What Hitchhiking Solo As a Female in China Taught Me

 

When I was traveling solo in China, I took some advice from other travelers: keep a positive attitude, communicate effectively, and don’t hide your eyes or face behind a hat. I also learned to never try to communicate in Chinese, but I’ll mention it anyway, because I made the same mistake! Hopefully, these tips will make the rest of my China trip easier!

Positive attitude

If you are a female, the key to a successful hitchhiking experience is a positive attitude. Rather than sulking in the backseat of a car, sing to the driver or marvel at the butterflies that pass by. A positive attitude will pass the time faster than insulting a car and trying to find out why it didn’t stop. A positive attitude will also get the attention of a car driver, which is the ultimate goal when hitchhiking.

Communication

When communicating while hitchhiking solo as a woman in China, the first thing to keep in mind is that men may not be very comfortable talking to women. Besides, the way they act towards women is usually different from men’s behavior. However, if you’re a woman and hitchhiking alone, you’ll have more chances of getting a safe ride. To begin with, you should select a safe starting point. Choose a place where you can safely stand alone, and choose a direction away from the city.

You’ll also need to make sure to stay aware of your surroundings and your belongings. Be wary of scams and make use of common sense while hitchhiking alone in China. Beware of petty theft and tourist scams! China isn’t a place for the faint of heart, so you’ll need to be careful with your personal belongings. Remember to carry proof of purchase when you hitchhike to be on the safe side. You can also book hotels in advance. Always read reviews on the Internet about the hotel and remember to pay attention to location. Print out your directions in Chinese characters for easy reference later.

It’s not always easy to speak the local language while hitchhiking, but you can use gestures and signs to convey your needs to the driver. If you’re lucky, the driver will be willing to engage in a small conversation. If you’re lucky, this person may even become a friend. However, if the driver is not a stranger, you should never get discouraged.

Planning a trip in China

If you are considering a trip to China, here are a few tips for Female Hitchhikers. Firstly, you should consider the price of a hostel. If you choose a hostel in a large city, you should be prepared to pay around 20% more than you would in a smaller city. If you are backpacking through China, you should budget around $225 to $285 per day for accommodation, food, and basic activities.

When hitchhiking on the highway, you should always signal that you do not want to be paid before getting in. However, if you are hitchhiking on a rural road, you may have to explain yourself and hand wave a lot to attract the attention of other drivers. Nevertheless, it is possible to find a driver who will give you a ride, so long as you follow the advice above.

If you are planning to hitchhike, it is important to keep your personal belongings close and be aware of your surroundings, especially at crossroads. Although Beijing is generally safe for female hitchhikers, you should avoid walking alone in the night. As for the rest of the country, the city is not as dangerous as you might think. Just stay safe and remember to follow the rules.

If you are planning a trip in China as a Female Hitchhiker, be aware that it is not advisable to use the hand approach. Many drivers in China are accustomed to seeing hitchhikers and will stop to pick them up. It is recommended to leave a note for them with your location. It might not be possible to find a driver, so it is best to make use of a “sign system.”

Safety precautions

As a female traveler in China, you should always be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions to stay safe while hitchhiking. Beijing is a popular destination for solo female travelers, as it is well-known for its strict security checks at train stations and lively street life during the day. To ensure that you don’t encounter any issues or dangers, there are some helpful tips available online.

First, your appearance is crucial. Make sure that you are clean-cut, with no sexy accessories or jewelry on your body. Chinese students tend to wear conservative clothing, and males are rarely seen with long hair or sunglasses. If you wear sunglasses while hitchhiking, you might end up looking like a sinister traveler. Keeping your belongings hidden from view can help you avoid getting into trouble.

Another good tip is to choose cars and trucks with only female passengers. Don’t pick up cars with more than one man in them. Remember to decide on your limits before you start your journey, and choose a place where you’ll be safe to stand. Besides, a place that is safe for you to stand is always better than a crowded city. A safe place to stand is out of the city.

Always signal to the driver before you get into their car and offer to pay. Most Chinese drivers will not ask for payment until they’ve reached your destination, but don’t hesitate to offer a small tip before you hop in. You don’t want to be a target of sexual assault – this can ruin your life and your travel plans. Take your time and trust your instinct.