What is the best Mandarin Chinese phrasebook for travelers and expats in China? Unless you’re fluent in Chinese, you’re probably going to want something that will help you communicate in a pinch. In this guide, I’ll cover not only the best phrase guides for 2024, but also ebooks, apps, and essential basic Chinese phrases for the tech-savvy traveler. Being able to communicate during your … [Read more...] about Best Chinese Phrase Book 2025: Mandarin Edition (books & apps)
Best Translation App for China: Apps for Travelers & Expats in 2025
What are the best voice translation apps for China travelers? Perhaps you’re not an omniglot who can speak multiple languages fluently. Maybe you’re a bit worried about traveling around China without speaking Chinese. Many of us have those feelings when we travel abroad and now thanks to mobile devices, it’s possible to use a good translation app while traveling in China. It’s important to … [Read more...] about Best Translation App for China: Apps for Travelers & Expats in 2025
Best Chinese Podcasts to Learn Chinese in 2025 (both free & premium)
Podcasts are my favorite way to consume content. If you’re anything like me, you’ve subscribed to a number of awesome podcasts that inform, teach and entertain. But what about learning Chinese? Are there good podcasts to learn Chinese? Listening to the Chinese language as you’re trying to learn is as important as writing, reading, and speaking in that language. It takes time to learn … [Read more...] about Best Chinese Podcasts to Learn Chinese in 2025 (both free & premium)
Travelling In China Without Speaking Chinese
Is it possible to travel China without speaking Chinese (Mandarin)? The answer depends on which part of the country you plan to see, but in general the answer is “yes”…although it is advisable to learn as much of the Chinese language as you can before you leave! Thankfully, learning basic Mandarin isn’t as hard as you might think. While I’ve spent a lot of time and effort personally learning … [Read more...] about Travelling In China Without Speaking Chinese
Can I Rent an iPhone? How to Rent a Phone in China | 2025 Guide
Perhaps you’re traveling to China, either for business or pleasure, and you need to rent an iPhone or another type of phone for China. Sure, it would be great to use your own phone, but what if you phone isn’t unlocked? What if you have trouble getting a Chinese SIM card? What if you’re worried about security on the Chinese network? Whatever the case may be, deciding to rent a phone in China can … [Read more...] about Can I Rent an iPhone? How to Rent a Phone in China | 2025 Guide
Learn to Read Chinese & Enjoy It? (2025 Chairman’s Bao Review)
If you've ever tried to learn to read Chinese characters, you know how frustrating it can be! Is it even possible without wanting to pull your hair out? Thankfully, with the help of what's known as "graded readers", it can actually be fun. As I introduce to you not only physical books, but also a review of Chairman's Bao, you'll see how. If you are like me, you have spent hours upon hours … [Read more...] about Learn to Read Chinese & Enjoy It? (2025 Chairman’s Bao Review)