Useful phrases

yǒu yīng wén cài dān ma?

Do you have an English menu?

Ask before scanning the table QR code

Used in: Ordering in a Restaurant

shōu bù shōu wài guó kǎ ma?

Do you accept foreign cards?

Ask before assuming a restaurant takes international cards

Used in: Ordering in a Restaurant

tíng zhǐ jiǎn piào

Boarding closed

HSR gate board status: gate shut, this is the real deadline, not the printed departure time

Used in: Taking the High-Speed Train (HSR)

wàiguórén tōngdào zài nǎlǐ?

Where is the foreigners' lane?

Ask staff at the border

Used in: Crossing from Hong Kong to Shenzhen with a Foreign Passport

wǒ yǐjīng tián le rùjìng kǎ

I have already filled in the arrival card.

Tell border staff you completed the arrival card

Used in: Crossing from Hong Kong to Shenzhen with a Foreign Passport

hù zhào

Passport

Select this document type for metro QR and HSR ticketing — never 身份证 or 回乡证

Used in: Taking the High-Speed Train (HSR), Setting Up the Metro QR Code

zhèng zài hòu chē

Waiting

HSR gate board status: boarding has not started, stay seated

Used in: Taking the High-Speed Train (HSR)

zhèng zài jiǎn piào

Boarding

HSR gate board status: gate is open, tickets being checked, move now

Used in: Taking the High-Speed Train (HSR)

qǐngwèn dìtiězhàn zěnme zǒu?

Excuse me, how do I get to the metro station?

After crossing

Used in: Crossing from Hong Kong to Shenzhen with a Foreign Passport

yù jì wǎn diǎn

Delayed

HSR gate board status: delay expected, shown with a number of minutes

Used in: Taking the High-Speed Train (HSR)