Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions. See specific risks and conditions in each jurisdiction. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[86] (10) 8531-3000; US Embassy in Beijing, 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600, China; https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/; BeijingACS@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
86
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 120; Fire: 119; Police: 110, 122 (traffic accident)
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north
Currency (Code)
Renminbi yuan (RMB)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, C, I
Major Languages
Standard Chinese or Mandarin, Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages
Major Religions
folk religion 21.9%, Buddhist 18.3%, Christian 5.2%, Muslim 2%, Hindu < 0.1%, Jewish < 0.1%
Time Difference
UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); note: despite its size, all of China falls within 1 time zone
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
An IDP is not recognized. Tourists are not allowed to drive in China.
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Classical Gardens of Suzhou; Potala Palace; Shanghai's Promenade; Hangzhou's Historic West Lake; Qing Zhao Mausoleum; Leshan Giant Buddha; Hong Kong Skyline; Zhangjiajie National Forest Park; Great Wall; Terracotta Army; Forbidden City; Summer Palace; Tiananmen Square; Longmen Grottoes
Major Sports
Basketball, table tennis, volleyball
Cultural Practices
Give and receive everything with two hands.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not officially recognized, though the practice has become increasingly common among tour guides, top-end restaurants, tour bus drivers, and hotel staff. Tipping about 10% is appreciated. Make sure a service charge has not already been included. Taxi drivers often do not accept tips.
Souvenirs
Silk items, jade and pearl items, calligraphy sets, antique ceramics, designer fashions, electronics
Traditional Cuisine
Peking Roast Duck — maltose syrup (a natural sweetener produced from fermented grains) glazed-duck roasted until brown; the skin is served dipped in a sugar-garlic sauce and the meat is served with sweet bean sauce, spring onions, pancakes, and cucumber sticks
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, September 06, 2023
