Small conversations, easier days

Who this is for

Anyone who would like a few practical ways to communicate without speaking Chinese. Short sentences, a written address and a little patience can make an unfamiliar situation much easier.

Before you head out

Save your hotel’s Chinese name and address. Prepare a translation app and test its downloaded languages offline if that feature is available. Keep a small set of useful phrases in a place you can open quickly.

At a restaurant

Ask whether there is a printed menu if a QR-code ordering page will not load.
Point to the item you want and confirm the quantity. Photos can help, but ask if you are unsure what a dish contains.
Show any dietary restrictions in written Chinese prepared and checked beforehand. A generic translation is not enough to establish whether food is safe for a serious allergy; if staff cannot confirm ingredients or preparation, choose another option.
Ask how to pay before you finish if your usual payment method is unavailable.

Phrases you can show

English	Chinese
Hello.	你好。
Thank you.	谢谢。
Could you please write it down?	请写下来，好吗？
Please take me to this address.	请带我去这个地址。
May I pay in cash?	请问可以用现金付款吗？
Where is the toilet?	请问洗手间在哪里？
Please help me.	请帮帮我。

Use a complete request rather than several questions at once. Let the other person read the screen, then translate their response if needed.

If you need help

Ask identifiable airport, station or hotel staff for practical assistance. For an emergency in mainland China, official guidance lists 110 for police, 120 for an ambulance and 119 for fire. Ask someone nearby to help explain your location if necessary.

If you lose your passport, report it to the local police and contact your embassy or consulate. Keep your embassy’s contact information with your travel documents.

The printable personal checklist includes bilingual help cards. Save the PDF on your phone before departure so you can show them without a connection.