£1 CN¥9.25
Today
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Weather & climate
Weather in China
China
17°
Slight rain showers
Thu
14°
17°
Fri
13°
23°
Sat
14°
27°
Sun
14°
24°
Mon
10°
22°
Tue
11°
24°
Wed
12°
22°
SPF level in China
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for China
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date and have 2 blank pages.
You can enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days for tourism until 31 December 2026.
If you travel for reasons other than business, tourism, family visits, or transit, or for stays over 30 days, you must apply for a visa before your trip.
If you are aged 14 to 70 and need a visa, you must apply online and attend a visa application centre in person for fingerprinting.
You may be subject to medical screening on arrival, such as temperature checks or swab tests, and refusal of entry for non-compliance.
Good to know:
You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival, which a hotel will typically do for you.
If you're coming from a country listed as a yellow fever transmission risk, you must have a vaccination certificate to enter China.
Safety in China
Tips when travelling
China is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport with you as police conduct random checks and may fine or detain you if you cannot show it.
Do not leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers to avoid drink spiking and personal attacks.
Be aware of scams like the 'tea tasting' scam where friendly strangers invite you to a bar or tea house and then demand a large fee.
Be cautious when paying with cash, especially 100 renminbi notes, as counterfeit banknotes are common and banks will not replace them.
Check your accommodation has working fire alarms and clear fire exits, as fire protection standards may differ from the UK.
Bonus tips:
Avoid unmarked or unmetered taxis due to incidents of sexual assault and robbery; always insist on paying the metered fare and get a receipt.
If you get into any physical altercation, you could face fines or detention regardless of who was initially responsible.
More information
Driving in China
A valid international driving permit (IDP) is required in addition to your UK driving license. You'll also typically need to obtain a temporary Chinese driver's license.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
30-50 km/h (can vary by city and road type)
Alcohol limit
0.02% (very strict)
Remember: China drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in China
As a British tourist, you will need travel insurance that covers medical expenses in China. The GHIC/EHIC card is not applicable in China. Ensure your policy has sufficient coverage for any potential medical emergencies, including repatriation.
It is recommended to consult your doctor regarding vaccinations and other health precautions well in advance of your trip. Tap water is not safe to drink; drink bottled or boiled water instead. Air pollution is a concern in many cities; check air quality reports and take necessary precautions if you have respiratory issues. Food hygiene standards may differ from the UK.
Cards & payments
Card payments are increasingly common in larger cities, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and major tourist attractions. However, cash is still widely used, especially in smaller establishments, markets, and taxis. Acceptance can vary considerably.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in China
Tipping is not a widespread practice in China, especially in mainland China. However, there are some exceptions, particularly in tourist-oriented services within larger cities.
Restaurant
Tipping is generally not expected in local restaurants. In high-end establishments catering to tourists, a small tip (5-10%) may be appreciated for exceptional service, but it's not customary.
Bar/Café
Tipping is not expected in bars or cafés.
Taxi
Tipping taxi drivers is not customary.
Hotel Porter
A small tip (10-20 CNY) for porters who assist with luggage is appreciated in higher-end hotels.
Hotel Housekeeper
Tipping hotel housekeepers is not a common practice.
Tour Guide
Tipping tour guides is becoming more common, especially for private tours. A tip of 50-100 CNY per person per day is considered reasonable for good service.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK citizens. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in China. Roaming can be very expensive.
Local SIM
10GB for 200 CNY (~£22)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in China
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type C, Type I
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities. Public WiFi networks often require a local phone number for registration.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is generally good in urban areas. Some websites and social media platforms may be blocked due to internet censorship. Consider using a VPN for unrestricted access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
110
Ambulance
120
Fire
119
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling China
Country code
+86
To call a Beijing number 1234 5678, you would dial 00 86 10 1234 5678 (10 is the area code for Beijing).
Always include the country code +86 when calling from outside of China. Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas.
Language in China
UK Embassy
British Embassy Beijing
No. 11 Guanghua Lu, Jianwai Diplomatic Residence Compound, Beijing, 100600
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
20 days ago
Visa
- UK citizens can now enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits or transit until 31 December 2026.
- For stays longer than 30 days or for reasons like work or study, you must apply for a visa in advance.
Entry Procedures
- Immigration authorities may now collect biometric data like fingerprints and photos upon entry.
- You may now need to pass through medical screening on arrival, including temperature checks or tests.
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.