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Practical guides
Everything we've written about getting by in China — paying, getting online, staying healthy, finding help.
Your 6-step pre-trip checklist
Visa, passport, phone, bookings, packing and emergency numbers — in order.
Seeing a doctor in China
International clinics vs public hospitals, how registration works, what it costs.
Lost passport? Consular help, step by step
Who to call first, what your embassy can and can't do, getting home.
Health prep: first-aid card & prescriptions
What to pack, carrying prescription medicine through customs, the card to print.
Buying medicine at a pharmacy
What you can buy over the counter and how to show what you need.
Emergency medical phrases
What to say — and show — to a doctor, a pharmacist or an ambulance crew.
Beijing pre-trip checklist
What's different about Beijing: weather, must-book sights, local apps and getting in from the airport.
Shanghai pre-trip checklist
What's different about Shanghai: weather, must-book sights, local apps and getting in from the airport.
Chengdu pre-trip checklist
What's different about Chengdu: weather, must-book sights, local apps and getting in from the airport.
Chongqing pre-trip checklist
What's different about Chongqing: weather, must-book sights, local apps and getting in from the airport.
Hangzhou pre-trip checklist
What's different about Hangzhou: weather, must-book sights, local apps and getting in from the airport.
Suzhou pre-trip checklist
What's different about Suzhou: weather, must-book sights, local apps and getting in from the airport.
Nanjing pre-trip checklist
What's different about Nanjing: weather, must-book sights, local apps and getting in from the airport.
Hospitals in Beijing with English-speaking staff
International clinics and public hospitals with foreigner services in Beijing, with addresses to show a driver.
Hospitals in Shanghai with English-speaking staff
International clinics and public hospitals with foreigner services in Shanghai, with addresses to show a driver.
Hospitals in Chengdu with English-speaking staff
International clinics and public hospitals with foreigner services in Chengdu, with addresses to show a driver.
Hospitals in Chongqing with English-speaking staff
International clinics and public hospitals with foreigner services in Chongqing, with addresses to show a driver.
Hospitals in Hangzhou with English-speaking staff
International clinics and public hospitals with foreigner services in Hangzhou, with addresses to show a driver.
Hospitals in Suzhou with English-speaking staff
International clinics and public hospitals with foreigner services in Suzhou, with addresses to show a driver.
Hospitals in Nanjing with English-speaking staff
International clinics and public hospitals with foreigner services in Nanjing, with addresses to show a driver.