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Since moving to China, the 2 most common questions I get are, “how do I book a fast train in China?” and “What’s this VPN thing we need to access Facebook?”
To help answer those questions and a lot of other common questions about traveling to and in China with kids, I’ve collated all of our (mine, my husbands and our daughters) favourite travel recommendations for you. Everything here has been personally tested. We won’t recommend anything we haven’t tried personally.
If you are visiting China, it’s really hard to just “wing it.” As well as the tools I recommend below, I have also included a shopping list of my favourite, essential items on Benable:
China isn’t just famous for it’s Great Wall, it’s just as famous for it’s GREAT FIREWALL. This means Google, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and What’s App are blocked in China. To stay connected, there are two options you can opt for, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or an E-Sim. We’ve used both options and recommend our top VPN and ESim below:
In simple terms, VPN’s trick your phone or network into thinking you are logging in from somewhere else. You’ll need to us a VPN if you want to access blocked sites like Instagram or Facebook and are:
‘• Buying a local sim card (to get a local phone number)
• Logging into public or hotel WIFI.
Get 30-free days Express VPN using our link below.
If you’re not worried about having a phone number or don’t like to use public WIFI, then an ESIM is a one-stop shop for getting online quickly and bypassing the Great Firewall.
The sim connects as soon as you land and they have a range of data plans around the world.
Use our code: BU9A1VEU for 20% off your first plan and a free e-sim.
We strictly use trip.com for all our China travel. It is the only major platform that consistently shows which hotels accept foreign passports. It also makes booking high-speed trains incredibly easy (and in English).
We always use Klook.com to find the best priced tickets to attractions across China & Asia. This includes Disneyland (Shanghai & Tokyo) and Universal Studios (Beijing & Osaka). Get a discount by using my link.
Traveling both internationally and within China, having access to easy and cheap money exchange is key. Banks and credit cards charge ridiculously high fees. Choose the option that keeps more of your money in your pocket.
Capturing memories is a huge part of our journey. Here is what’s in our camera bag:
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
This lightweight gimbal camera is the most recommended entry level vlog camera. Easily take professional quality videos, straight out of the box.
Universal Travel Adapter
Essential for moving around the globe. We recommend one with multiple USB-C ports and various plug prongs. This saves having to buy multiple plugs and carting around several adapters.
Portable Power Bank
Essential for moving around the globe. We recommend one with multiple USB-C ports and various plug prongs. This saves having to buy multiple plugs and carting around several adapters.
Traveling with kids or moving abroad with them, can be logistical nightmares. Here are the items that made both travel and transitioning to life abroad a lot easier:
Noise Canceling Headphones
ESSENTIAL for long-haul flights. Personally I have only ever used Bose Noise Canceling Headphones. They’ve long been a favorite of airline pilots too. They have elite noise canceling functions compared to similar Sony and Apple products.
Packing Cubes: If you are traveling with kids, these are non-negotiable. We separate clothes by family member so we aren’t digging through suitcases in hotel rooms. [View on Amazon]
If you’re planning on driving abroad, make sure you check whether you need an International Drivers Permit. For more information, checkout here: International Drivers Permit.