Before your trip

China

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS & THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP
CHINA

(Updated August 2025)

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

As you prepare to embark on your upcoming Affordable World journey, please log on to your My Affordable account and click on your trip confirmation ID to review the most up to date trip details including hotel information, flight schedules, and ticket number(s). Please print your trip confirmation page, international flight tickets and Shanghai to Hongkong flight details and seat numbers we emailed you. You are required to show your roundtrip flight reservation, hotel reservation during check-in.  Please make sure you have all travel documents*, passports, and necessary visas ready before you depart for your trip.
 

CHECKING IN AT THE AIRPORT

Be sure to bring your passport and all required travel documents* as you will need to present them when checking in at the airport.  Please be advised that not all airlines assign seats in advance.  Some airlines assign seats at the airport during check-in.  We recommend all travelers arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to the flight departure time.  You will receive boarding passes at the airline counter when you check in for your flight.

UPON ARRIVAL IN CHINA

Please go through Customs and Immigrations on your own. (240-hour Transit Visa Exemption passengers – please fill out the Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners. It will be stamped on your passport indicating maximum length of stay at the 240-hour Temporary Entry Permit Application Counter upon arrival in Beijing . If you have a China visa, please fill out the Arrival Card.)  After you pick up your luggage, exit the baggage claim area and look for the Affordable World representative holding an Affordable World flag or sign.  Please wear your Affordable badge for easy identification.

Beijing Airport - Exit via Terminal 3 Exit B

  

Airport Transfers upon Arrival

Affordable World tour guides/airport assistants will wait for arriving tour members outside the airport baggage claim area for up to 90 minutes* after the landing time of the tour member's flight before departing from the airport with transportation to the hotel.  If for any reason a tour member does not meet the Affordable World representative within 90 minutes after the landing time of the tour member's flight, the tour member will be responsible for his or her own transportation from the airport to the hotel, along with all associated expenses.

Land Only & Extended Stay Travelers

Land only packages do not include airport transfers.  Please arrange your own airport transfer to the hotel as listed in your travel documents.  The tour guide will leave information for you at the hotel regarding the time of the meeting the next day.  Airport transfers are not included for those who have chosen to extend their stay at the end of the tour or depart early.  If you have purchased an airport transfer service from us, please be sure to provide all flight information to Affordable World prior to your trip departure date.

DAILY ITINERARY

Upon arrival in Beijing, a tour guide or representative will provide you with a detailed day-to-day itinerary with transfer schedules for city and optional tours as well as any necessary vouchers required for the trip.

Land Only Travelers - an envelope with the above information will be left at the front desk in the Beijing hotel. 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

• Passports must be valid for 6 months from the return date of your trip
• US Passport holders - China Visa: US citizens are required to obtain a visa prior to travel(Applicable for extended stays). Visa service can be purchased with Affordable World. Please contact us regarding the visa service. Alternatively, you may purchase it with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate directly. It is recommended to obtain a visa at least three months prior to arrival in China. 
• US Passport holders - China Visa (240 hours Exemption): US citizens do not need a visa for stay up to 240 hours (Applicable for ACX - China Discovery and ACV - China Highlight & Yangtze River Cruise tour packages with scheduled tour dates only). 
• US Passport Holders - Hong Kong Visa: US citizens do not need a visa for stay of up to 90 days.
• 240-hour Visa Exemption: Starting December 17, 2024, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) has extended a visa-free transfer for 240 hours. A total of 21 ports of entry and exit have been added for visa-free transit including the Beijing Capital International Airport. The policy of 240-hour Transit Visa Exemption applies for Foreign nationals of 55 countries. Such foreign nationals should hold valid international travel documents and passenger tickets (by air/train/ship) with the confirmed departure date and seat number leaving for a third country or region within 240 hours. Nationals of the below 55 countries can enjoy the 240-hour transit visa exemption.
  • 40 European Countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, The United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus and Norway
  • 6 American Countries: The United States of America, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile.
  • 2 Oceania Countries: Australia and New Zealand.
  • 6 Asian Countries: Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Indonesia.
• If you are transiting under 240 hours and are holding a passport from one of the 55 applicable countries, please register at the 240 hours Temporary Entry Permit Application counter and fill out the Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners.
• If you obtained a China Visa, fill out the Arrival Card for proceed to the custom & immigration counter
• (*Please have your forms filled out before you reach the counter. You will be sent back to the end of the line if your forms are not completed in advance*)
• If you are staying past 240 hours or are holding a passport from a country that is not eligible for the 240-hour transit visa exemption, you will need to obtain a China Visa prior to your trip departure.
• Passengers must hold an onward ticket with a confirmed seat and date as well as a valid visa (if required) to a third country or region within 240 hours.
• Passengers are required to enter from an eligible transit port; passengers must also leave for a third country from one of the eligible transit ports.
• Passengers with the 240-hour transit visa exemption must stay within the administrative region of the eligible cities.
• National Immigration Administration Website
• Non-US passport holders or Non-above 55 countries passport holders - please check with your local China Embassy or Consulate for detailed Passport and Visa requirements.
• It is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain a China visa in a timely manner. If you are going to another country including Hong Kong after the trip and re-entering China afterwards, you will require a double entry visa.
• For  the Forbidden City tour in Beijing – your passport is required for entry.  Please note if your passport does not match the passport information on file for your reservation, you will be denied entry at the Forbidden City and the unused portion of the tour would be non-refundable.
• All travelers must ensure they are eligible to enter China and produce all required entry documentation for this vacation. Requirements and restrictions may depend on different factors including but not limited to: your country of residence, passport nationality, transit points, as well as previous travel history.
• Please note that the information provided in this document is based on the time of print/publication and a country’s requirements can change at any time. It is the responsibility of the traveler to check all updates and obtain all necessary documents and tests prior to departure, as well as entry back into the US. Affordable World is not responsible if you are denied entrance for any reason in any country, even if you hold a valid passport and entry visa.

BAGGAGE

• Baggage allowance for international flights varies by airlines and is subject to change at any time. For up-to-date baggage allowance restrictions, please check with the appropriate airline for their latest regulations. Additional baggage charges may apply.
• Please keep in mind within Asia the baggage limitation on all flights varies by airline. Generally, the baggage allowance on domestic and within Asia flights is limited to 1-checked-in of 44 lbs. and 1 carry-on with a combined total dimension not exceeding 45 inches. Please check directly with the corresponding airline to confirm baggage allowance policies.

Important Luggage Info & Tips

• Baggage is the sole responsibility of the traveler. We recommend using a TSA approved luggage lock and Affordable World luggage tags (enclosed) showing the name and contact information of the owner. Baggage without a lock may be refused for transport.
• DO NOT pack medicine, valuables, and other personal necessities in checked luggage. Keep these items in your carry-on bag.
• Consider packing a change of clothing, a set of undergarments and toiletries in your carry-on bag to avoid inconvenience caused by delays or lost luggage.
• Effective June 28, the CAAC now prohibits passengers from bringing power banks without a visible CCC certification or with unclear labels on domestic flights within China.
• Please visit www.tsa.gov for USA carry on restrictions
• No porter service will be provided throughout the tour. During the tour please always keep an eye on your personal belongings and valuables. Be aware of your surroundings when going out on your own.
• Important note: Affordable World Tours’ representatives cannot enter the luggage claim area. After you collect your luggage please exit the baggage claim area. Our local Affordable World representative will be waiting for you outside with an Affordable World flag or sign.

CHINESE CUSTOMS PROCEDURES

Foreign visitors are allowed to import, free of duty, 400 sticks or above of cigarettes, 500g or above of tobacco and one 1500 ml bottle of alcohol. There are no restrictions on importing the following items for personal use: medicine, camera/camcorder, watches, personal jewelry and any amount of money (Important note: Upon arrival in China, please report to the China customs agent the total amount of currency you are carrying). Professional recording equipment is not allowed without an import permit. Pornography, weapons, inflammable and explosive items, certain drugs are illegal and not allowed to be taken into China. Merchandise labeled as “cultural relic” or “antique” may not be taken out of China without an official export license. Please find more information here.

CURRENCY

Chinese currency is called Ren Min Bi (RMB). As of August 2025, the exchange rate is $1 U.S. dollar to 7.18 RMB. We suggest you bring a combination of cash and credit cards for your trip. Most department stores, hotels and restaurants will accept major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. However it is more convenient to use cash especially if you are planning to shop and eat in smaller shops. Please always keep your currency exchange receipts as you may need to present these when changing RMB back to your own currency at the end of your trip.

TIPPING

Please note gratuities are not included in your tour cost. They are customary and their purpose is to encourage and reward quality service. Our guides and drivers greatly appreciate any tips you would like to give them.

Tour - Our recommended tip amount is $12 USD per person per night to share between guides and drivers.
The Yangtze River Cruise - Please refer to the cruise company’s website for the recommended amount.

HEALTH & MEDICAL MATTERS

Medical and vaccination requirements vary between countries and it is important you check with your family doctor or a qualified medical professional for the most up to date travel health information for the region you are visiting. Due to the length of the trip, it is advised you consult your doctor for existing medical/dental conditions before departure. It is advised to pack any prescription medicine in your carry on hand luggage. Please make sure prescription medicine is fully labelled. It may also be useful to bring aspirin, over-the-counter medicine for the flu, indigestion, motion sickness, etc. In case of illness during the trip, please immediately notify your tour guide for assistance.

WALKING

Our itineraries include city tours and these involve a decent amount of walking. Be prepared for many steps, uneven pavement and walking up steep inclines – comfortable walking shoes with grip are strongly recommended.

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENT

China’s electrical system operates at 220 volts. The electrical outlets are either for fat round pins or flat angled blades. It is recommended travellers bring their own voltage converter and adapter.

TIME DIFFERENCE

The time difference between major cities in North America and China are as below:

• Los Angeles & San Francisco + 15 hours
• New York + 12 hours

MEALS

Certain meals are included in China as per itinerary. Tap water is not potable in China. Bottled water may be purchased from the hotel or convenience store. We regret to inform you that Affordable World is unable to confirm any special meal requests as it is based on the availability of the providing restaurants, hotels, and airlines. Please contact the airlines directly to place special meal requests for your flights.

SHOPPING

Although Affordable World’s national guides will be happy to assist you with any shopping requirements, Affordable World Tours does not assume responsibility for any items purchased at shops while on tour. You are never required to purchase any items while on tour and thus must be responsible for your own purchases. Any after sales correspondence must be between the passenger and the shop in question.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS

National Holidays:

• Jan 1 – New Year
• May 1 – Labor Day
• Oct 1 – National Day

National Festivals

• Chinese Lunar New Year and Spring Festival – 1st day of the 1st lunar month
• Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival) – The 15th day of the 8th lunar month

CLIMATE & CLOTHING:

Since the nation stretches for over 3,000 km from north to south, the weather is varied depending on where and when you travel. Please refer to the below chart for average temperatures in China’s major cities. We suggest travellers pack comfortable, casual clothing and a pair of walking shoes.

LANGUAGE

China has 28 provinces and 28 major dialects; the official language is Mandarin. To make your trip more interesting and rewarding, we have included a list of the most useful phrases in Mandarin.

CHINA TRAVEL INFO For detailed China travel guides & maps please visit: http://www.cnto.org/

CHINA EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER
(+86) 21 6205 3666
(+86) 18964615009

GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

We’d like to remind all guests to check their local state travel guidelines regarding travel restrictions when arriving from international destinations or other US States, as this may vary state by state.
US State Department
Chinese Embassy in the U.S.
U.S. Embassy Beijing
No. 55 An Jia Lou Road
Chaoyang, Beijing
Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(86)(10) 8531-4000
Fax: +(86)(10) 8531-3300
The Embassy consular district includes the municipalities of Beijing, Tianjin, Gansu, Hebei, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Xinjiang, Chongqing, Sichuan, and Tibet.
BeijingACS@state.gov

Critical Emergency Resources/Contact Information

US State Department Emergency: +1-888-407-4747 (US/Canada)
US State Department Emergency: +1-202-501-4444 (International)
International SOS: +1-215-942-8226
Travel Insurance Assistance: Check your policy for 24/7 number

Global Emergency Resources

OSAC Duty Officer: +1-571-345-2223
Global Disaster Alert System: +1-202-647-7500
WHO Emergency Response: +41-22-791-2111
Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies: Country-specific contacts

Disaster-Specific Resources

Earthquake/Tsunami: Pacific Tsunami Warning Center: +1-808-689-8207
Hurricane/Typhoon: National Hurricane Center: +1-305-229-4470
Volcanic Activity: Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers: +44-1392-885680
CDC Travel Health Hotline: +1-800-232-4636

Regional Emergency Resources

Europe: European Emergency Number: 112
Asia Pacific: Country-specific emergency numbers
Africa & Middle East: Country-specific emergency numbers
Our experienced staff of China specialists take pride in providing you with the very best in service and planning. Thank you for choosing Affordable World as your partner in travel. We are confident your trip will be happy and rewarding!

Bon Voyage!