How to communicate effectively during your Shenzhen visit
English is not widely spoken outside international hotels, hospitals, and tech companies. Mandarin (普通话) and Cantonese (粤语) are the main languages. Download translation apps before you arrive and learn a few key phrases. Shenzhen is more international than most Chinese cities, so you'll manage fine with preparation.
Learn these basics — locals will appreciate your effort
Know your numbers for shopping, transport, and payments
Prices are in RMB (¥). When you hear "yī bǎi" it means ¥100. "Shí kuài" means ¥10. "Kuài" (块) is the colloquial word for yuan, like "bucks" in English.
Download before arrival — some won't work without VPN
Works without VPN. Camera translation for signs and menus. Voice input/output. Download offline Chinese-English pack before arrival.
Requires VPN. Best camera translation quality. Download offline packs. Download the app and offline data before you arrive in China.
Works in China (no VPN needed). Good conversation mode — speak into your phone and it translates aloud. Supports camera translation too.
Long-press any Chinese text message in WeChat to auto-translate. Useful when chatting with locals, drivers, or hotel staff.
Switch to English mode in settings. Navigate to addresses written in Chinese. Show the Chinese address to taxi drivers.
Screenshot important addresses in Chinese characters. Show hotel business cards to taxi drivers. Our concierge provides bilingual cards.
Shenzhen is one of China's most international cities
Nanshan Hospital has international patient services with English-speaking staff
4-5 star hotels have English-speaking front desk and concierge
Shenzhen is China's Silicon Valley — business meetings often in English
Announcements in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. Signs have English
Major malls (MixC, Coastal City) have English signs and some English-speaking staff
Most drivers speak only Chinese. Use DiDi app or show addresses in Chinese
Most have no English menus. Use camera translation or point at other diners' dishes
Very limited English. Calculator or phone app for numbers, gestures for everything else
A brief note on the local dialect
Shenzhen is in Guangdong Province, where Cantonese (粤语) is widely spoken alongside Mandarin. However, as a migrant city, Mandarin is the dominant language in daily life. Most young people and service workers speak Mandarin.
You'll hear Cantonese in older neighborhoods, traditional restaurants, and from locals whose families have been in Shenzhen for generations. Don't worry — Mandarin and your translation tools will cover 99% of situations.
MedTourNanshan provides bilingual concierge services. We can arrange interpreters, prepare bilingual medical documents, and assist with all communication needs.
Contact Our Concierge