Travelling to China
While the U.S. Embassy does its best to keep travelers informed, there are some restrictions that you should follow while traveling to China. These restrictions are imposed with very little advance notice, and you should contact your airline or local authorities for more information. Masks and health tracking applications are mandatory for those traveling by air and public transportation, and you may be asked to fill out a medical form or download an app. There are also fines for violators.
Though generally safe, it is still important to practice common sense when travelling in China. Although serious crime against foreigners is rare, it is still important to follow basic safety precautions. Make sure you only take authorised taxis, and don’t give your bank or personal details to unauthorised personnel. Be especially vigilant when walking the streets – oncoming traffic is common and you may not know when a cab is going to turn up.
While traveling to China, you should be aware of health and quarantine requirements. These requirements vary widely depending on the risk level for you and the destination city. High-risk areas require 14 days of centralized quarantine while medium-risk areas require less time. You should check with your local Chinese Embassy before traveling to avoid being caught by the government. Once you arrive in China, you may have to install location-tracking software on your phone. As a precautionary measure, you should be aware that private hospitals in China may reject U.S. citizens who have been in the country for more than 14 days.
Although most foreigners won’t get ripped off, you should always carry your passport in your money belt. Make sure you carry at least US$200 in cash. Always carry a photocopy of your passport. In addition, foreigners should take note that drivers may not obey traffic laws. The Chinese government does not recognise dual nationality, so if you hold a New Zealand passport, you might not be granted consular assistance. As a result, avoid large gatherings or events.
As with most countries, China is relatively expensive. However, the food and transport are cheap, but accommodation is generally expensive. Entry fees are also high. Though the central government is trying to reduce these costs, prices vary widely. Hong Kong is as expensive as Europe or the US, and the developed eastern provinces are similarly expensive. Further west, prices are cheaper. A good rule of thumb when travelling in China is to be aware of weather conditions. There have been many accidents and armed robberies, especially in coastal areas.
If you are not sure whether or not you need a visa to travel to China, you can consult a government website or contact your nearest Chinese embassy. It’s important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic in China has affected foreign nationals. To obtain a visa, you need to provide proof of onward travel or hotel bookings. Moreover, you should have a valid passport. And remember, you can’t overstay your visa.
While the situation in China has improved, there are still several important precautions that you should consider. Sunscreen is not readily available in China, and it may be of poor quality. Always bring some extra medication, including anti-malarial drugs. Also, be sure to bring bottled water. The local water is not potable, so you should drink bottled water if possible. If your itinerary includes an overnight stay in a remote location, consider checking in with your doctor first.
If you are planning to travel by taxi, make sure to have RMB on hand. Fares can be as high as 80 RMB, so it’s important to carry enough cash for the entire trip. Remember that taxis may be difficult to catch, so consult with locals to be safe. Although there are plenty of public transport options in Beijing, you may want to consider taking a taxi instead of a subway. Be aware, however, that most taxi drivers in Beijing don’t speak English, so make sure you have a contact number handy.
You may also want to consider the travel restrictions imposed by the country you’re visiting. Travel to China should only be considered safe if you follow these restrictions. The country has a long history of corruption, and you should avoid any country that may have a similar reputation. A travel ban by some countries will only make your trip even safer. You must also be aware of terrorism risks before traveling to China. In some cases, you’ll want to avoid visiting China at all costs.