Saily eSIM for China
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5,059 mi away
£1 CN¥9.27
Today
6:24 pm
+8h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in China
China
25°
Overcast
Sat
16°
25°
Sun
15°
33°
Mon
20°
32°
Tue
20°
33°
Wed
23°
38°
Thu
23°
33°
Fri
19°
26°
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 visa free for stays of up to 30 days for tourism until 31 December 2026.
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 must register your place of residence with the local authorities within 24 hours of arrival, which a hotel will do for you.
You may need to pass through medical screening such as body temperature scanning on entry to China.
Good to know:
If you were born in China to a Chinese parent, you may be treated as a Chinese citizen even if you enter on a British passport.
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
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.
Stay connected on your trip
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.
No vaccinations required
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
UK adapter needed
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
Chinese(primary)
UK Embassy
British Embassy Beijing
No. 11 Guanghua Lu, Jianwai Diplomatic Residence Compound, Beijing, 100600
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
15 days ago
Visa requirements
- Holders of Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are now explicitly not allowed to enter China without a visa.
- Information on visa-free access to Hainan and visa-free transit options has been removed.
Airports in China
Beaches in China
Frequently asked questions
Yes, British citizens require a visa to enter mainland China. You should apply for the appropriate visa type based on the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, etc.) through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
China is generally a safe country for tourists. However, be aware of petty theft, particularly in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. It's also wise to avoid discussing sensitive political topics. Stay informed about local laws and customs to avoid unintentional offenses.
The best time to visit China is generally during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) months. The weather is mild and comfortable in most regions during these periods. Avoid the summer months (June-August) due to high heat and humidity, and the winter months (November-March) due to cold temperatures, especially in northern China.
The local currency is the Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY). Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in the UK, particularly outside of major hotels and restaurants. It's best to carry cash and a debit card. Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your cards. WeChat Pay and Alipay are very popular.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you'll likely be doing a lot of sightseeing. Pack clothing appropriate for the season. Business attire is generally conservative. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially if you plan to travel to different regions.
Be wary of tea house scams, where tourists are lured into expensive tea ceremonies. Avoid unofficial taxi drivers and always use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps. Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering tours or services at unusually low prices. Always agree on a price upfront before accepting any service.
Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience. Some useful phrases include 'Ni Hao' (hello), 'Xie Xie' (thank you), 'Bu Keqi' (you're welcome), 'Duoshao Qian?' (how much?), and 'Qing Wen' (excuse me). A translation app can also be helpful.
Chinese cuisine varies significantly by region. Be adventurous and try different local dishes. Chopsticks are the main eating utensil; learn how to use them politely. It is customary to share dishes. Avoid sticking your chopsticks straight up in a bowl of rice, as it resembles a funeral offering. Tipping is generally not expected in most restaurants.
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.