China
China has no WHV with Australia. Tourist visa is required for most stays. Beijing-Xi'an-Chengdu-Shanghai is the standard first-trip circuit.
Currency
CNY
1 AUD = 4.74 CNY (mid-market, 2026-05-21)
Cost of living
50% of Sydney
Working Holiday Visa for Australians
No WHV with Australia
Tourist or short-stay entry
Tourist visa (L)
Up to 2 months. Work rights: none.
Most Australians need an L visa pre-departure. Some cities offer 144-hour transit visa-free; check current rules per port of entry.
Source: au.china-embassy.gov.cn
Highlights
- Very fast high-speed rail (Beijing-Shanghai 4.5 hours).
- 144-hour transit visa-free policy at some ports for short trips.
- Cost of living is moderate; food is consistently good and cheap.
- The Great Wall, Forbidden City and Xi'an Terracotta Warriors are once-in-a-lifetime sights.
Watch outs
- Internet restrictions (no Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) without a VPN. Set up VPN before arrival.
- WeChat / Alipay dominate payments; cash is increasingly rejected.
- Air-quality (PM2.5) varies dramatically by city and season.
- Smartraveller's risk rating changes regularly; check before travel.
Money tips
- Bank of China, ICBC and China Merchants Bank ATMs accept foreign cards.
- WeChat Pay and Alipay now allow foreign-card linking for tourists (2023 rule change); set up before arrival.
- Carry CNY 200-500 cash as backup for taxis and rural stops.
- Tipping is not customary and can confuse staff.
Typical costs (AUD)
- Hostel bed per night
- $25
- Budget meal
- $6
- Mid-range meal
- $20
- Beer (bar)
- $4
- Public transport day pass
- $4
Indicative only. Tourist-zone prices are usually 50-100% higher than local prices.
Practical basics
- Power plug
- Type A / I
- Drives on
- Right
- Emergency number
- 110 (police) / 120 (ambulance)
Sources
Last updated 2026-05-21.