❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most visitors need a tourist visa (L visa). But don't worry! After you submit your custom trip request, our team will guide you through the entire visa application process. We provide all necessary invitation letters and documentation support. The process typically takes 4-7 business days.

You'll need to visit your local Chinese embassy or consulate. Requirements typically include: valid passport, application form, photo, invitation letter (we provide this!), and proof of accommodation. Our team will send you a detailed visa guide once you submit your trip request.

Yes, you can extend your stay at the local Public Security Bureau. We can assist with the paperwork and translation. Most tourists get a 30-day stay initially, which can be extended by another 30 days.

Not at all! Our guides are fluent in English, and we provide translation apps and phrasebooks. Plus, younger Chinese people often speak some English, especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. You'll be surprised how smoothly your trip will go! We also teach you key phrases like "nǐ hǎo" (hello) and "xièxie" (thank you) - locals appreciate the effort!

Yes! Your English-speaking guide is with you from airport pickup to departure. They'll help with check-in, ordering food, buying sim cards, exchanging money - everything. You're never alone in China with PandaRoads.

We provide you with a local SIM card and WeChat (China's super-app). Your guide is just a message away. Plus, all our guests get a 24/7 emergency hotline. In 5 years, we've never had a guest we couldn't quickly reconnect with!

Absolutely! China has incredibly diverse cuisine. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, or have allergies, we'll customize your food experiences. Our guides know exactly which restaurants can accommodate your needs. No one goes hungry on a PandaRoads trip! We even arrange special menus for kids and elderly travelers.

Not all Chinese food is spicy! Yes, Sichuan cuisine (Chengdu) is famous for heat, but Cantonese food (Guangzhou/Shenzhen) is mild and sweet. Even in Chengdu, we can customize your meals to be "micro-spice" or completely mild. Your taste buds, your rules!

We recommend drinking bottled or boiled water. Hot water (kāishuǐ) is available everywhere in China - hotels, train stations, restaurants. Locals drink warm water for health! We'll provide you with a reusable bottle and teach you to say "rèshuǐ" (hot water).

China is one of the safest countries for tourists! Violent crime is extremely rare. You can walk alone at night in most cities. The biggest "danger" is pickpockets in crowded tourist spots - but your guide will watch your belongings. We also avoid scams by taking you to government-approved shops and restaurants with fixed prices.

No mandatory vaccinations, but we recommend: Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT), Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis (if visiting rural areas). Check with your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel. We'll send you a health checklist after you book.

China has excellent hospitals, especially in major cities. We have partnerships with international clinics where doctors speak English. Your guide will accompany you to any medical visits, help with translation, and even wait at the pharmacy. We also provide travel insurance recommendations.

Cash is king in China! We recommend bringing $200-300 cash for small purchases. Major hotels and shops accept Visa/Mastercard, but many places don't. Your guide will help you exchange money at the airport or bank. We'll also teach you to use Alipay (China's PayPal) if you want the full local experience!

It depends on your shopping habits! Souvenirs (tea, silk, calligraphy, panda merch) typically cost $10-50 per item. A nice silk scarf: $20-40. Custom-tailored suit: $100-200. We recommend budgeting $30-50/day for extras. Your guide will help you bargain - it's expected!

Yes, ATMs are everywhere in cities. Most accept foreign cards (look for the Plus/Cirrus logo). However, some rural areas might not have ATMs, so we recommend withdrawing enough cash before day trips. Your guide will take you to the right bank branches.