Are you planning a trip to mainland China? Well, you have to plan everything carefully to enjoy an excellent trip to the region. From securing the right type of visa and understanding the local customs, there are some things to consider before you travel to China. Moreover, it is best to invest in a reputed travel insurance China to protect yourself from unexpected situations like flight delays, medical emergencies, etc.
In this guide, we will go through the key requirements that you need to consider so that you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to China
Things To Consider Before Traveling To China
Visa Requirements
The visa requirements will depend on the type of visit you are planning to visit in China. If you are opting for a tourist visa option then you will get three options. The single-entry visa will allow you to stay in the region for up to 60 days. The double-entry visa allows you two visits to China for 60 days each. The multiple-entry visa allows you to enjoy multiple visits to China in one year for up to 90 days per entry.
For the Category L tourist visa, you have to make the application through the Chinese Application Service Center from your country. You have to make an online appointment and make sure that you apply one month in advance. You have to bring your passport, confirmation sheet, visa application form, recent photographs, previous Chinese visa if any, trip itinerary, and flight tickets to the appointment.
The country also offers visa-free entry for people from 15 countries who are looking to stay less than 30 days in the region. You can opt for 24, 72, and 144-hour passes to enter the country and move through designated ports in the region.
Passport Requirements
You have to make sure that your passport is valid for six months prior to your departure date from China. Moreover, it should have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
Travel Insurance
Remember, that healthcare in mainland China is pretty expensive. So, it is best to opt for a suitable travel insurance that offers you coverage overseas. Having the right travel insurance will cover your medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events that can arise during international travel.
Local Currency And Finances
The official currency is the Chinese Yuan. You can carry some local currency to make small purchases. For online transactions, you have to install apps like WeChat and Alipay. You can use WeChat for communications as well as WhatsApp is restricted in the region. You have to register, add passport details, and connect your foreign credit/debit card or Chinese bank account with the apps to carry out the transactions smoothly.
Exploring The Mainland Region
You will not be able to use Google Maps to explore mainland China due to internet restrictions. Apple Maps works in China. Android users can use Maps.Me which comes with an offline function that will reduce your data usage. However, don’t expect complete accuracy on the apps. You can compare the routes on other apps like Gaode Maps and Baidu Maps to make sure they align so that you can reach your destination without any issues.
Here are some key considerations that will help you enjoy your trip to China properly. There are no COVID-related entry requirements to enter mainland China. Also, make sure you go through the health advisory in your current residing country to take all the vaccinations before you travel to the region.
