A: It depends on your nationality and travel purpose.

Visa-Free Entry (30 days, valid until December 31, 2026) — Ordinary passport holders from 50 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand, and Poland, can enter China visa-free for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, and transit, with stays of no more than 30 days. -

240-Hour (10‑Day) Visa‑Free Transit — Travelers from 55 eligible countries (including the United States) can enjoy up to 10 days of visa-free stay in designated regions of China when transiting to a third country. -

Need a Visa? — If your country is not on the visa-free list, you must obtain a tourist visa (L‑category) before entering China. Essential documents include: a passport valid for at least six months with blank pages, a completed visa application form, a recent passport‑sized photo (white background, 48mm×33mm), round‑trip flight bookings, hotel reservations, and a travel itinerary. -

Good to know: Fingerprint exemption for short‑term visa applicants (tourist/business/transit visas for stays up to 180 days) has been extended until December 31, 2026.

A:Your passport must be an ordinary passport valid for at least the duration of your intended stay in China. Holders of travel documents or temporary/emergency documents (other than ordinary passports) arenotallowed to enter China without a visa.

A:Inbound and outbound travelers no longer need to complete the China Health Declaration Form or provide a negative COVID‑19 test result. China has removed COVID‑19 from quarantinable infectious disease management.-However, it’s always wise to check the latest updates from official sources before departure.

A: Generally prohibited: drugs (including medical cannabis), weapons, ammunition, endangered animal/plant products (ivory, coral, etc.), counterfeit goods, subversive materials, and fresh fruit/meat without permits.

Carry cash wisely:

• Foreign currency: No entry limit, but amounts ≥ US$5,000 (equivalent) must be declared. Use the Red Channel at customs. --
• Chinese yuan (RMB): Up to RMB 20,000 per person per entry/exit. -

Personal belongings exemption: Non‑resident travelers staying in China but returning to their usual place of residence abroad can bring personal‑use items totaling up to RMB 2,000 duty‑free. Items exceeding the duty‑free allowance must be declared and taxed.

A:Travel insurance isnot mandatoryfor tourist visas or visa‑free entry. However, it ishighly recommended. Your home country health insurance will not cover medical expenses in China. Private insurers recommend at least €300,000 (ideally €500,000) of medical coverage, as international hospitals may require upfront payment.

A:Yes. The China Digital Arrival Card is an online immigration form introduced by the National Immigration Administration on November 20, 2025, replacing the old paper‑based arrival form. It ismandatoryfor virtually all travelers arriving for business or tourism. You can fill it out before or upon arrival in mainland China. After submission, you will receive a QR code for immigration officers to scan.

A: The process is streamlined:

1. Complete the Digital Arrival Card (online before arrival or upon landing).
2. Proceed to immigration — automated verification systems and fewer manual checks make entry faster. -
3. Collect your luggage and proceed to customs (Green Channel for nothing to declare; Red Channel for items requiring declaration).
4. Get your luggage and exit the arrival hall.

A:Yes, in some cases. Shanghai has introduced a regional port visa model that allows online submission by enterprises, online approval by authorities, and visa issuance upon arrival for foreign visitors. This further strengthens Shanghai as a leading exemplary port.-For most travelers, however, obtaining a visa in advance through the Chinese embassy or consulate is strongly recommended.

A: China is largely a cashless society. Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted almost everywhere — even at small street stalls, restaurants, and taxis. -

For foreigners:

• Alipay (recommended): Download the app → Select “International Version” → Link your Visa/Mastercard → Scan QR codes to pay. -
• WeChat Pay: Just as widely accepted as Alipay. -
• Both support Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, Discover, and JCB cards. American Express works only with WeChat Pay. -
• For better exchange rates and exclusive discounts, mobile payments are generally cheaper than currency exchange. -

Cash is still accepted but less common in major cities. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals.

A: Foreign travelers can purchase a prepaid China SIM card with a +86 local number via real‑name registration using a valid passport. -

Where to buy:

• At airports: Service counters of China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom.
• In city centers: Their service branches.

Documents required: Original within‑validity passport. -

New convenience option: China Unicom and the Bank of China have jointly launched a “Laiguatong” app that integrates SIM card appointment, eSIM expedited service, and store navigation. They’ve also introduced a “Cube Card” combining communication, digital RMB (e‑CNY), and transportation — one card for key needs. -

eSIM option: Trip.com eSIM provides cheap data and access to overseas websites. 

A:China’s internet is regulated, and many international platforms (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Twitter/X) are blocked. You shouldset up a reliable VPN service on your devices before departing for China, as it can be difficult to download or configure VPNs once inside the country. Some international SIM cards/eSIMs offer unrestricted access.

A:Didi is China’s leading ride‑hailing app. The international version of the Didi app supports foreign phone numbers and international credit cards. Alternatively, both Alipay and WeChat Pay have built‑in Didi mini‑programs (which may require a Chinese bank card for payment, so mobile payment setup is recommended).

A: You can use your passport or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card to book tickets online via:

• Official 12306 website (English version available) or 12306 app
• Trusted platforms like Trip.com (accept international credit cards) -

Important:

• Tickets usually go on sale 15 days before departure. Popular routes sell out fast — book early. -
• Your physical passport is your ticket — you must bring the original passport used for purchase to the station for verification and boarding. Self‑service gates now allow passport scanning. -
• A maximum of four tickets can be purchased online.

A: Yes, particularly in major cities. Beijing’s subway system, for example, has English signs and is extensive, affordable, and easy to navigate. - Major airports, subway stations, tourist attractions, and hotels in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen feature multilingual signage. 

However, learning a few basic Chinese phrases and having a translation app (such as Google Translate — use via VPN — or Microsoft Translator, Pleco, or Baidu Translate) on your phone will be very helpful, especially for taxis and ordering food.

A: Yes. All visitors to China must be registered with the local Public Security Bureau (police station) within 24 hours of arrival. -

• Hotels: They will automatically register you upon check‑in.
• Private accommodations / Airbnb / staying with friends: You or your host must register in person at the local police station within 24 hours.

New convenience (2026 update): Starting March 20, 2026, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) began piloting online accommodation registration in seven provincial‑level regions: Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing, and Sichuan. Foreigners or their hosts can register online through the NIA official website, “NIA 12367” app, WeChat mini‑program, or Alipay mini‑program, and the service will gradually roll out nationwide.

A:Generally yes, but some smaller hotels may not be authorized to host foreigners. It’s safest to book via international platforms (Trip.com,Booking.com,Agoda) for guaranteed foreigner‑friendly accommodation, or call ahead to confirm they accept foreign guests.

Emergency Numbers in China

• Police (Public Security): 110 — Crime reporting, police assistance, 24/7. This is China's central emergency number.
• Fire: 119 — Fire and emergency rescue.
• Ambulance (Medical Rescue): 120 — Medical emergencies requiring an ambulance.

Note: 112 (Europe's emergency number) may not reliably work in China. Always dial the numbers above.

A: Steps to take:

1. Immediately file a police report at the nearest police station to get an official report.
2. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in China — they can issue an emergency travel document (ETD) if your passport has been lost, stolen, damaged, or expired, and you cannot get a replacement in time. -
3. You can also call the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Protection Hotline at +86‑10‑12308 or +86‑10‑65612308 for guidance.

A: China is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare. However, be aware of common travel risks:

• Pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas is the most common issue. Keep valuables secure.
• Scams targeting tourists (e.g., fake tour guides, inflated prices at certain markets) — use official tour operators and agree on prices upfront.
• Traffic safety: Exercise caution when crossing streets; pedestrian laws are sometimes less strictly observed.

A:China’s healthcare system includes both public hospitals and private international hospitals (offering English‑speaking staff and Western‑style care). Foreign travelers generally have to pay medical expenses upfront before receiving treatment, especially at international hospitals.-This is whytravel insurance is strongly recommended. Pharmacies are widely available for minor issues.

A: Do’s:

• Present and receive things with both hands — this is considered polite. -
• Remove your hat when entering temples. -
• Walk in a clockwise direction when touring a Buddhist temple or monastery. -
• Refuse a gift a few times before accepting it — this shows modesty. -
• Speak festive words (avoid talking about “death,” “illness,” “poverty,” “losing,” or “bad luck”). -

Don’ts:

• Avoid hugging or kissing as a standard greeting — especially with new acquaintances. -
• Never stick your chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice — this resembles incense sticks at a funeral and is considered very unlucky. -
• Don’t open a gift (especially a red envelope) immediately in front of the giver — wait until later. -
• Don’t flip over a whole fish when sharing a meal — this symbolizes bad luck for fishermen and is considered taboo.

A: In Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other major cities, English signs are common at airports, subways, train stations, tourist attractions, and hotels. - However, English proficiency among locals is moderate. It’s highly recommended to:

• Download a translation app (with offline functions if possible)** before your trip** (remember to set up a VPN first if using Google Translate).
• Learn a few basic Chinese phrases (“你好” / nǐ hǎo = hello; “谢谢” / xièxie = thank you; “多少钱” / duōshao qián = how much?).

A:Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November)are the best seasons for travel across China, with mild weather, clear skies, and beautiful scenery.-Autumn (September–November) offers the most stable weather nationwide.-Be aware that summer can be hot and humid (especially in Beijing, Shanghai, and southern cities), while northern winters are cold.

A: Yes! China has significantly improved its tax refund system for foreign tourists.

New “Instant Tax Refund” policy: China is expanding nationwide an instant tax refund upon purchase system (replacing the old refund‑upon‑departure model). - Key highlights:

• Daily purchase threshold has been reduced from RMB 500 to just RMB 200 per day at the same store. -
• Available at designated tax‑refund stores nationwide — over 8,000 stores now offer this service.
• At participating stores, you can receive a spot RMB refund at checkout after signing an agreement and processing a credit card preauthorization. -

To claim a refund: Look for the tax‑refund logo at stores, request an invoice (fapiao), complete a refund application form, and you can receive your refund instantly — some stores even offer QR‑code‑based processing via Alipay.

A: The official currency is the Renminbi (RMB) , also called Chinese Yuan (CNY). Banknotes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 yuan, with coins for smaller amounts.

Where to exchange:

• Banks offer the best exchange rates (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China — ICBC, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, etc.). Bring your passport.
• Airport currency exchange counters (convenient but higher fees).
• ATMs — Most accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay). Look for ATMs displaying those logos.
• Hotels may offer exchange but often at less favorable rates.

Note: As mentioned in Q9, the most practical — and often cheapest with better exchange rates — method is to pay via mobile payment apps (Alipay/WeChat Pay) linked to your foreign credit card.