Do You Tip in China?

Do you tip in China?

Tipping in China is traditionally not customary and generally not expected. In most restaurants, taxis, and everyday situations, no tip is required, and offering one can sometimes cause confusion or be politely declined, since it is not part of the local culture. This is slowly changing in some tourist-oriented settings: high-end hotels, guided tours, and places used to international visitors may now accept or even expect a small tip, so tipping a tour guide or driver a modest amount is appreciated in those contexts. But for ordinary meals and services, you do not need to tip. When in doubt, follow the lead of the setting: no tip is the safe default in most of China.

What currency is used in China?

China uses the Chinese yuan, also called the renminbi (RMB), with the symbol resembling a Y with two strokes. The biggest thing to know is that China runs largely on mobile payments: apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate daily transactions, and cash and foreign cards are accepted in fewer places than you might expect, especially away from big hotels and tourist sites. Foreign visitors can now link international cards to these apps, which is highly recommended before you go, since it unlocks most everyday spending. Carry some yuan in cash as a backup, and be aware that many small vendors may not take foreign credit cards at all.

What power adapter do you need for China?

China commonly uses Type A, Type I, and Type C plugs, and many outlets are designed to accept more than one plug shape, on a 220-volt supply. Travelers from the United States, the UK, and Europe will generally need an adapter, and because outlets vary, a universal travel adapter is the safest choice. Voltage is important: at 220 volts, China is higher than the US 120 volts, so confirm your devices accept 220-volt input. Phone and laptop chargers are almost always dual voltage and just need the adapter, while single-voltage US appliances like hair dryers can be damaged without a converter. Hotels sometimes have multi-standard sockets, but bring your own adapter to be safe.

Can you drink the tap water in China?

No, tap water in China is not safe to drink straight from the tap. The water is not treated to a standard that makes it safe for direct drinking, and even locals typically boil water before drinking it, which is why hot water and tea are so widely available and hotels provide kettles. For travelers, the safe options are bottled water, which is cheap and everywhere, or water you have boiled thoroughly. Use bottled or boiled water for drinking and for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach. Avoid ice in places where you are unsure of the water source. Sticking to bottled or boiled water prevents the stomach troubles that unfamiliar tap water can cause.