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4 insider tips
China Unicom at the airport is your easiest bet — they accept foreign passports with no fuss. ¥99/month for 50GB. If you're staying longer, go to a proper store downtown and ask for the '外国人套餐' (foreigner package). Avoid China Mobile at the airport — staff often refuse foreigners without local ID.
Drivers often cancel if your destination is far or inconvenient. Set the destination in the app, wait for a driver to accept, THEN get in. If they cancel after you're in — report immediately for a refund. Also: add your hotel's address in Chinese to your phone notes for the driver.
Skip Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley — they're tourist traps. Yulin (玉林) in south Chengdu is where locals eat. The night market near Yulin South Road has incredible Mapo tofu and skewers for ¥15–25 a dish. Most stalls are cash only but WeChat Pay works at the slightly more established spots.
Most international hospitals in Shanghai/Beijing have English staff but it's expensive (¥800+ consultation). For routine stuff, download Youdao Translate with offline Chinese medical pack. Screenshot key phrases: '我需要看医生' (I need a doctor), '我对XXX过敏' (I'm allergic to XXX). Good Samaritan is my go-to in Jing'an.
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