How to Book Train Travel From Guangzhou to Kunming

Guangzhou, the gateway to southern China, is a bustling modern city with a large population of foreign inhabitants. The train trip from Guangzhou to Kunming often marks the beginning of trips into China's interior or to exotic destinations like Vietnam. Follow these steps to start planning your trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Credit card
• Passport
• Visa

Book Train Travel from Guangzhou to Kunming

1. Book affordable tickets from Guangzhou to Kunming by visiting China-Train-Ticket.com online (see Resources below), or by calling 011 ([phone].
2. Arrange to have your hotel reserve your tickets. If a trip to Kunming is a last-minute change of plans, this is a good way to secure tickets. Most hotels provide this service for their guests.
3. Go to the ticket office in Guangzhou up to 7 days prior to departure for Kunming. Ticket offices are typically open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In large cities like Guangzhou, you'll find a separate ticket office for foreign visitors.

Navigate the Guangzhou Train Station

4. Know that Guangzhou is the thriving economic center of south China. As a result, this city and its train station have more signs in English than just about anywhere outside the major tourist hubs.
5. Be on the lookout for pickpockets. Pickpocketing is common at the Guangzhou station. You should be on your guard at all times.
6. Expect a modern station with many conveniences and amenities.
7. Ask for help. Guangzhou is home to many foreigners. You'll be surprised at how many people here speak English.

Arrange Transportation from Yunming Train Station

8. Travel from the trade hub of Guangzhou to distant Yunming and you'll find fewer people who speak English. It's a good idea to have a friend pick you up from the station to avoid confusion.
9. Don't take an unlicensed taxi from Yunming station. You'll find many outside waiting to swoop you up; but they should be avoided.
10. Contact your lodgings in Yunming in advance to schedule a pick up from the station. The better hotels will send a car or a shuttle to pick you up from the station upon your arrival.

Tips & Warnings

• Book train tickets online to take advantage of cost savings or seasonal discounts. You'll need to have made reservations at a hotel in Guangzhou already for your tickets to be delivered there upon your arrival. Tickets will not be mailed outside of China.
• If your train travel from Guangzhou to Kunming is the first leg of your trip into Vietnam, purchase your Vietnam visa in Guangzhou. You can not buy a Vietnam visa anywhere in Kunming.

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