FAQ
Questions Australians ask before going to China
If yours is not here, email or call us. We answer the same day.
01Before you go
Do Australians need a visa for China?
At the time of writing, Australian passport holders can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits and transit. The policy has been extended more than once and has an end date, so check the Chinese embassy website or ask us before buying flights. Longer stays, work and study still need a visa. Our visa-free guide covers the details.
Is China safe for tourists?
Smartraveller currently rates mainland China at 'exercise a high degree of caution', the same level as many popular destinations. Street crime against tourists is rare. The practical issues are payment apps, language and traffic, which is what a guide is for. Read the Smartraveller page before you go and buy travel insurance that covers China.
Can I use my Australian credit card and phone?
Cards work at hotels and larger shops; most small places take Alipay or WeChat Pay only. Both apps now accept foreign Visa and Mastercard, so set one up before you fly. Your Australian SIM will roam but it is expensive; a local eSIM or SIM is cheap and your guide will sort it on day one. Google, Gmail, WhatsApp and Instagram need a VPN or international roaming to work.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it is a condition of booking a tour with us. Any policy that covers mainland China for medical and cancellation is fine; we ask for the insurer and policy name when you confirm.
What is the best time to visit?
April to May and September to November have the best weather in Shanghai and Beijing. Avoid the first week of October (National Day holiday) and Chinese New Year, when everything is full. Australian school holidays in April, July and September work well. Summer is hot and humid but fine with a car.
02Booking with us
Who am I actually booking with?
Mandarin Route Pty Ltd, an Australian company registered in Victoria (ACN 703 388 952). You get an Australian tax invoice and the Australian Consumer Law applies. Our Shanghai operations team and licensed Chinese partner agencies deliver the trip under contract to us.
How do I pay?
Card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) or bank transfer to an Australian account, in AUD. There are no booking fees. Services delivered outside Australia are GST-free, so the price you see is the price you pay.
What are the deposit and cancellation terms?
30% deposit to confirm, balance 30 days before travel. Cancel more than 45 days out for a full refund less non-refundable supplier costs we have told you about; 15 to 45 days is 50%; under 15 days is non-refundable. Day guide bookings are free to cancel up to 7 days before. Full booking terms.
Can you book my international flights?
No, and you will usually do better yourself or through a flight agent. We quote land arrangements only and work around whatever flights you book. Tell us flight numbers once you have them.
Can I use hotel points or my own hotel?
Yes. If you book your own hotel we take it off the quote and pick you up from wherever you are staying.
03On the ground
Who are the guides?
Licensed local guides in each city who work with our Shanghai team regularly. They speak clear English, know the real-name booking systems, and are briefed on your group before you arrive. You will have the guide's name and phone number before you fly.
Are there shopping stops?
No. We do not take you to commission shops, tea houses, silk factories or jade showrooms, and our guides are paid a proper day rate so they do not need to. If you want to shop we go to real markets and tell you the right price.
What kind of car is it?
A 7-seat MPV (Buick GL8 or similar) with a professional driver for groups up to six with luggage. Sedans for one or two people on request.
What about food, allergies and dietary needs?
Tell us when you enquire. Vegetarian, halal, gluten-free and nut allergies are all manageable in big cities with a guide who can read the menu and talk to the kitchen. Your guide carries a card in Chinese explaining your needs.
Can my guide help with things not on the itinerary?
Yes. Pharmacy runs, finding a particular toy shop, a dentist, a tailor, or a relative's apartment across town. It is a day with a local who speaks both languages; use it.
Start here
Tell us your dates and who is travelling
We reply within one business day with an itemised quote in Australian dollars, listing exactly what is included and what is not.