Planning for Travel to China

Entry Requirements for China
To enter China from the United States, you must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay. Make sure your passport has at least two blank visa pages available for any necessarystamps.  China does not require any vaccinations for entry.

You must also register with the police within 24 hours of arrival in China.  Hotel staff will usually register you upon check-in, but be sure to verify with your hotel.

China Visas
A visa is required for American visitors entering China.  U.S. citizens can apply for a ten-year multiple-entry visa. Proof of onward/return travel is required to enter China.

Flying to China
When traveling to China, the most convenient airports are Capital International (PEK) in Beijing and Pudong International (PVG) in Shanghai.  For areas outside these two major cities, please contact us.

Travel Advisories
For updated travel alerts and information, please visit the website of the U.S. State Department, where you can also enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Staying in Beijing or Shanghai
Both Beijing and Shanghai offer several world-class hotels to make for a comfortable, even luxurious, stay in China.  Planet Depos is happy to assist in booking your accommodations.

Medical Information
The standards of medical care in China are not equal to those in the United States.  However, hospitals in major cities do usually have VIP wards which are more modern and staffed with well-trained English-speaking staff.

For up-to-date health information, including health travel alerts, review the Health Information for Travelers to China at U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Money Matters
Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities throughout China (American Express, MasterCard and Visa) but are less likely to be accepted outside of major cities.  The local currency is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY or ¥), and money can be changed at banks.  ATMS are available at hotels, banks, shopping centers and airports.

For up-to-date information on the local conversion rate, visit a reputable currency converter website such as OANDA, which also provides an app for smartphones.

Weather
China’s size makes for a great diversity of climates, but as China is located in the northern hemisphere, the seasons and their timings are comparable to those of the U.S.  Summers are hot and dry in the northeast with bitterly cold winters, while the central region is hot and rainy in summer and chilly in winter.  The southern regions are more tropical in summer and cool in winter.

Beijing is best visited in spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October), when days are warm and sunny.  Winters (November to March) see lots of nippy winds, and summer’s temperatures can soar to roasting heights.

Shanghai is also best visited in spring or autumn when the temperatures are milder (around 65-75°F).  It does rain for much of the year, so always pack an umbrella!  Summers are very hot and humid (around 95°F).

Voltage Information for China
The voltage in China is 220, so you will need to bring adaptors.  The sockets vary in shape, so a portable plug adaptor will be necessary as well for travel to China.