Before You Leave Home

Part of the Travel section of A Better Guide to Běijīng’s Practical A–Z

Check your passport: To obtain a China visa you must have at least six month’s validity remaining on your passport and two blank pages.

Buy a visa: Unless you are planning to enter China through Hong Kong (in which case it is more convenient for most nationalities to buy a visa there), or are travelling for more than 60 days en route to China, check your local consulate for the latest regulations, book an appointment in advance if necessary, and buy your visa a month before you leave home. See Entry Formalities.

Get immunised: Unless you are very well travelled you’ll likely need multiple immunisations which should be spread over several months. Enquire now. See Health. And buy N95 or better masks in case of severe pollution.

Contact your bank: If you are planning to use a debit, credit, or bank machine (ATM) card in China, tell your bank and card issuer before you leave. Check charges on foreign transactions, and PIN compatibility. See Money and Prices.

Buy insurance: Purchase a policy that includes air evacuation.

Unlock your mobile phone if you plan to use it in China. See Telephones.

Check public holidays: You may need to alter the order in which you do things, or your plans for moving around China, if you have chosen to be in Běijīng during a major public holiday. See Festivals and Public Holidays.

Next in Travel: Entry Formalities
Index of Practical A–Z
Main Index of A Better Guide to Beijing.

For moderated on-line discussion of China travel, join The Oriental-List.