Landing in China
Free tools plus straight answers — visa, cards, phrasebook, transit passes, eSIM, and the arrival rules that trip up first-timers.
Visa & entry
Questions & answers
Do I need a visa — or can I enter visa-free in 2026?
Many travelers do not need a visa. Under China's 2026 policy, holders of ordinary passports from dozens of countries — most of Europe, plus Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and more — can stay up to 30 days visa-free for tourism, business or visiting family. The waiver runs through the end of 2026 and allows multiple entries. You still need a passport valid 6+ months and an onward or return ticket. Re-check the latest list for your passport before you book.
What is the 144/240-hour visa-free transit (TWOV)?
If you are transiting to a third country or region — for example USA → Shanghai → Tokyo — citizens of 57 countries can stay up to 6 days (144h) or 10 days (240h) without a visa, provided you enter and exit on confirmed onward tickets and remain within the permitted area. Hong Kong and Macau count as a third region for transit. Major hubs qualify, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xi'an and Chongqing.
How do I fill in the Foreigner Arrival Card?
Flight attendants hand out the blue Foreigner Arrival Card before landing — or take one from the writing desks before immigration. If you are entering visa-free, write "VISA FREE" (or 免签) in the Visa No. box. The most common mistake: in "Intended Address in China" you must write the full hotel name, street address and telephone number — never just "Shanghai" or "Hotel", or the officer will send you back to rewrite it. Save your first hotel details offline before you fly.
Who has to scan fingerprints on arrival?
Foreign travelers aged 14 to 70 must use the self-service fingerprint kiosks before joining the immigration queue — scan your passport, take a facial photo, then your fingers and thumbs, and keep the printed "OK" slip together with your passport. Children under 14 and adults over 70 are exempt and can go straight to the inspection counter.
Do I need to register my stay with the police?
Yes — it is a legal requirement. If you stay at a hotel or hostel, check-in is automatic: reception scans your passport and registers you with the police for you. If you stay in an Airbnb, private apartment or with friends, you or your host must register within 24 hours, usually via a WeChat mini-program or by visiting the local police station (派出所) with your passport.
Tools
Once you land: paying, getting online, getting around
Questions & answers
Do I need cash, or is Alipay / WeChat Pay enough?
Alipay and WeChat Pay now accept foreign Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB and Discover cards and are accepted almost everywhere — so you rarely need cash. Know the limits: with a foreign card the single-transaction cap is around ¥5,000–6,000 and the annual cap around ¥50,000–60,000 (passport verification raises your limits); transactions under ¥200 are fee-free while those above ¥200 carry a 3% fee; and person-to-person transfers or red packets are blocked. Still carry ¥500–2,000 in cash for small stalls, some public toilets and when the network drops.
How do I use Google Maps and WhatsApp in China?
Google (Maps, Gmail), WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and many Western apps are blocked on Chinese networks. Two easy fixes: install a reputable VPN before you fly, or use an international roaming / "unblocked" travel eSIM that routes traffic outside the firewall — no VPN needed. Buy a data eSIM before departure or a local SIM at the airport. WeChat is the everyday app for messaging, maps, ride-hailing and payments, so set it up before you arrive.
What are the subway security and power bank rules?
Every bag goes through an X-ray scanner and you walk through a metal detector or are hand-checked. Power banks are allowed but capped: a single unit of ≤100Wh (about 27,000mAh) with clear labels and no damage — some cities limit you to 20,000mAh and up to 5 units. Aerosols, perfume, lighters and alcohol are also limited (e.g. aerosols ≤700ml each). Pack power banks in carry-on, never checked luggage, and allow extra time at big stations.
What is the Shanghai Pass / Beijing Pass, and where do I buy one?
The Shanghai Pass and Beijing Pass are stored-value transit cards for the metro, buses, ferries and some taxis — just tap in and out. Buy them at the airport service counter on arrival or at metro station service desks, then top up as needed. If you prefer no card, many cities let you tap a contactless Visa/Mastercard directly at the gates, or use the metro QR code inside Alipay. A single-ride ticket or a 1-day/3-day pass works well for short stops.
Tools
Help, language & guarantees
Questions & answers
How do I buy medicine or get emergency help?
For minor issues, go to a pharmacy (药店) — staff are usually helpful and many stock familiar brands; keep your phone ready to translate symptoms. For emergencies, call 120 for an ambulance and 110 for police (English help is limited, so have your hotel address written down). Big cities have international clinics and 24-hour hospitals, and you should save your travel-insurance number offline.
How do you vet your local guides?
Every guide passes ID verification, a language test (English at CEFR B2 minimum), a 30-minute video interview, reference checks and a paid trial trip with one of our team posing as a traveler. We accept around 1 in 8 applicants, and each guide is rated by real travelers after every trip. You book the specific person shown — not a random assignment.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your service starts; within 48 hours we refund 50%. If your flight is cancelled or delayed beyond your control, we refund 100% — just send us the airline notice. Bookings still awaiting hotel confirmation can be cancelled any time for a full refund. Refunds go back to your original payment method.