5 Things You Must Know Before Returning to China

In the US, you turn around and can't find a colleague; everyone's背影 is the same plaid shirt. You can't wait to return to China for its good quality and low prices, hoping to escape the nightmare of撞衫 in the US. Finally, you can move beyond fast-fashion brands like Uniqlo, ZARA, H&M and truly express your personal style! But then, you go to a department store back in China, pick up any item of clothing, and think you must have misread an extra zero on the price tag. Everything costs thousands. An ordinary-looking shirt can have a price tag rivaling luxury brands. Without trusted saved Taobao stores, you risk the tragic difference between "seller's show" and "buyer's show".

Food becomes one of the most important things for everyone returning to China. Many plan their food itinerary before even leaving, listing must-try restaurants to properly treat their stomachs, which have suffered in the US. But then, you arrive at your desired restaurant, wait at your table for ten or twenty minutes, and no server comes to take your order. Your stomach is growling. The waitstaff are gathered by the kitchen pass, not approaching customers. You're fuming inside. You see a table that arrived after you already getting their food. When your late friend arrives, you realize: you're supposed to order by scanning a QR code with WeChat. You're exasperated by your own "backwardness".

Download ride-hailing apps for easier travel Want to hail a taxi? You stand on the roadside for half an hour with no success. Everyone uses ride-hailing apps, but your US phone number can't register for them. How frustrating!

Order food delivery anytime, whatever you crave Food delivery in China is now highly advanced. Without leaving your home, you can get anything: pickled fish, boiled beef in chili sauce, white-cut chicken... The delivery riders offer great service and are fast, bringing food right to your door. Most importantly, it's cheap! But with a US number, you can't receive calls from the rider. By the time they find their way, your food is cold!

Get a short-term Chinese number In China, not having a local mobile number is really inconvenient. But for overseas Chinese living long-term in the US, maintaining a Chinese number and paying monthly fees feels like a waste. Now, iTalkBB launches a new China Travel SIM card, with 7-day, 15-day, and 30-day plans. It includes high-speed data, plus unlimited local calls and texts. No more worries about ride-hailing, food delivery, or ordering! Use it immediately after landing—no worries about being unconnected at the airport!

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