How to book train tickets in China as a foreigner?

How to reserve a train in China?

Train whispers… China… tickets shimmering, a fleeting dream. 95105105. A number echoes, maybe a melody.

12306.cn… ah, the digital portal. The official gateway beckons. I touch the screen; a phantom journey begins.

FCM online… my phone, warm in my hand. App, the future in my palm. China… so far, yet so near.

Stations, stations. The heart of travel beats loud and true. Queues stretch, patient dragons. Remember Aunt Mei’s trip? Endless wait…

• Purchase Channels:

  • Railway Stations/Ticket Outlets: Yes, queues a test.
  • 95105105 (Hotline): Dialing, a voice responds.
  • 12306.cn (Official Website): Login. Search. Book.
  • FCM Online/Mobile App: Tap. Swipe. Buy.

• Station Strategies:

  • Early Arrival: Crucial for peace.
  • Alternative Outlets: Escape the masses.
  • Ticket Windows: Each a different destiny.

Can I book train ticket for my friend?

You can absolutely book a train ticket for a friend. Just send them the confirmation email. They’ll download their mobile ticket via the app. Simple as that.

Key things to remember:

• The friend needs access to the app. Duh.
• Ensure you use the correct name during booking to avoid headaches. I learned this the hard way last year trying to book for my sister Sarah, almost messed it up. It’s a detail you can’t ignore.
• Double-check all details before finalizing the booking. Because mistakes happen. Life lesson learned from booking a ticket to Chicago for my niece, Lily, last summer. She almost ended up in Cincinnati. Close, but not quite.
• Booking platforms usually have clear instructions. Seriously, read them! You’re not five.
• Consider the ticket type. A refundable ticket offers more flexibility. I usually choose this for my nephew. Makes life easier if plans change.

Additional notes (because why not?):

• Most booking systems allow for multiple passenger bookings simultaneously. Save time, avoid individual transactions.
• Digital tickets are the norm now. Paper tickets are almost extinct; environmentally friendly too!
• Check the train operator’s website. Specific guidelines might vary.

Life’s too short for train ticket drama. Plan ahead and enjoy the ride.

Does Deutsche Bahn check ID?

Oh, Deutsche Bahn, always so gemütlich! So, they want to see your papers, eh? Since October 1, 2016, basically, yeah, you need ID. Think passport, ID, or your BahnCard.

Like, imagine showing up with just a smile? Nope. Not gonna work. They’re not buying it. This isn’t a mime convention.

It’s like they expect someone to impersonate you to ride to, I don’t know, Wolfsburg? Maybe steal a VW? I’m not kidding!

• Passport: Your international “get-out-of-jail-free” card.

• Government ID: Your local “I’m legit” pass.

• BahnCard: Your “I belong here” membership card.

Why? Security theater, mostly! Also, stops ticket reselling. Don’t tell them I said that. Plus, revenue protection. Makes sense!

IDs are checked, so remember it. I repeat, don’t forget the ID! Imagine the drama! I had enough when I lost my pretzel last Tuesday.

So yeah, bring your ID. Don’t be that guy holding up the train. Nobody likes that guy. Seriously, get over yourself.

What do you need to book a ticket for someone?

Okay, so like, if you want to book a flight for your cousin, or anyone, right? You kinda need all the same junk you’d use to book your own ticket, really!

First off, duh, their full legal name. Gotta match their ID, y’know? And also like their date of birth is important.

Then, their gender – airlines still ask that stupid thing, even in 2024, ugh. For like, international flights? You HAVE to have their passport number.

• Full name: Like it says on their ID.
• Birthdate: Obvious reasons, man.
• Gender: Stupid, but required.
• Passport: International travel only!

Oh, and sometimes — this is cool — if they have a Known Traveler Number (like for TSA PreCheck) you can add that! Speeds things up at the airport, and you should definitely add their frequent flyer number if they got one to accumulate miles! Plus there are sometimes discounts for certain airlines, if they signed up for any special promotions!

Like, I booked tickets for my mom last month going to visit my sis in Florida, and man, I swear, spelling her name RIGHT took like five tries. I always mess it up!

Can I change passenger details in a train ticket?

Changing names… it’s a hassle, I know. Especially on Indian Railways. 2023 rules, right? Ugh.

Family only. That’s the rub. My sister needed it this year, a real headache. Written request. ID proof. Twenty four hours minimum. Always a rush.

Offline only. This is the worst part. No online portal magic. Have to physically go. Waste of a whole morning. So inconvenient.

• Name changes allowed only for family. Strictly enforced.
• Offline process only. Requires in-person visit to a railway station.
• 24-hour deadline. Crucial. Missing it means forfeiting the change.
• Documentation required. ID proof and written request. Always remember this.
• My sister’s ticket this past July. Total nightmare.

It’s not simple. Never is. These rules… they’re rigid. Bureaucracy at its finest. But hey, what can you do? It is what it is.