Frequently Asked Questions

Most foreign nationals need a visa to visit China. However, China offers visa-free transit for 24, 72, or 144 hours depending on your nationality and port of entry. Some nationalities may be eligible for longer visa-free stays. Check our Visa Guide for detailed information.

Standard processing takes 4-5 business days. Express processing (1-2 days) is available for an additional fee at most Chinese embassies and consulates. We recommend applying at least 1 month before your planned travel date.

Visa extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) before your current visa expires. Extensions are typically granted for 7-30 days depending on circumstances. Visa-free transit cannot be extended.

Credit cards are accepted at large hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities. However, many smaller establishments, local restaurants, and street vendors only accept cash or mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay). We recommend having both cash and mobile payment options available.

Banks in China generally offer better exchange rates than currency exchange services abroad. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs using international cards. Bring a small amount of local currency for immediate needs upon arrival, then exchange or withdraw as needed in China.

Tipping is not traditionally part of Chinese culture and is not expected. However, it's becoming more common in international hotels, high-end restaurants, and tour services, especially in tourist areas. A small tip (¥10-50) for exceptional service is appreciated but never required.

International roaming works but can be expensive. We recommend purchasing a local Chinese SIM card at the airport upon arrival. Major carriers (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) offer tourist packages with data plans. Make sure your phone is unlocked before traveling.

Internet is widely available via WiFi and mobile data. However, many Western websites and apps (Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter) are blocked. We strongly recommend installing a reliable VPN before arriving in China. Some VPNs may not work, so test yours in advance.

Prohibited items include:

• Drugs and narcotics (severe penalties including death penalty)
• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
• Pornographic materials and publications
• Counterfeit currencies and documents
• Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require phytosanitary certificates)
• Fresh fruits and vegetables without inspection certificates
• Animal products from countries with epidemic diseases
• Products from endangered species (CITES violations)

Declaration is required for certain items. When in doubt, declare everything to customs officers.

Cash Declaration:

You must declare cash exceeding ¥20,000 RMB (or equivalent in foreign currency) when entering or leaving China. Undeclared amounts may be confiscated and you could face fines.

Duty-Free Allowances:

• Alcohol: 1,500ml of wine/beer (over 12 years old)
• Tobacco: 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco
• Personal items: Reasonable quantities for personal use
• Gold/Silver: Limited quantities with documentation

No paper forms required. As of November 2024, China has abolished the paper arrival/departure card system. Immigration processing is now fully electronic.

Simply present your passport to the immigration officer. Your entry will be recorded electronically. No signature or form-filling is needed at immigration.

Drone regulations in China are strict:

• Drones 250g+ must be registered with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) before use
• Registration requires passport information and drone details
• Unregistered drones may be confiscated
• Fly in approved areas only (away from airports, military zones, crowds)
• Maximum altitude: 120 meters
• Flight paths near airports are prohibited

If bringing a drone, research CAAC registration requirements and download the "U-Cloud" or "Flysafely" apps for registration and flight approval.

Required if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries:

Travelers arriving from or transiting through countries with yellow fever risk (including many African and South American nations) must present a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (ICVP) issued at least 10 days before arrival.

Endemic countries include:

Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela

Without a valid certificate, you may be refused entry or quarantined.

Medication regulations are strict:

• Carry medications in original packaging with labels
• Bring a doctor's prescription in English/Chinese
• Psychoactive drugs and strong painkillers require special permits
• Some common medications (like Sudafed/ pseudoephedrine) are banned
• OTC medications: May need to show passport at pharmacy

For prescription medications, contact the Chinese embassy if unsure. Carry only what you need for personal use.

Yes - 24-hour registration is mandatory for non-hotel stays:

• Hotels: Registration is handled automatically by the hotel
• Private accommodation: You must register with local police within 24 hours of arrival
• Your host: Can register you at the local police station on your behalf
• Airbnb/short-term rentals: Your host should handle registration, but verify this

Failure to register can result in fines (¥1,000-5,000) and complications with future visa applications. Keep your registration receipt with your passport.

No - not all hotels can accept foreign guests:

Only hotels with a "Foreign Tourist Reception" license can legally accommodate international visitors. Using unlicensed accommodation can cause legal issues.

How to find accommodation:

• Look for international chains (Hilton, Marriott, IHG)
• Check booking sites for "Foreigners: Welcome" labels
• Contact hotels directly to confirm they accept foreign guests
• Higher-star hotels typically have proper licensing

China is generally very safe for foreign tourists. Violent crime is rare, and locals are often helpful to visitors. Use normal urban precautions: watch your belongings in crowded areas, be aware of common scams targeting tourists, and keep copies of important documents.

Emergency Numbers:

• 120: Medical emergencies
• 110: Police (if needed for medical transport)
• 12320: Health commission hotline

Where to go:

Major cities have international clinics with English-speaking doctors. For serious emergencies, go to the nearest public hospital's emergency department. Bring your passport and insurance documents.

Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers China and includes medical evacuation. Keep your insurance documents and emergency contact numbers accessible at all times.

For high-speed trains on popular routes (Beijing-Shanghai, Shanghai-Hangzhou, etc.), especially during holidays and weekends, booking in advance is highly recommended. Tickets can be purchased 15 days in advance via the official 12306 app or at train stations. Bring your passport for boarding.

Download the Didi app before arrival. You can register with your foreign phone number. For payment, link your credit card or use Alipay/WeChat Pay. In major tourist cities, you can select "Didi English" in the app settings. Show your destination in Chinese characters to the driver.

Wait to be seated at restaurants. Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (this resembles funeral incense). Don't flip fish over (bad luck). It's polite to try a bit of everything offered. Leaving some food shows the host provided more than enough. Tipping is not expected.

Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting temples and religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees. Remove your hat and sunglasses inside temple buildings. Some temples require you to take off your shoes before entering certain halls.