Things Foreigners Should Know When Visiting China

2025/2026 Must Read – Comprehensive Guide for Foreigners Coming to China! Be Cautious of These Details or Risk Being Fined!

In 2025, China’s entry policies underwent another upgrade, with an expanded list of visa-free countries and more convenient visa processing procedures. However, the accompanying “hidden rules” have also caused quite a few foreigners to encounter pitfalls. Today, we have compiled an ultra-practical guide for you based on the latest policies and real-life cases, helping you easily avoid pitfalls and enjoy your trip to China!

Visas and Entry: Don’t Let Procedures Delay Your Trip!

  1. New Visa Regulations
    Visa-free access expansion: France, Italy, Germany, and five other countries enjoy unilateral visa-free entry, while visa reciprocity arrangements have been established with 23 countries including the UAE and Belarus! By the end of 2024, a visa-free pilot program will be launched for nine additional countries, including Bulgaria and Romania.
    Digital Application: Visa materials can be submitted online, eliminating the need for appointment queuing. Certain individuals (such as those under 14 and over 70 years old) are exempt from fingerprint collection, making the process more efficient.
  2. Essential Items for Entry
    Health declaration: Download the “Customs Passenger Fingertip Service” App in advance to fill in the declaration form and save time during customs clearance.
    Cash limit: Each traveler is not allowed to carry more than RMB 20,000 in cash, and amounts exceeding USD 5,000 must be declared! There are also strict restrictions on tobacco and alcohol (such as 20 cigars and 1.5 liters of alcoholic beverages).
    Electronic Device Inspection: Chinese Customs has the right to conduct spot checks on mobile phones, computers, and other devices, and sensitive content should be handled in advance.

Lodging registration: It must be done within 24 hours!

Important reminder: Foreigners must complete accommodation registration regardless of whether they are staying in a hotel, at a friend or relative’s home, or in their own property!
Hotel Accommodation: Registration will be handled by the hotel on behalf of the guest. A copy of the passport and visa page is required.
Non-hotel accommodation: Residents must report to the local police station or through the local police App within 24 hours (72 hours in rural areas) after check-in, otherwise they may face a fine of up to RMB 2,000! There have been cases of foreign Chinese being fined RMB 20,000 for failing to register.
Required materials: passport, ID card/household register of the host, rental contract (if renting an accommodation).

Cultural Etiquette: Don’t Touch These Taboos!

  1. Table manners
    The chopsticks are inserted into the bowl of rice (symbolic of unlucky sacrifices)
    Tapping on bowls and plates (similar to begging behavior)
    Spiciness tip: Sichuan cuisine is famous for its spicy and numbing flavors. Before ordering, inquire about the level of spiciness and be prepared with water to alleviate the heat.
  2. Social Taboos
    Respecting the “face-saving culture”: Avoid publicly criticizing others, and instead of rejecting directly, one can use “Let me think about it” as an alternative.
    Gift-giving Etiquette: Avoid giving clocks (homophonic with “sending off the deceased”) and white flowers (symbols of mourning).
  3. Public Places
    It is prohibited to camp on the streets and display insulting slogans; violators may be held liable under the law.

Convenience in Daily Life: A Guide to Digital Existence

  1. Payment Method
    WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted! It is recommended to open a Chinese mobile phone number and bind your bank card, so that even street vendors accept QR code payments.
  2. Transportation and Travel
    Face scanning for subway rides: Download the “Gaode Map” or “Baidu Map” App, which supports multi-language navigation.
    For self-driving, please note: Foreign driver’s licenses cannot be used directly! You can apply for a “Temporary Driving Permit” with your foreign driver’s license and a physical examination report.
  3. Medical Services
    Download the “Healthy China” App to make appointment registrations, and purchase commercial insurance to cover high-end medical needs.

Legal Red Lines: The Consequences of These Actions Are Grave!

  1. Unlawful Residence & Unlawful Employment
    For overstaying, a daily fine of RMB 500 will be imposed, with a total cap of RMB 10,000! For illegal employment, the maximum penalty is RMB 20,000 plus detention.
    To work, one needs to hold a Z visa and a “Foreigner Work Permit,” and part-time jobs for international students must not exceed the allowed hours.
  2. Restricted Area
    Entry into cities, counties, or venues not open to foreigners without prior approval is prohibited, and violators may be deported.

Emergency toolkit: It can save lives in critical moments!

Youdao Translation Officer” supports real-time voice translation, ensuring smooth communication.
Emergency phone numbers: Police – 110, Fire – 119, Ambulance – 120. Foreign nationals can contact their embassy or consulate for assistance.
Means of rights protection: In case of disputes, you can contact the local Exit and Entry Administration (phone number: 84020101) or retain a lawyer.

In 2025, China boasts both the profoundness of its millennial culture and the convenience of the digital age. As long as you do your research beforehand and abide by the rules, you are bound to have an unforgettable journey! Share and bookmark this guide to help more friends avoid “hidden pitfalls” and enjoy a delightful trip across China!

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