Smart China Trip

Restaurant Bookings & Queues

Confirm the branch, party size and dietary needs, and distinguish reservations, queue numbers, deposits and set menus.

  • Verified 3 Oct 2026
  • 4 min read
  • Dining arrangements · Practical advice
01

Give a complete reservation request

  1. 1

    Confirm date, branch and party

    Provide the date and time in Beijing time, adult/child numbers and exact branch. Save the Chinese address; menus and booking rules can vary among branches of one chain.

  2. 2

    Explain essential needs

    Mention allergies, wheelchair access, high chairs and essential seating needs. For allergies, ask about ingredients and cross-contact; “not spicy” does not mean allergy-safe.

  3. 3

    Confirm charges and holding time

    Ask whether a deposit offsets the bill, about minimum spend and private-room fees, cancellation deadlines and late-arrival holding time. Save the reply and verify the payee before paying.

02

Queues and QR ordering

  • Tell the host your party size and check the queue category and estimated wait. A queue number is not a reservation for a fixed time; ask what happens if you miss your call.
  • Without a mainland number, ask staff to issue a queue number and stay where you can hear or see calls. Do not buy an untrusted virtual number just to join a queue.
  • Check the table number before scanning. Distinguish ordering, prepaid vouchers and payment. Vouchers may restrict dates, reservations and branches, so a low price does not establish immediate usability.
  • If ordering requires registration you cannot complete, ask for a menu or staff assistance. Check quantities, cover charges, service charges and deposit deductions before settling.
03

Phrases to show staff

Show: “我们有两位，想订明天晚上七点。我只有境外手机号，可以用姓名保留吗？” (“Two people, tomorrow at 7 pm. I only have an overseas number; can you hold it under my name?”) Replace the details and ask staff to confirm.

Show: “请问需要押金吗？如果迟到，座位保留到几点？” (“Is a deposit required? Until when is the table held if we are late?”) Ask for amounts, times and cancellation terms in writing if unclear.

Check before you go

These are communication suggestions, not a guarantee of overseas-number, English or dietary support. Travellers with severe allergies should follow their clinician’s plan and obtain explicit confirmation from the venue.

04

Common questions

Does online availability mean I have a booking?

Treat it as booked only after the date, time, branch and party are confirmed. Pending approval, a queue number and buying a voucher are different states.

Can I leave a long queue?

For an ordinary queue, tell staff you are leaving. Deposits and prepaid meals follow the merchant’s terms; cancel any digital queue entry when you leave.

05

Read next & sources

Food & EtiquetteEveryday EssentialsReading menus, explaining allergies and diets, water, toilets and plugs.ReadFood & EtiquetteTipping & EtiquetteWhere tipping isn’t expected, and basic etiquette at the table, in temples and in public.ReadMoney & PaymentsWhen a Payment FailsWhy cards fail to link, payments get declined or accounts are limited — and the fix for each.ReadTrip plannerPut your trip on the mapPick cities, plan the days, see travel times at a glance.Plan your journey

Sources

  1. Guide to working and living in China中国政府网 / State Council · 2025
  2. Payment service guide for overseas visitors中国政府网 / State Council · 2024-04-11
  3. China travel health advice英国外交部 / UK FCDO

Sources support the relevant rules, last reviewed 3 Oct 2026. Routes, budgets and practical suggestions are editorial guidance, not official guarantees. Recheck rules and service availability before travelling.