Problem Solvers

Quick problem-solving guides for foreign visitors in China, from payment failure and lost phones to scams, hotels, taxis, and emergencies.

When something fails, start here. Pick the closest problem and use the guide as your next move.

Fast Guides

Payment Failed

  • Try a different linked card or payment app.
  • Ask whether the merchant accepts cash or bank card.
  • For taxis, ask the driver to stop at a hotel or staffed location if you need help translating the payment issue.

No Mobile Data

  • Turn roaming on, then restart the phone.
  • Try airport Wi-Fi, hotel Wi-Fi, or a staffed telecom counter.
  • Keep screenshots of your hotel address and booking so you can still move without data.

Hotel Check-in Problem

  • Show your passport and booking confirmation.
  • Ask the front desk to contact the booking platform.
  • If the hotel says it cannot receive foreign guests, ask the booking platform for relocation support immediately.

Pressure or overcharging

  • If someone quotes a price without showing a menu, meter, official listing, or posted price, slow down before paying.
  • If a driver, vendor, guide, or stranger pressures you to decide now, leave early instead of explaining too much.
  • For tourist sites, prefer official counters, posted prices, staffed service desks, hotel help, and traceable platform orders.
  • Useful guide: What should I do if I think I was overcharged?

Daily basics that cause real stress

  • If you are leaving the hotel for the day, carry tissue, hand sanitizer, a power bank, and the hotel address in Chinese.
  • If your stomach is sensitive, use bottled water for the first day and be cautious with ice or unfamiliar drinks.
  • If you need medicine, use a pharmacy for minor issues and medical care for serious or unclear symptoms.
  • If your passport or phone is missing, stop, secure accounts, ask your hotel for help, and contact official channels when needed.
  • Useful guide: Daily Basics

Emergency situations

  • If there is immediate danger, use local emergency services first instead of trying to solve it through an app.
  • If language is hard, move to a staffed place and ask staff to call or translate.
  • If the situation involves injury, traffic accident, threats, coercion, or being unable to leave, keep records and ask what to do before leaving.
  • Useful guide: Emergency Help

When the screen is the problem

A failed QR menu or mini program is not a reason to spend half an hour at the counter. The QR and mini-program troubleshooting guide shows the order to try, what not to share, and how to ask staff for a manual order or ticket.