English help in Xingyi · by Visit Xingyi
Squat toilets are the default in Xingyi — restaurants almost never have seated ones, guesthouses not always. Chain hotels usually do. When booking, ask: 请问房间有坐便器吗？ (show this to staff).
Cash is rarely used. Alipay accepts foreign bank cards (easiest for visitors). WeChat Pay also works but setup is harder. US PayPal users (May 2026+): you can now scan WeChat Pay QR codes directly from the PayPal app — no Chinese bank account needed. Bring your passport — you'll need it for SIM cards and some tickets.
Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or any China Mobile/Unicom shop (passport required). Google, WhatsApp and most Western apps are blocked — install a VPN before you arrive.
DiDi works but the app is Chinese-first and needs local payment. Easiest: book a transfer with us — tell us in English where and when, we handle the rest.
Police 110 · Ambulance 120 · Fire 119. Tourist hotline 12301. Operators speak Chinese — message us and we'll help translate.
Almost no English in Xingyi — that's why we're here. Key phrase: 请问…？ (qǐngwèn = "excuse me…?"). Point + translation app covers restaurants.
Tell us in English — we'll confirm on WhatsApp within a few hours.
We'll message you on WhatsApp shortly to confirm the driver and price.