Daily survival path
China Food & Daily Survival
Use this order for everyday food, water, language, payment, and basic communication tasks that make the trip feel workable day after day.
Follow this daily survival order
- 1 Order First meals Order food without Chinese
Use pictures, QR menus, pointing, translation, and short requests instead of long explanations.
- 2 Menu At restaurants Know what English menus can and cannot do
Expect partial English support and keep visual ordering methods ready.
- 3 Diet If food restrictions matter Plan dietary restrictions realistically
Prepare simple phrases, backup foods, and realistic expectations for kitchens and sauces.
- 4 Water Every day Handle tap water safely
Know when to use bottled or boiled water and how to avoid overthinking routine drinks.
- 5 Pay At counters and restaurants Prepare payment for daily purchases
Make QR payments, backup methods, and small cash work before the meal depends on them.
Use these when daily tasks get sticky
Language and ordering tools
- Translate Before ordering Translation apps
Use short text, menu photos, and one practical request at a time.
- Apps Before going out Essential apps
Keep payment, maps, translation, and messaging ready for ordinary errands.
- No English If spoken help is thin Staying connected without English
Use screens, QR codes, screenshots, and visual confirmation to complete tasks.
Etiquette and public behavior
- Queue Daily public spaces Queueing and behavior
Know the ordinary habits that make busy places easier to navigate.
- Polite Small interactions Greetings and social norms
Keep simple social expectations clear without overperforming etiquette.
- Misread If a moment feels awkward Handling misunderstandings
Slow the interaction down and use visible text before frustration builds.
- Etiquette First impressions Basic etiquette
Use calm, practical behavior and shared-space awareness for smoother daily interactions.
- Topics Small talk Conversation topics to avoid
Keep casual conversations comfortable by choosing light, practical topics.
Everyday backups
- Cash If wallet fails Cash in China
Keep enough RMB for a small purchase, taxi, or awkward payment moment.
- Phone If QR tasks fail Phone and internet setup
Make data, apps, maps, and verification codes reliable before daily tasks stack up.
- Shop Longer stays Online shopping basics
Know when online services help and when they add unnecessary account friction.