In everyday situations, who is best to ask for help? A guide for foreign travelers

While traveling in China, you will inevitably need help at times — whether to ask for directions, get translation assistance, or find a good restaurant. People are generally friendly and willing to help, but choosing the right person to ask can make everything much easier.

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1. Your first and best resource: hotel front desk / concierge

Whenever possible, your hotel should be your primary source of help.

Why they are your best option

• It’s their job:
  Helping guests is exactly what front desk and concierge staff are there for.
• Language skills:
  In any hotel that regularly hosts international guests, at least some staff will speak basic or even fluent English.
• Local knowledge and tools:
  They have phones, computers, and local knowledge — and can use apps and websites that may be difficult for you.

What they can do for you (realistic examples)

• Write down Chinese addresses:
  Before you go out, ask them to write your destination’s Chinese name and address on a card or in your phone. This acts as your “magic key” for taxis.
• Communicate with taxi drivers:
  They can call a taxi for you and explain your destination directly to the driver in Chinese.
• Recommend and book restaurants:
  They can suggest local places to eat and make reservations.
• Translate important needs:
  For example, they can write a Chinese note explaining your food allergies or medical conditions.
• Provide basic directions and tips:
  Such as where to find ATMs, convenience stores, or the nearest subway station.

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2. When you’re out and about: look for younger people or students

When you’re away from your hotel, it helps to be selective about whom you approach.

Why younger people are often a good choice

• English education:
  Younger generations are more likely to have studied English and remember some of it.
• Tech savvy:
  They are comfortable using smartphones, maps, and translation apps to help you.
• Open attitude:
  Many young people are curious about foreigners and happy to practice English.

Where to find them and how to ask

• You’ll often find them in shopping districts, cafés, universities, and subway stations.
• Start with a friendly “你好 (Nǐ hǎo)” and then switch to simple English.
• Use your map app and translation app, along with gestures, to keep your questions short and clear.

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3. Other good options in specific situations

• Information desks in large shopping malls:
  Staff at customer service counters can help with directions inside the mall and often provide information about nearby transport.

• Tourist information centers at major sights:
  These are aimed at visitors and often have staff with basic English skills and maps in multiple languages.

• Police officers:
  Police may not speak English, but if you are lost or feel unsafe, they are an official and reliable source of help and will do their best to assist you.

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4. General strategies for asking for help

1. Prepare in advance

   • Translation app:
     Type or translate your question ahead of time so you can show it on your phone.
   • Screenshots of Chinese addresses:
     Save images of hotel and destination addresses in Chinese.
   • Map app ready:
     Open your map to the location you’re asking about and point at it.

2. Be polite and patient

   • Start with “你好 (Nǐ hǎo)” and end with “谢谢 (Xièxiè)”.
   • Smile and show appreciation, even if the person can’t help.

3. Keep it simple

   • Avoid long, complex sentences.
   • Use short keywords, maps, and gestures.
   • Ask one question at a time.

With these strategies and by choosing the right people to approach, you’ll find that getting help in China is usually quite easy — and often leads to friendly, memorable interactions.