Some useful tips for foreign travelers in China

January 17, 2025

Reprinted from: China Daily

China has long been ready to expand high-level opening-up, provide a series of considerate policies for foreign friends, and continuously improve the convenience for foreigners to come to and stay in China.

Please share this guide with your foreign friends around you and on the Internet to help them live in China more conveniently. Welcome to China!

Image source: CCTV News. Same as below

1. Apply for a communication card

Bring your passport or permanent residence ID card for foreigners to the business hall of China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, China Broadcasting and other telecommunications companies to apply for a mobile phone SIM card and activate mobile communication services.

Foreigners can bring their passports or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards to the service offices of telecom operators such as China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Broadnet, to apply for a SlM card and activate mobile communication services in China.

2. Apply for a bank card

Bring your passport or permanent residence ID card for foreigners and domestic mobile phone number to the business hall of a commercial bank to handle the matter (specific requirements of different commercial banks may vary, please consult the customer manager of the business hall for details).

Foreigners can bring their passports or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards and mobile phone numbers in China to the business offices of commercial banks to apply for a bank card (please consult the customer manager of the business office for specific requirements).

3. Activate mobile payment

(1) Download and install the WeChat or Alipay APP on your mobile phone, register according to the APP instructions, and enter your foreign or domestic mobile phone number and other information.

(ii) Open the app and bind an international bank card with the logos of Mastercard, Visa, JCB, Diners Club, Discover, etc.; or a domestic bank card with the logo of Union Pay.

(3) When making a payment, open the APP and scan the merchant’s payment QR code or show the merchant the payment QR code.

(l) Foreigners can download and install WeChat or Alipay apps and follow the instructions to input foreign or Chinese mobile phone numbers for account registration.

(ll) Foreigners can bind the app to international bank cards such as Master Card, Visa, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover, or Chinese bank cards with the UnionPay logo.

(Ill) Foreigners can scan the QR code or use the payment QR code when making payments.

Notes on binding international bank cards:

1. To use Alipay or WeChat to connect to an international bank card, you need to obtain authorization from the foreign issuing bank. Some issuing banks will reject the binding request because their systems cannot recognize the connection information. It is recommended that you contact the issuing bank’s customer service or use a domestic bank card instead.

2. When using Alipay or WeChat to bind an international bank card to scan the QR code for payment, if the single amount does not exceed RMB 200, the user does not need to pay any additional handling fees; if the single amount exceeds RMB 200, the user needs to pay a service fee of 3% of the transaction amount.

3. The spending limit of Alipay and WeChat for international bank cards is no more than US$50,000 per year, and no more than US$5,000 per transaction. It is recommended that users who bind international bank cards use mobile payment in combination with application scenarios.

Notes for binding international bank cards:

When binding an international bank card to Alipay or WeChat, it is necessary to obtain authorization from the foreign issuing bank. However, some issuing banks may reject the binding request due to their system's inability to recognize the connection information. In such cases, it is Advisable to contact the issuing bank's customer service center or consider using a Chinese bank card instead.
When using Alipay or WeChat for QR code payments through the bound international bank card, users are not required to pay an additional servicefee if the transaction amount does not exceed 200 yuan; or, users need to pay a service fee at 3% of the transaction amount if the amount exceeds 200 yuan.
Alipay and WeChat have set transaction limits for bound international bank cards, with an annual limit of 50,000 US dollars and a single transaction limit of 5,000 US dollars. It is recommended that users who have bound international bank cards to the APPs consider your specific use cases before using mobile payment.

4. Use AlipayHK, WeChatpay HK (Hong Kong SAR, China), mPay (Macao SAR, China), Kakao Pay (South Korea), Touch'n Go eWallet (Malaysia), HiPay (Mongolia), Changi Pay (Singapore), Huaqiao E-wallet users of Bank (Singapore), Naver Pay (South Korea), Toss Pay (South Korea), and TrueMoney (Thailand) can use the above wallets to scan the code and pay directly in mainland China.

4. Users of AlipayHK, Wechatpay HK (HKSAR), mPay (Macao SAR), Kakao Pay (Republic of Korea), Touch'n Go eWallet (Malaysia), HiPay (Mongolia), Changi Pay (Singapore), OCBC (Singapore) , Naver Pay (Republic of Korea), Toss Pay (Republic of Korea), and TrueMoney (Thailand) can make QR code payments through these e-wallets in the Chinese mainland.

4. Handle foreign exchange

(I) Before entering China, foreign nationals coming to China may exchange RMB in cash in advance in relevant countries or regions and then bring it into China (the limit of RMB that each person may bring in and out of China each time is RMB 20,000).

(ii) After entering the country, you can exchange RMB at the counters of commercial banks, foreign exchange agencies, and self-service exchange machines at international airports, land ports, seaports, and other entry ports. You can also use international bank cards to withdraw RMB cash through ATMs.

(I) Overseas visitors to China can exchange foreign currencies for RMB cash in advance in relevant countries or regions before bringing it into China (each visitor is allowed to take up to 20,000 yuan in cash in or out of the country).

(II) Overseas visitors to China can exchange foreign currencies for RMB cash at commercial bank branches, money changers, and self-service currency exchange machines at international airports, land ports, ports, and other entry ports, or withdraw RMB cash using international bank cards at ATMs.

5. Taking public transportation

1. Train

■ Ticket Purchase

1. Documents to be used. When foreign passengers purchase or make up tickets at station ticket windows, ticket offices of railway ticket sales agents, or on trains, the valid identification documents that can be used include: permanent residence ID card for foreigners, passport of foreigners, entry and exit permit for foreigners, seaman's card, receipt of acceptance of foreigner visa documents issued by the entry and exit administration department of the Chinese public security organs, passport loss report, and temporary international travel documents issued by embassies and consulates of various countries in China (with valid visa or stay documents issued by the entry and exit administration department of the Chinese public security organs). When purchasing tickets through the 12306 website, 12306 APP, or ticket booking phone, you can use the permanent residence ID card for foreigners and the passport of foreigners. When purchasing tickets through the automatic ticket vending machine, you can use the permanent residence ID card for foreigners.

(I) Train.

■ Ticket purchase

1. Using identification documents. Foreign travelers can use the following valid identification documents when purchasing tickets or paying for the extended trip at the railway station's ticket office and ticket agents, or on trains:

(1) Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card;

(2) Passport;

(3) Foreigner's exit-entry permit;

(4) Seafarer's Certificate;

(5) Receipt of acceptance of a visa application issued by the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organs of China;

(6) Passport loss report certificate;

(7) Temporary international travel document issued by embassies and consulates in China (with valid visas or stay certificates issued by the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organs of China attached).

Foreign travelers can use your Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards and passports to purchase tickets through the 12306 website, 12306 APP, or booking hotline. Foreign travelers can also use your Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards to purchase tickets at the self-service machines.

2. Identity verification. To ensure safe and orderly passenger transportation, railway operating companies implement real-name ticketing in accordance with relevant regulations. Foreign passengers are required to complete identity verification before purchasing tickets. First, log in to the English version of the 12306 website or 12306 APP, fill in your name, nationality, ID number and other information according to the system prompts, and the system will automatically complete the identity verification. You can also choose to submit a photo of your passport information page online, which will be manually verified by the backend. Second, bring your valid passport to the ticket window of the railway station for identity verification.

2. Identity verification

To ensure safe and orderly passenger transport, China's railway operator implements real-name ticketing according to relevant regulations. Foreign travelers must complete identity verification before purchasing tickets.

(1) You can log in to the 12306 website or app to fill in your name, nationality, ID number, and other information following the instructions. The system will automatically complete identity verification. Or, you can upload a photo of the passport information page for manual verification.

(2) You can also take valid passports to the ticket office at the railway station for identity verification.

3. Ticket purchase. After completing identity verification, foreign passengers can purchase tickets online through the 12306 English website or 12306 APP. You can pay with Alipay, WeChat, or UnionPay bank cards. You can pay for tickets by cash, Alipay, WeChat, or UnionPay bank cards. You can also use self-service ticket machines at some railway stations.

3. Purchase

After the identity verification, foreign travelers can purchase tickets.

(1) You can purchase tickets online through the 12306 website or app and pay with Alipay, WeChat, or UnionPay bank cards.

(2) You can also purchase tickets at the ticket office at the railway station and pay in cash or by Alipay, WeChat, or UnionPay bank cards. Some railway stations also have self-service machines for ticket purchase.

■ Rebooking

Foreign passengers can change their tickets through the 12306 English website, 12306 APP, or railway station ticket windows.

■ Refund

Foreign passengers can apply for a refund through the English version of the 12306 website, the 12306 app, or at a railway station ticket window. A handling fee may be incurred depending on the time of cancellation.

■ Entry, exit and ride

Please present the original valid ID used when purchasing the ticket, enter or exit the station through the automatic gate or channels assisted by staff, and cooperate in completing ticket verification during the ride.

For more details, please visit the China Railway 12306 website or the China Railway 12306 mobile client to learn about the relevant rules, or call the China Railway customer service hotline (12306) for consultation. 12306 website: https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html

■ Ticket change

Foreign travelers can change your tickets at the 12306 website and APP, or the ticket office at the railway station.

■ Ticket refund

Foreign travelers can cancel your tickets at the 12306 website and APP, or the ticket office at the railway station. Service fees may be incurred depending on the time of cancellation.

■ Railway station entry/exit and train boarding

Foreign travelers can enter and exit the railway station through automatic or manual ticket check gates with the original valid identification documents used when buying tickets, and cooperate to complete ticket verification on the way.

For details of relevant rules, please visit the 12306 website or APP, or call China Railway customer service hotline (12306) for consultation. 12306 website address: https:// www.12306.cn/en/index.html

2. Aircraft

Foreign travelers traveling by plane in China can choose to book air tickets online through the airline’s official APP, airline’s mini-programs and other ticket purchasing platforms.

(II) Airplane.

Foreign travelers can book tickets online on the airline's official APP and WeChat mini program, or other ticketing platforms.

3. Subway

Currently, there are 55 cities in China with subways. Foreign passengers can apply for a subway card at a subway station or use the Alipay APP to take the subway.

(III) Metro.

A total of 55 cities in China have metro lines. Foreign travelers can apply for metro passes at the metro station or use the Alipay APP to take the metro.

4. Public transportation

Foreign passengers can choose to pay in cash, apply for a bus card, or use the Alipay APP to take the bus.

1. Buses usually do not provide change, so passengers need to prepare change in advance.

2. Bring your passport to the bus company's business outlets to apply for a bus card. You can pay by cash, WeChat, or Alipay.

(IV) Bus.

Foreign travelers can pay in cash or by bus cards or the Alipay app to take the bus.

1. Buses usually do not provide change, so travelers need to prepare small change in advance.

2. Foreign travelers can take your passports to the service outlets of the bus companies to buy bus cards. Payment for the cards can be made in cash or by WeChat or Alipay.

5. Online ride-hailing

Foreign passengers can use Alipay, WeChat and Didi Chuxing's dedicated APP to book online ride-hailing cars.

(V) Online ride-hailing services.

Foreign travelers can use Alipay or WeChat to book online ride-hailing services.

(VI) Car rental

You can choose to rent a car on-site at the international airport or in the city, or use the car rental app or use Alipay or WeChat to search for the "car rental mini program" and register to make a reservation.

1. Foreign customers who rent a car need to bring their passport or foreign permanent residence ID card, valid Chinese driver's license, and international/domestic credit card.

Note: For the first time car rental, identity document information must be verified at least 1 working day in advance.

(VI) Car leasing services.

Foreign travelers can rent cars at international airports and downtown service outlets. You can also use car leasing APPs or search for "mini programs for car leasing" on Alipay or WeChat. Once registered, you can make a reservation for car leasing.

1. Foreign travelers who are going to rent cars need to bring your passports or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards, valid Chinese driver's licenses, and international or domestic credit cards.

Note: Foreign travelers renting a car for the first time need to have your identity document information verified at least one working day in advance.

2. Foreign customers who apply for a Chinese driver's license must bring their passport, foreign driver's license and its Chinese translation, a recent one-inch color photo (half-length, bareheaded, front-facing, white background) and other materials to the Public Security Traffic Management Service Hall to apply for a temporary driving permit for a small car. For those who enter the country for a short stay, they can apply for a temporary driving permit with a validity period of 3 months; for those who stay for more than 3 months, the validity period can be extended to no more than 1 year. It can be used for multiple entries within the validity period without re-application.

Note: Currently, China has signed agreements on mutual recognition and exchange of driver's licenses with France, Serbia, Belgium and the United Arab Emirates, allowing people holding driver's licenses from the above countries to drive directly in the country or exchange their driver's licenses for them without taking a test.

2. Foreign travelers applying for Chinese driver's licenses must take your passports, overseas driver's licenses with a Chinese translation, recent one-inch half-length, bareheaded, full-faced color photos against white background, and other necessary documents to public security traffic management service halls to apply for Provisional Driving Permits for compact cars. Foreigners who enter China for a short-term stay can apply for Provisional Driving Permits with a validity period of 3 months. For those who intend to stay longer than 3 months, the validity period can be extended to a maximum of one year. The permits can be used whenever the holders reenter China during the validity period without the need for reapplication.

Note: China has signed agreements for mutual recognition and exchange of driver's licenses with France, Serbia, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates. This allows individuals holding driver's licenses from the aforementioned countries to drive in China or obtain Chinese driver's licenses without taking a test .

6. Accommodation

Foreign travelers can make hotel reservations online through the Trip.com APP, the international version of Ctrip, or by phone.

1. When staying at a hotel, you need to provide your passport, foreigner permanent residence ID card and other valid documents to register at the hotel front desk.

(II) Payment methods at the hotel include cash (RMB), bank card, Alipay, and WeChat. If you use bank card payment, please inquire in advance whether Mastercard, Visa and other international bank cards are accepted. Some hotels support payment methods such as Apple Pay and PayPal. Please consult in advance.

Foreign travelers can make hotel reservations online through the Trip.com APP or via telephone or other means.

(I) Foreign travelers who are going to stay in hotels are required to present your passports, Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards, and other valid identification documents for registration at the hotel reception.

(II) The available payment methods at the hotel include cash (RMB), bank card, Alipay, and WeChat. If foreign travelers wish to pay with bank cards, you need to inquire in advance if Mastercard, Visa, or other international bank cards are accepted. Some hotels accept such payment methods as Apple Pay and PayPal; foreign travelers need to inquire in advance before making a payment.