What it does
The best OTA for China trips. Trains, hotels, flights, and tours — all in one app, all in English, all with 24/7 support.
How to set it up
- Download Trip.com from the official site.
- Create an account with your foreign phone number or email.
- Link a payment method (Visa/Mastercard usually works).
- You're ready to use it in China.
Pros
- Verified working as of our last test
- Accepts international payment methods
- English-language interface
Cons
- May require a VPN for initial setup outside China
- Some features are China-only
Trip.com (formerly Ctrip) is the largest online travel agency in China. The international version has a full English interface, accepts foreign cards, and has 24/7 English customer support — which is critical if your train gets cancelled and you need to rebook at 11pm.
What you can book
- China high-speed rail tickets (the killer feature)
- Domestic flights
- Hotels that accept foreigners
- Airport transfers
- Day tours and multi-day packages
- Airport lounge access
Pros
- Real-time seat availability
- 24/7 English support (chat + phone)
- Refunds are processed in 3-5 days
- Same platform as the Chinese version, but translated
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than booking direct in some cases
- Hotel descriptions are auto-translated (sometimes awkward)
- Phone support queues can be 5-10 min during peak hours
FAQ
-
Is Trip.com free?
Yes, the core features are free. -
Do I need a Chinese phone number?
No — but it helps for verification.