FAQ
Looking for answers about China Traveling?
You may find the answers here
Q1 What is the visa policy to China?
Check your nationality and find the best policy for you, China mainland has 3 Visa-Free policy, you may find if your country in one of the list below, for Hongkong, Macau and Taiwan reagion, they have their own policies:
From November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025, people holding ordinary passports from 38 countries, can enter China visa – free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchange visits, or transit for no more than 30 days.
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Starting from December 17, 2024, people from 54 countries who transit through China to a third country (region) can enter China visa – free through any of the 60 open ports in 24 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government), and stay and carry out activities within the specified area for no more than 240 hours (10 days).
Show country list and ports
There are 25 countries that have a mutual visa – free agreement with China for ordinary passports. The permitted stay duration usually ranges from 30 to 90 days.
Show country list
Hongkong: Passport holders from approximately 170 countries or regions can visit Hong Kong for tourism (including transit) without applying for a visa and stay for 7 to 180 days, provided they meet the general entry requirements. See details in GovHK:General Visa Requirements
Macau: Similar to Hong Kong, passport holders of some countries and regions can enjoy visa-free treatment. The specific visa-free policies can be inquired on the website of the Macau Special Administrative Region Government Tourism Bureau.
Taiwan: Overseas travelers usually need to apply for a visa or relevant entry permit to go to Taiwan. Generally, foreign travelers need to apply for the corresponding visa, such as a tourist visa or a business visa, from the relevant overseas institutions or offices of the Taiwan region according to their nationality and travel purpose. However, travelers from some countries and regions can also enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival treatment. The specific situation can be inquired on the relevant official websites of the Taiwan region.
If your nationality is not in the list, or stay longer than max visa-free days, you need to apply for a visa. It should be noted that visa policies may change according to policy adjustments at different times. It is recommended that overseas travelers carefully check the relevant official information before traveling to ensure a smooth trip.
Q2 What documents are required for a visa application?
Basic documents:
- Passport: The original passport should have at least 6 months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the data page and the photo page (if separate).
- Visa application form and photo: Fill in the China Online Visa Application (COVA) and attach a recent – taken color passport photo against a light background.
- Itinerary materials: Such as a copy of the round – trip airline ticket, hotel reservation. If visiting friends or relatives in China, a signed invitation letter in Chinese or English is required, specifying the applicant’s name, position, relationship with the invitee, duration of stay, etc.
- Proof of employment or financial status: If the applicant is employed, provide proof of employment. If unemployed, a bank statement is required.
- Supporting documents: For an L – visa (tourist visa), in addition to the basic documents above, an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China can be provided. The invitation letter should contain information on the applicant, the planned visit, and the inviting entity or individual.
For foreigners who are eligible for visa – free entry to China, the following materials are generally recommended:
- Passport: An ordinary passport valid for at least the duration of the intended stay in China.
- Proof of purpose of visit: It is recommended to bring documents such as invitation letters, air tickets, and accommodation reservations to prove the purpose of entry, such as business, tourism, visiting family or friends, etc.
For foreign tourists who are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy in China, the following materials are required:
- Valid passport: The passport should have a remaining validity period of not less than 3 months, and there should be enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- Through ticket or relevant proof: It is necessary to hold a through ticket to a third country (region) with a confirmed date and seat within 240 hours. If there is no paper or electronic ticket, relevant proof materials that can demonstrate the travel itinerary arrangement should also be provided.
- Temporary Entry Card for Aliens: Fill out the Temporary Entry Card for Aliens completely. The card can be obtained and filled out at the port of entry.
Q3 Are international credit cards accepted in China?
Major hotels and malls accept Visa/Mastercard, but we recommend linking Alipay/WeChat Pay (partial foreign card support) and carrying some cash.
Q4 How to exchange RMB?
Exchange at airports, banks, or authorized centers. Keep receipts to reconvert unused RMB before departure. Mobile payment is very popular in China, it can cover 99% of the scenarios ,strongly recommend to install and link to your card before departure
Alipay
- Download and register: Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play Store, then register with your mobile number.
- Bind cards: Tap “Me” in the lower right corner > “Bank Card” > “Add Card”, and then follow the on – page prompts to add your card. Tap “Verify Now” and follow the page prompts to fill in your identity information. Make sure your card is one of the supported types, such as Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club International, Discover, JCB, Barclays, or Wise cards.
WeChat Pay (Wechat is not only a payment tool, it’s also the most popular chatting app in China)
- Download and register: Download WeChat from the App Store or Google Play Store. Make sure to download the international version if available. Then register with your mobile number.
- Real – name authentication: Tap “Me” > “Service” > “Wallet” > “ID Info” to complete the real – name authentication. For foreigners, you can finish the authentication with your passport.
- Bind cards: Tap “Me” > “Service” > “Wallet” > “Add a Card”, and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process. The supported foreign credit cards include Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club International, Discover, and JCB.
Q5 How to communicate with Chinese people?
Major cities offer English services at hotels and attractions. Download translation apps like Google Translate or Tencent TranSmart. Or you can book our online support or tour guide service, which will save your time and make your trip much easier.
Try basic Chinese words and we are very glad to hear:
- 你好, sounds like “Knee How ” means Hello
- 谢谢, sounds like “She-yeh She-yeh ” means Thank You
- 再见, sounds like “Z-eye Jane” means Good Bye
- 对不起, sounds like “The way Boo Chee ” means Sorry
Q6 How to access the internet in China?
Purchase a eSIM or local SIM card in airport (requires passport registration) or rent a portable Wi-Fi. Some international roaming plans work directly.
Click to see comparison
Purchase locations:
- Shanghai Pudong airport T1 Arrivals Exit
- Shanghai Pudong airport T2 one-stop service center
- Beijing Capital International Airport T3 Hotel &Travel Information Counter at arrivals Exit B
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport SIM sales counter
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport T1 China Telecom Store at International& HK/Macau/Taiwan Arrivals Exit
Q7 Can I use Google/Facebook/TK?
A VPN is required (install compliant tools in advance). Some hotels provide international internet access. Depend on which kind of internent you are using. See Q6
Q8 How to book high-speed train tickets？
Use 12306 (English version), Trip.com, station counters or let ChinaCityWalk.com to help you. Bring your passport to collect tickets.
Q9 Recommended ride-hailing apps?
Use Didi Rider (international version) or ask your hotel to arrange taxis.
Q10 Is tipping customary?
Tipping is not mandatory. It’s optional in upscale restaurants or for exceptional guide services. We pay our tour guider, he/she will not ask you for tipping.
Q11 Emergency contacts?
Dial 110(police), 120 (ambulance), or direct contact your guide or ChinaCityWalk specialist, we will support immediately
Q12 Which attractions require advance booking?
Popular sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall require online reservations (via official platforms or agencies). Don’t worry, as your trip partner, ChinaCityWalk will consider this for you and list in the plan
Q13 Do hotels meet international standards?
Four-star+ hotels typically offer Western breakfasts, English services, and universal power adapters (you may need prepare one for backup).
ChinaCityWalk will book hotel together with you, provide you local price to compare and make sure you have the lowest price, real and good reviews of the hotel.
There are no middlemen to make a profit margin. That’s why we are different from other travel agency, we help you save more!
Q14 How to find local food? Is there any halal/vegetarian restaurants?
ChinaCityWalk will plan what to eat for you, list clearly what worth to try
If you have special requirement on eating, pls tell us in advance. Or use Dianping/TripAdvisor APP to filter “halal-certified” or “vegetarian-friendly” options.
Q15 What to wear in different seasons?
You can check temperature by month on popular destination page, we will also put this information in your customized itinerary
Q16 Are there waste-sorting rules?
Cities like Shanghai and Beijing require sorting (recyclables/dry/wet/hazardous waste). Hotels provide guidance.