FAQs
I. Visa & Entry
A: It depends on your nationality. Currently, China has a 30-day visa-free policy for citizens of 50 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand. Eligible holders of ordinary passports may enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes such as tourism, business, family visits, and transit. This policy is currently valid until December 31, 2026. Citizens of other countries still need to apply for a visa in advance. It is recommended to check the latest policy with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country before traveling.
A: Travelers from 54 countries (including the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, etc.) holding valid international travel documents and connecting tickets with confirmed dates and seats for departure within 240 hours, may transit through China without a visa for up to 240 hours (10 days) at 41 ports in 19 provinces and municipalities. Note: You must stay within the designated areas, and your itinerary must include onward travel to a third country (not a return to your origin).
A: If you need to stay beyond the visa-free period for legitimate reasons, you must apply for a stay permit from the exit-entry administration of the local public security bureau. It is recommended to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid overstaying.
A: Eligible travelers may use the visa-free policy for multiple entries. Currently, there are no specific limits on the number of entries or total days of stay, provided you do not engage in activities inconsistent with the purpose of your entry.
II. Pre-Departure Preparation
A: When entering China, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay.
A: As of November 20, 2025, international travelers can fill out an electronic arrival card in advance via the National Immigration Administration (NIA) website, the NIA 12367 app, or WeChat/Alipay mini-programs. Generate a QR code and save a screenshot to present upon arrival. Paper cards are also available at ports of entry.
A: There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for entry into China. It is advisable to consult a travel clinic for the latest health recommendations before your trip.
III. Payment & Currency
A: Yes. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at high-end hotels, large shopping malls, and international restaurant chains. However, mobile payment is more common for everyday transactions such as small restaurants, markets, and taxis.
A: These two apps are the most popular payment methods in China. Before departure, download them and link your international credit card (Visa/MasterCard). You can then make payments by scanning QR codes at stores. In 2024, inbound tourists spent over RMB 80 billion using mobile payments.
A: Yes. You can exchange currency at airports, large hotels, and bank branches. You can also withdraw RMB directly from ATMs using your international bank card. Note: The limit for carrying RMB in or out of China is RMB 20,000 per person per trip.
A: Yes. Foreign nationals who reside in China for no more than 183 days may apply for a tax refund when shopping at designated stores in regions with a departure tax refund policy. Some stores now offer an "instant refund" service, allowing you to receive the refund on the spot.
IV. Internet & Communication
A: Websites including Google, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are not directly accessible in mainland China. It is recommended to install a VPN (Virtual Private Network) before departure to continue using these services.
A: It is recommended to download the following apps before departure:
- Payment: Alipay, WeChat
- Maps: Amap, Baidu Maps (available in English)
- Transportation: Didi Chuxing (ride-hailing), Trip.com or Railway 12306 (train tickets)
- Translation: Google Translate (VPN required), Pleco (Chinese-English dictionary)
- Messaging: WeChat (the most commonly used messaging app in China)
A: Bring your passport or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card to a service center of a telecom operator such as China Telecom, China Mobile, or China Unicom. It is recommended to do this at an airport in a major port of entry, where telecom service counters are available for added convenience.
V. Transportation
A: Very convenient. The high-speed rail network covers the entire country, with fast and punctual service. Metro systems in cities are well-developed, and many city metros now accept international bank cards for ticket purchases.
A: You can buy tickets online through the English version of the 12306 website or the 12306 app, which accept Alipay, WeChat, and UnionPay bank cards. You must complete identity verification (online or at a train station ticket counter) before purchasing your first ticket. You can also buy tickets with cash or bank cards at station ticket counters.
A: You can book tickets online through airline official apps or platforms such as Trip.com (the international version of Ctrip), which accept Alipay, WeChat, and bank cards. You can also buy tickets at airport counters.
A: No, you cannot use it directly. Foreigners staying for a short period (up to 3 months) can apply for a temporary driving permit valid for 3 months. You will need to bring your passport, your foreign driver's license, and a Chinese translation to the local vehicle management office.
A: Didi Chuxing is the most commonly used ride-hailing app in China. It supports an English interface and allows you to link international credit cards.
VI. Accommodation & Registration
A: Yes. Under Chinese law, foreigners must register with their valid passport when checking into a hotel. If staying at a friend's or relative's home, you must bring your passport to the local police station within 24 hours of check-in to register your temporary residence.
A: You can book online through Trip.com (the international version of Ctrip). On-site payment options include cash (RMB), bank cards, Alipay, and WeChat. If paying with a bank card, please confirm in advance whether Mastercard, Visa, or other international cards are accepted.
A: Yes. According to the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, foreigners aged 16 or older must carry their passport or other valid travel documents while staying or residing in China and present them for inspection by public security authorities. You will also need to present your original passport when purchasing tickets, checking into hotels, and taking high-speed trains.
VII. Language & Communication
A: At large hotels, airports, and popular tourist attractions, basic English communication is generally fine. However, English proficiency is lower at small restaurants, markets, and on ordinary streets. Recommendations:
- Download a translation app in advance (e.g., Google Translate, Pleco)
- Prepare a card with your hotel address written in Chinese
- Learn a few simple polite phrases: "Nǐ hǎo" (Hello), "Xiè xie" (Thank you)
VIII. Safety & Health
A: Very safe. China has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, with far lower incidences of street violence, theft, and other crimes than in Europe and America. Even walking alone at night is generally safe.
A: It is not recommended to drink tap water directly. It is advisable to drink bottled water or boiled water.
A: You may bring small quantities of personal medications, subject to reasonable and personal-use limits and customs inspection. Special regulations apply to narcotics and psychotropic substances.
A: If you encounter difficulties such as a lost passport, lost belongings, or sudden illness, you can seek assistance from the local public security authorities or your home country's embassy or consulate in China. Emergency contact numbers: Police: 110; Ambulance: 120.
IX. Banking & Financial Services
A: Yes. Bring your passport or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card and a domestic mobile phone number to a commercial bank branch to open an account. It is recommended to also download the corresponding bank's online banking app for convenient online transactions.
A: You can exchange currency for RMB in your home country before departure. After arrival, you can exchange currency at international airports, commercial bank branches at ports of entry, and authorized foreign exchange institutions. You can also withdraw RMB directly from ATMs using your international bank card.
X. Visa & Residence
A: If you need to stay beyond the validity period of your visa because your original reason for entry has not concluded or for other legitimate reasons, you must apply to the exit-entry administration of the public security bureau at or above the county level at least 7 days before your visa expires. You will need to submit your valid passport, an application form, and relevant supporting documents.
A: If you plan to work or live in China for the long term after entering on a visa, you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry. If you need to stay beyond the validity period of your residence permit, you must apply for an extension at least 30 days before it expires. If you change your passport or any information on your residence permit changes, you must update your information within 10 days.
The Beijing Balance Experience is a carefully designed one-month culture retreat in Beijing for western visitors who want to experience Chinese culture from the inside out, not as tourists, but as a participates in daily life.
