China requires paying upfront for medical care, so travel insurance isn't optional — it's your financial safety net.
What to look for
- Medical coverage of at least $100,000 (international hospitals in Beijing/Shanghai charge Western prices)
- Emergency evacuation — this is the expensive one, $50k+ bills are real
- Trip cancellation, baggage, and delay coverage
- 24/7 English assistance hotline
Reliable providers popular with China travelers include World Nomads, Allianz, AXA, and SafetyWing (good for long trips). Expect $40–$100 for two weeks depending on age.
Daily budget reference
| Style | Per day (USD) | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Shoestring | $40–60 | Hostels, street food, metro, free sights |
| Mid-range | $100–180 | 3–4★ hotels, restaurants, taxis, paid attractions |
| Comfort | $250+ | 5★ hotels, private drivers, fine dining |
Big-city highlights cost extra: Forbidden City ¥60, Terracotta Warriors ¥120, high-speed rail Beijing–Shanghai ~¥550 ($75).
Using international cards
Visa/Mastercard are accepted only at international hotels, upscale malls, and some tourist restaurants. For everything else, bind your foreign card to Alipay or WeChat Pay (see our Payment guide) — that combination covers 95% of situations. Bring a card with no foreign transaction fees.