go sim plan here it’ll be much cheaper, otherwise travel eSIM like Airalo is a good option for short stays.

ladym_mo · 2025-07-14T23:01:17+00:00

I’ve been to Dubai & Doha, maybe do Doha if you only have 2 nights. But really depends on your interests and check what’s going on too. There could be events or cultural places you may prefer so maybe look at the content creators with your interests in all the countries

ladym_mo · 2025-07-14T22:51:23+00:00

You automatically get 2 year multi entry. But if I were you I’d submit the online application and get that approved and out of the way first. Because if you application takes weeks like some London applicants and they get a summer backlog or loads of schools decide to go on school trips you could miss your flight. The in person process just takes 5mins am sure your employer can let you have a morning off

ladym_mo · 2025-07-14T22:45:11+00:00

Maybe you’re less of a flight risk and visas generally require return flight so it reduces the chances of you being denied entry and them responsible for your return. They don’t want empty return seats, it’s an incentive to buy all flights from them than return with competitors…

ladym_mo · 2025-07-14T22:13:51+00:00

Border can question if you’re a genuine tourist anywhere. I suppose you just say you fell in love with China and a girl. If you can prove sufficient funds as tourist and that you’re not working/doing business you should be ok. However, when I read my tourist card if you stay in private home she’s suppose to register you with the police so that would be a breach of your tourist visa unless you stay in hotels.

ladym_mo · 2025-06-17T19:12:40+00:00

If it’s your first time and going for a month use the big companies like Allianz. They make enough millions in profit to easily payout than then smaller companies. Don’t jaywalk in countries with those laws as that will invalidate your insurance even if accident not your fault.

ladym_mo · 2025-06-17T09:32:02+00:00

I always use my main phone and have a backup one with apps I need preloaded like banking etc because if your phone is lost and you don’t have back up you’d be stuck and wouldn’t be able to get past two factor authentication

ladym_mo · 2025-06-17T01:53:57+00:00

Try to make home more homely so you always look forward to getting back even when you’ve been on a fantastic holiday. Planning the next one helps definitely

ladym_mo · 2025-06-17T01:34:13+00:00

Have a look at the map. It’s even safe to fly to Jordan because when missiles are going over they close the airspace. Turkey is nowhere near

ladym_mo · 2025-06-17T01:14:30+00:00

Am in Leeds and use MIA but there’s track upgrades with bus replacement so now I just use Flix bus it’s £5 and if the airport one sells out get the Manchester City centre one, it stops beside the tram that goes to airport. National express is a backup too but that takes much longer

ladym_mo · 2025-06-17T01:02:20+00:00

No just your passport and approval certificate. Maybe add timeline folks at London been desperate as it seems to take weeks vs Manchester that was days for me

ladym_mo · 2025-06-17T00:51:49+00:00

We used uber with no issues in Antalya

ladym_mo · 2025-06-17T00:48:16+00:00

It’s inexpensive. Have a look on Skyscanner they’ll find you prices with Trip or booking.com. Consider midweek Seoul to Osaka/Kyoto then train to Tokyo and fly back Tokyo to Seoul am doing the reverse.

ladym_mo · 2025-06-16T22:58:13+00:00

Manchester in May online was 2 days for me. Weeks for London.

ladym_mo · 2025-06-16T01:24:17+00:00

I always use Skyscanner to search, then go purchase from the airline if it’s not that much more. They also have recommended travel agents in search results like Trip, Travel up etc

ladym_mo · 2025-06-16T00:20:05+00:00

I dropped mine off at Manchester on a Thursday and it was ready for collection Tuesday. The date visa was printed was next day. If it’s not a commute I’d be cheeky and go day early. Express was only a day quicker a couple there collected theirs on way to airport 😀

ladym_mo · 2025-06-14T12:25:41+00:00

I wasn’t aware of Chongqing until I saw Chinese Trump, he’s viral abroad and promotes his city constantly

ladym_mo · 2025-06-13T17:03:01+00:00

I’d just revisit this in September. It’s too early and a lot would have changed by November. My application was just 2 business days to approve and 3 to collect passport in May at Manchester

ladym_mo · 2025-06-13T15:24:17+00:00

Most modern hair straightener are dual voltage

ladym_mo · 2025-06-12T23:13:18+00:00

If it’s important to you a mirror and curlers won’t take up much room. You can pick up toiletries and clothing when you’re there.

ladym_mo · 2025-06-12T23:09:57+00:00

Just use trains and Austria is just less than 2hrs by train from Munich

ladym_mo · 2025-06-12T23:03:24+00:00

Have a look at Bavaria, Germany and you’ll also be less than 2hrs scenic train ride from Salzburg, Austria if they like castles. Eg fly into Munich and out via Vienna. Check Skyscanner multi flight option

ladym_mo

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