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Haikou is straightforward for visitors, but a few specifics make the trip smoother: Hainan runs a 30-day visa-free entry for 59 countries, tipping is not expected, and you will need mobile payment or cash in many places. Here are the practical answers from our Haikou travel guide.
Haikou Travel Tips: Airport, Trains and Getting Around
Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) sits about 25 km southeast of the center and has its own high-speed rail station linked to the terminal. The airport rail line connects to Haikou East Station in about 15 minutes; a taxi into the center costs roughly 60-100 RMB and takes 40-50 minutes. High-speed trains on the East Ring line reach Sanya in 1.5 to 2.5 hours for about 100-130 RMB second class. City buses cost 1-2 RMB per ride, taxis start at 10 RMB, and Didi (the local ride-hailing app) is usually the easiest option for foreigners. If you are weighing travel dates against prices, our best time to visit Haikou page has the seasonal breakdown.
Haikou Travel Tips: Visas, Money and Payment
Hainan offers 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of 59 countries, a policy extended from the earlier 15 days in 2024. You must arrive directly in Hainan and stay within the island. The currency is the Chinese yuan (RMB). Mobile payment via Alipay or WeChat Pay is dominant, and many small vendors and even some ticket booths do not accept foreign cards or cash, so set up Alipay with an international card before you arrive. ATMs at major banks dispense cash with foreign cards.
Haikou Travel Tips: Health, Safety and Tipping
Do not drink the tap water; buy bottled water, which costs about 2-3 RMB. Haikou is a low-crime city by global standards, with the main risks being pickpocketing in crowded holiday markets and road traffic, so watch your belongings and cross streets carefully. No tipping is expected anywhere. Carry your passport, as it is required to buy entry tickets at attractions like the volcanic geopark in our things to do in Haikou guide. In typhoon season (July to September) monitor warnings and keep flights flexible, as our Haikou weather by month page explains.
Haikou Travel Tips: Language and Connectivity
Mandarin is the working language, with Hainanese (Hainam) widely spoken locally. English is limited outside international hotels, so download an offline translation app and keep destination names in Chinese characters on your phone. A mainland China SIM or an eSIM with data is essential, since Google, WhatsApp and many Western apps are blocked; you will need a VPN for those. Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels and malls, and for a lay of the land, our Haikou neighborhoods guide maps the districts.
Suggested Hotels in Haikou
The Langham Haikou
A five-star CBD hotel with city or sea views, a pool, spa and a highly rated Cantonese restaurant. Best for couples and business travelers who want central five-star service. Check rates and availability
Grand Hotel Haikou (Accor)
A 337-room beachfront hotel on Binhai Avenue with sea views, three restaurants and a kids’ club. Best for families and beach lovers who want a resort with direct sand access. Check rates and availability
GreenTree Inn Haikou Guomao Business Hotel
A central three-star budget hotel with clean rooms and free Wi-Fi in the Guomao business area. Best for solo travelers and short stays on a budget. Check rates and availability
Haikou Travel Tips: Planning Your Trip
For the rest of the picture, read our where to stay in Haikou guide and our Haikou events and festivals calendar.
