Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ¥60–120 | ¥200–400 |
| Food | ¥50–80 | ¥120–200 |
| Transport | ¥10–25 | ¥30–60 |
| Activities | ¥10–30 | ¥50–150 |
| Drinks | ¥10–20 | ¥30–60 |
| Daily Total | ¥140–275 | ¥430–870 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- 144-hour visa-free transit for 54 nationalities — must have onward ticket to a third country within 144 hours
- Otherwise, a standard China visa (L-type tourist) is required — apply at Chinese embassy before travel
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) connects to the city via Metro Line 3 express (35 min, ¥25)
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is NOT safe to drink — always use bottled or boiled water
- Guangzhou is generally safe with low violent crime. Be aware of petty theft in crowded markets and metro stations
- Air quality varies — check AQI before outdoor activities. Summer (Jun–Sep) is extremely hot and humid (35°C+)
Getting Around
- Guangzhou Metro: extensive 16-line network covering the entire city. Get a Yangcheng Tong card (¥50 incl. deposit)
- DiDi (Chinese Uber) is the taxi app — download and set up before arrival. Regular taxis have a ¥12 flag fall
- Shared bikes (Meituan, Hellobike) are everywhere — scan QR code with Alipay/WeChat to unlock. ¥1.5 per 15 min
Connectivity
- Most Western apps (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp) are BLOCKED in China. Download a VPN before arrival
- Buy a China SIM at the airport: China Mobile or China Unicom, ¥100–200 for 7 days with data. Passport required
- Essential apps: WeChat (messaging + payments), Alipay (payments), DiDi (taxis), Baidu Maps (navigation), Amap
Money
- China is nearly cashless — WeChat Pay and Alipay are used for everything. International cards can now link to both apps
- Carry some cash (¥200–300) for emergencies. ATMs at Bank of China and ICBC accept foreign cards
- Tipping is not practiced in China — it may even cause confusion. Service charges are included
Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing for subtropical heat. Rain jacket or umbrella for sudden subtropical showers
- Comfortable walking shoes — Guangzhou is flat but you'll walk a lot. Flip-flops for markets and casual areas
- Download offline maps, VPN, and translation apps before arrival — internet access is restricted in China
Cultural tips
Digital Life
Cash is nearly obsolete. Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay before arrival. Even street food stalls, temples, and buskers use QR codes. Without mobile payment, you'll struggle in daily transactions.
Dining Etiquette
Cantonese dining is communal — dishes are shared at the centre. Tap two fingers on the table to thank the tea pourer. Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles funeral incense). Slurping noodles is acceptable.
Language Barrier
English is very limited outside hotels. Download Pleco (dictionary) and Google Translate (with offline Chinese). Learn "ni hao" (hello), "xie xie" (thanks), "duoshao qian" (how much). Written communication via phone translator works well.
Smoking Culture
Smoking is common in restaurants and public areas despite indoor bans. If it bothers you, sit outside or choose modern restaurants that enforce no-smoking rules. Offering cigarettes is a social gesture in Chinese culture.
Noise & Space
Guangzhou is loud — conversations happen at high volume, phone calls on speaker are normal, and personal space is smaller. This isn't rudeness; it's the cultural norm. Embrace the energy rather than fighting it.
Shopping Etiquette
Haggling is expected at markets but not in malls or restaurants. Start at 40–50% of the asking price. Be friendly, walk away to test the price, and don't haggle if you don't intend to buy.
