Recently, Premier Li Keqiang presided over an executive meeting of the State Council, pointing out that based on the pilot program for innovative development of trade in services approved in 2016, the pilot will be deepened from July 1 of this year to June 30, 2020, in 17 regions including Beijing. The focus will be on launching a series of opening-up measures in areas such as telecommunications, tourism, and engineering consulting. At the same time, it will explore improving the access system for trade in services under models such as cross-border payments and overseas consumption, gradually eliminating or relaxing restrictions, and providing customs clearance and visa facilitation for related goods import and export and talent mobility.
The news has delighted many Chinese people who are keen on outbound travel, as favorable visa policies bring even more travel benefits. After all, the world is so vast. In addition to deciding on a travel destination, there are several things you must arrange before going abroad!
1. Personal funds and travel budget
When you’re planning to travel abroad, your budget should be your top priority. Prepare sufficient funds according to your destination, and you can exchange an appropriate amount of foreign currency cash in advance at the bank (this depends on your personal spending needs), as well as bring credit cards and debit cards.
Some credit cards often offer cashback promotions for overseas online shopping or reward points. However, it’s worth noting that there have been many cases of credit card fraud abroad, so it’s advisable to use the card with the lower credit limit. Generally, card swiping does not incur any fees, but withdrawing money from ATMs usually involves certain charges (these vary by bank—call ahead to confirm whether you can withdraw and spend abroad normally), and make sure to activate the overseas withdrawal function in advance.
Before departure, remember to check your financial status, such as credit card bills, rent, loans, etc., and confirm whether repayment dates fall during your travel period. Arrange these matters in advance so you can travel with greater peace of mind!
2. Internet and communication abroad
Staying connected and having stable internet access while traveling abroad is crucial. Many people are accustomed to sharing beautiful scenery online, searching for attractions and food, booking hotels, and making purchases. However, international call and roaming charges can be extremely expensive, ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands. It’s best to arrange suitable mobile network services for your phone and use cost-effective ways to access the internet.
Some opt for overseas SIM cards, but changing cards frequently can be troublesome, and they generally don’t support cross-border internet access. Currently, a popular option is to carry a portable Wi-Fi device. You don’t need to change SIM cards—just connect your phone to the device to enjoy seamless internet, and it intelligently switches to the best local network. For example, GlocalMe has become quite popular in recent years. Most importantly, their data plans are highly customizable, allowing users to tailor their data packages, and they use local pricing, which is both economical and worry-free. Just bring it along when traveling abroad, and you can fully enjoy your trip without a care.
3. Local guides and relevant policies
When it comes to travel guides, a quick online search will yield plenty of tips from experienced travelers. If you’re traveling with a tour group, you can simply rely on the travel agency to handle everything. But if you’re traveling independently, you’ll need to manage everything yourself—such as what documents are needed for a visa, which airline to book tickets with and the departure time, where to stay, which attractions to visit, what luggage to pack... Every detail must be planned out.
Additionally, before departure, it’s important to pay close attention to the precautions and local policies of your travel destination. Always respect local customs, religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and social norms. It’s recommended to purchase personal travel insurance. If you plan to participate in activities like skydiving or bungee jumping, which are high-risk and physically demanding, consider purchasing specific insurance in advance to ensure your personal safety.
4. Emergency contacts / rescue options
Unexpected incidents can happen during travel—lost luggage, stolen passports, credit card fraud, encountering scammers or even kidnapping (though rare, it's best to be prepared). So, it’s important to know the contact information for the local embassy or consulate and police stations in your destination country. Also prepare copies of your passport, ID, and photos in case your documents are lost and you need to get temporary replacements. Before departure, learn some self-defense or emergency survival tips—you never know when they might come in handy!
Therefore, although traveling abroad may seem simple, it actually requires careful preparation. This is especially true for the growing number of Chinese people planning independent trips. While enjoying the beautiful sights abroad, it’s essential to maintain stable mobile internet, stay vigilant about personal safety, and fully enjoy each unique stop along the journey.