Visas are generally required for everyone entering China. However, citizens of Singapore, Brunei, and Japan who hold ordinary passports are allowed to enter China without visas for up to 15 days for tourism, visiting family or friends, or minor business purposes (not including newsgathering) provided they enter and exit through China’s international ports open to foreigners. All other citizens and situations require a visa. If you are unsure what type of visa to apply for, the local Chinese consulate will look at your papers and the purpose of travel to determine the type of visa you should receive.
Skip to content
Top Tips
| 01 | Stock up on prescription medicine before you relocate since pharmacies here cannot honor an overseas prescription. |
| 02 | An excellent phrasebook that many expats rely on is called “Mandarin Phrasebook” published by Immersion Guides in China. |
| 03 | Try and join the private Yahoo! group, BeijingCafe, which caters to expats. Membership requires invitation by a current member. |
| 04 | If you have a baby, it may be prudent to stock up on infant formulae from your home country before you arrive. |
| 05 | Prepare mentally for the pollution. Consider purchasing an air filter for your home when you arrive. |
Useful links
- http://www.thebeijinger.com
Website of one of the popular monthly expat magazines in the city. - http://www.schoolfu.com
Educational information as well as showcasing blogs focusing on expat family life, work and education. - http://www.nciku.com
An online dictionary with English and Chinese for language learners. - http://www.danwei.org
Danwei is a website about media, advertising and urban life in China.
Interesting fact
| On an average day, the air pollution levels in Beijing are nearly five times above World Health Organization standards for safety. |
