China without cell phone, doable?

Question

Can I survive without a cell phone in China? Going to Beijing and Shanghai and maybe surrounding areas. Planning on using cash, paper maps and taking the metro and train. Is it doable?

Answer

Yes, it is possible to travel in China without a cell phone, but there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Beijing, Shanghai, and major surrounding cities have reasonably good infrastructure for tourists, but a mobile phone does make navigation, ticket booking, and communication much easier.

Cash and Payment:

Many restaurants, smaller shops, and street vendors in China now primarily accept mobile payment platforms like Alipay or WeChat Pay. Paying with cash is still possible, especially in bigger hotels, international restaurants, and some tourist attractions.
It is advisable to carry enough Chinese yuan (CNY) in cash for taxis, metro tickets, small restaurants, and minor purchases, especially in areas that do not cater to international tourists.

Navigation and Transport:

Major cities have metro maps available at stations, and trains between cities can be booked at ticket counters. Paper maps and printed itineraries will be useful.
Be prepared for language barriers; not all metro stations, bus stops, or train stations have English signage, though the major cities like Beijing and Shanghai do.
For taxis, it helps to have your destination written in Chinese characters, as most drivers cannot read English.

Tourist Attractions:

Tickets for popular tourist sites like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, or Shanghai Tower can be purchased in person, but some sites may have long lines or limited availability.
Guided tours can usually be booked through hotels or travel agencies on site.

Communication:

Without a mobile phone, you may face challenges in calling for services or navigating real-time changes in transport schedules.
Learning basic Mandarin phrases or having a small phrasebook can help for directions, ordering food, or asking for assistance.

In summary, traveling without a cell phone is doable in China’s major cities if you plan ahead, carry sufficient cash, print maps and itineraries, and are comfortable navigating without real-time digital tools. However, having a mobile phone can significantly simplify transportation, payments, and communication, especially in case of unexpected issues.

China without cell phone, doable?

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