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The most common question I get is, “what would you recommend when traveling…”
To help answer those questions, and a lot of other common travel questions I’ve collated a bunch of my favourite recommendations here. All the things I recommend here, have been personally tested. They are also the same things I recommend for my family and friends.
China isn’t really a county where you can “just wing it“. If you follow some of my recommendations below, I promise you’ll have a much more enjoyable adventure. Spending a bit of time setting up, will save you a lot of stress and frustration when you land.
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 a lot of Western sites like Google, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook are blocked in China.
But here are our 2 recommended options for staying connected when traveling through China:
These are our favourite VPN and E-Sim recommendations:
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 local phone number then an E-SIM is a great option for getting online. The sim connects as soon as you land and Ubigi has a range of data plans around the world.
Use my 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.