Accommodation & Dining FAQ

1. Do all hotels accept foreign guests?

No! Need to choose 'foreign guest hotels' (four-star and above/international chains 100% accept), filter by 'Accepts Foreign Guests' tag when booking (Ctrip/Booking.com both have this option). Exception: Tibet requires staying at designated foreign guest hotels, arranged by travel agencies.

2. What documents needed for check-in?

Required: Passport + visa (or Taiwan Compatriot Certificate/Home Return Permit). Note: Some hotels will photocopy documents for records, this is normal procedure.

3. Can I book homestays through Airbnb?

Yes, but need to confirm the property has 'Public Security Registration' (legal homestays will note this in description), otherwise may not be able to register for check-in.

4. Do hostels/capsule hotels accept foreigners?

Some accept (like YHA China affiliates), need to confirm by email in advance, and dormitories may be gender-segregated only.

5. Do restaurants have English menus?

High-end restaurants: Have English menus with pictures. Regular restaurants: Use translation apps to scan menus (recommend Google Lens or WeChat 'scan and translate').

6. How to avoid eating unfamiliar ingredients?

Key phrases: 'I don't eat offal' → Wǒ bù chī nèizàng 'Not spicy' → Bùyào là (or make 'X' gesture). Safe choices: Dumplings (Jiǎozi), fried rice (Chǎofàn), steamed fish (Qīngzhēng yú).

7. Can I drink tap water directly?

No! Hotels provide free bottled water.

8. How to order hot pot?

Beginner combination: Soup base: Yuanyang pot (Yuānyāng guō clear + spicy). Ingredients: Fatty beef (Féi niú), shrimp paste (Xiā huá), baby bok choy (Wáwá cài).

9. How do vegetarians order?

Key phrases: 'I am vegetarian' → Wǒ shì sùshí zhě 'No meat and fish' → Bùyào ròu hé yú Recommended dishes: Three fresh vegetables (Dì sān xiān potato eggplant bell pepper), Mapo tofu (Mápó dòufu say no minced meat in advance).

10. Can restaurants use credit cards?

High-end restaurants: Support Visa/Mastercard. Regular restaurants: Cash/mobile payment only (can ask waiter to pay with Alipay then give cash).

11. Do I need to tip?

No! China has no tipping culture, but high-end restaurants may add 10% service charge (will be noted on bill).

12. What useful tools are recommended?

Restaurant reservations - Dianping APP (has English interface), check 'foreigner-friendly' reviews Menu translation - Google Lens/Tencent Translator