China - Business TravelChina Business Travel
Business Customs
Business/name cards are ubiquitous in Chinese business and will almost always be exchanged upon meeting a stranger in such a context. The card should be held in both hands when offered to the other person; offering it with one hand is considered ill mannered. When receiving a card, use two hands and study it. Acknowledge it with thanks and initiate conversation, when feasible. Use a competent interpreter, to make sure you are communicating correctly and/or understanding the other person correctly. Do not miss an opportunity to develop an appropriate new business contact, as relationships, called guanxi in Mandarin, remain very important in China.Travel Advisory
The threat level for all China posts is considered low for crime and medium for terrorism. Americans should exercise increased caution in China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws as well as special restrictions on dual U.S.-Chinese nationals.
For the most up-to-date information related to traveling and living in China, please see the Department of State’s Country Specific Information on China.
China experiences a moderate rate of crime. Violent crime is less common but does occur. Violent crime affecting the expatriate community most often occurs in the bars and clubs of China’s various nightlife districts. To reach the police in China, dial “110,” the local equivalent of 911. Pickpockets are particularly active in crowded markets and foreigners are often sought out as primary targets. Foreigners have often had bags or backpacks stolen when they set them down momentarily in a shop or put them on a chair in a restaurant; avoid keeping your passport in a bag. Thefts from taxis have also become more common and travelers are especially urged to hold purses or computer bags and to be sure drivers are not given the opportunity to leave with the traveler’s luggage in the car or trunk.
Petty theft from hotel rooms is uncommon but visitors are advised not to leave valuables lying loose or unattended in their rooms. Use safes in rooms or safe deposit boxes at the front desk when provided. Use caution if approached by individuals purporting to be English-language or art students and avoid sellers of pirated or fake products. These transactions are illegal and should be avoided.
Americans arriving without valid passports and Chinese visas are not permitted to enter China and may also be subject to fines. Visitors traveling to China on a single-entry visa should be reminded that trips to Hong Kong or Macau Special Administrative Regions are treated as a visit outside Mainland China. If the traveler tries to return to Mainland China after a visit to one of these two destinations but only has a single-entry visa, they will be denied entry. Visitors facing this dilemma should apply for a new visa at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the China Travel Service in Hong Kong to re-enter China. Transit through China without a visa is permitted in some circumstances, see visa requirement information below, but to avoid problems, check your itinerary and the most recent Chinese visa regulations to be sure your trip meets the regulations. Recent travel advisories and other useful information can be found on the U.S. State Department’s travel website.
If traveling to China, remember to connect with the U.S. Embassy and Consulates through the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Visa Requirements
Entry & Exit• Obtain a visa prior to arrival and have a passport with at least six months' validity remaining. The lack of either will result in a fine and immediate deportation.
• Apply for a ten-year multiple entry visa, useful for repeated travel or trips to Hong Kong or Macau with returns to China.
• You must have a valid visa to exit China and you must leave China before the expiration of the listed duration of stay.
Lack of a visa, having an expired visa or overstaying your visa can result in detention and fines.
• Apply for a visa extension from the Entry/Exit Bureau before attempting to leave the country. Do not expect your request to be expedited, so apply ahead of time.
• Visit the website of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for current visa information.
The Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), requires special permits for tourist travel, most often obtained through a Chinese travel agent. If you do enter a restricted area without the requisite permit, you could be fined, taken into custody, and deported for illegal entry. To learn more about specific entry requirements for Tibet or other restricted areas, check with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of China.
Transiting China
• When transiting certain international airports, you may stay in mainland China without a Chinese visa.
• The duration of allowed stay and how broadly you may travel varies by region.
• Transiting without a visa requires a valid passport, a visa for your onward destination (if necessary), and an onward ticket from the same location.
• You must inform your airline upon check-in, and get an endorsement stamp at the immigration desk before leaving the airport.
• Consult the Chinese Embassy/consulate for a current list of eligible airports and more detailed guidance.
During Your Stay
• Failure to register with the police within 24 hours of arrival in the country could result in fines and deportation. You can register with hotel staff or the local police station.
• Carry your valid U.S. passport and Chinese visa or residence permit at all times.
• Entry and exit requirements are strictly enforced, as are restrictions on activities allowed by any particular visa class.
• Police, school administrators, transportation officials, and hotel staff may check your visa to make sure you have not overstayed. If you overstay your visa’s duration of stay, you may be denied service by hotels, airports and train stations, be charged an RMB 500 fine per day up to a maximum of RMB 10,000 and face possible detention.
If you encounter problems in Tibet, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide assistance, as the Chinese government does not usually authorize U.S. government personnel to travel there, even to provide consular assistance to U.S. citizens.
Dual Nationality: China does not recognize dual nationality.
If you are a dual national of the United States and China, the Chinese government will usually not permit the U.S. Embassy to provide consular assistance to you unless you entered China on a U.S. passport with a valid Chinese visa. Regardless of your travel documents, if you are a dual national, or otherwise have ethnic or historical ties to China, it is possible that Chinese authorities will assert that you are a Chinese citizen and deny your access to U.S. consular representatives if you are detained.
If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen or have a possible claim to Chinese citizenship, and you are traveling to China, you should ensure that you are well informed about Chinese law and practices relating to determination and loss of Chinese citizenship, including the possible need to formally renounce Chinese citizenship, cancel a household register (“hukou”), etc. Chinese authorities generally consider a child born in China to at least one Chinese parent to be a Chinese citizen, even if the child was issued a U.S. passport at the time of birth. If you have or had a claim to Chinese citizenship and your child is born in China, prior to departing China with your child, you should contact the local Public Security Bureau and/or Entry-Exit Bureau for information on obtaining a travel document.
Information about dual nationality can be found on our website. Contact the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for specific information on China’s immigration and nationality laws.
CurrencyThe People’s Republic of China’s currency is officially called the Renminbi (RMB) and is also known as the Yuan. Colloquially, locals and expatriates may use the Chinese word “kuai,” as in “that book is 50 kuai.” The distribution of counterfeit Chinese currency continues to plague official and private Americans. Unsuspecting Americans are passed fraudulent notes at restaurants, stores, and taxi cabs. Large numbers of 100 RMB and 50 RMB counterfeit notes continue to circulate, while even fake 20 RMB and 10 RMB (roughly three and two dollars respectively) denominations have been introduced in Beijing and other parts of the country.
Telecommunications/Electric
International and domestic phone calls can be made with little difficulty in China, particularly in the major cities. International and domestic calls can typically be made directly from hotel rooms and phone cards and SIM cards are widely available. Phones can be rented at the airport arrival terminals for short term use.City Codes
Cities shown are where the U.S. Government has an Embassy or Consulate. For calls made within China, add a “0” before the city code. For calls made to China, dial “86” before the city code. When calling China from the United States, add “011” before the country code.
Beijing: 10
Chengdu: 28
Guangzhou: 20
Shanghai: 21
Shenyang: 24
Wuhan: 27
Hong Kong: 852
Local Directory Assistance (some English): 114
Other Numbers (Emergencies)
U.S. Embassy: 011-86 10-8531-3000. Within Beijing, dial 8531-3000 (American Citizen Services) and listen for the menu options. For after-hours emergencies only, dial 8531-3000, and ask the operator or the Marine Guard receiving the call to let you speak to the Duty Officer.
Additional important information, including travel advisories, can be found at the Misson China’s U.S. Citizen Service’s website.
Emergency/Fire (Chinese & English): 119
Police (Chinese & English): 110
Medical Emergency (Chinese & English): 120
All visitors should be aware that they have no expectation of privacy in public or private locations. The U.S. Embassy regularly receives reports of human and technical monitoring of U.S. citizens.
All means of communication--telephones, mobile phones, faxes, e-mails, text messages, etc.--are likely monitored. The government has access to the infrastructure operated by the limited number of internet service providers (ISPs) and wireless providers. Wireless access to the Internet in major metropolitan areas is becoming more common.
Transportation
TaxisMetered taxis are plentiful and can be hailed along most main streets, especially near hotels and major sightseeing attractions. Taxis are a convenient and inexpensive means of transport, especially if you have your destination address written in Chinese. Transportation is easily arranged at the front door of the hotel. Concierge desks have cards with the name and address of the hotel in Chinese and can assist with giving instructions to the taxi driver. The use of unregistered or “black” taxi cabs continues to be a concern. In a limited number of cases, Americans using “black” taxi cabs have reported being sexually assaulted, have had their luggage stolen, or have been charged exorbitant fares.
Didi
Didi, China’s version of Uber, has become increasingly popular. Didi is an app-based transportation service provider based in Beijing. Didi has over 550 million users in over 400 cities around China. Didi’s services in China include taxi hailing, private car hailing, ride-sharing, and bike sharing via Ofo. Didi cars are very popular in most Chinese cities. Didi has an English version of their app that can be linked to a foreign credit card as well as a foreign phone number. Didi Express cars, the cheapest and most popular option, tend to be similar in price to metered taxis if not cheaper. Didi cars are metered, with an estimate given before starting the trip. Payment is made through the app.
Airlines
| Airline | Number | Note |
| American Airlines | 400-818-7333 | Press “2” for English |
| Cathay Pacific/ Dragon Air | 400-888-6628 | (86 10) 6453-2566 (airport office) |
| Japan Airlines | 400-888-5301 | |
| Korean Airlines | 400-658-8888 | Press “3” for English |
| Malaysian Airlines | +85-2300-10736 | |
| Delta Airlines | 400-120-2364 | Press “3” English |
| Qantas | 800-819-9495 | Press “2” for English |
| Singapore Airlines | (86 10) 6505-2233 | Press “2” for English |
| Thai Airways | (86 10) 8515-0088 | Press “0” for English |
| United Airlines | 400-883-4288 | Press “3” for English |
| Vietnam Airlines | +84-127-668-7977 |
Please be advised that while air connections within China are plentiful, the frequency and length of delays has steadily worsened over the past couple years. It is not uncommon for an internal flight to be delayed for hours. Be sure to confirm which airport/terminal your departure flight will use in Beijing (Terminal 2 or Terminal 3) or in Shanghai (Hongqiao or Pudong) as they are miles apart.
Language
Mandarin Chinese is the national language, spoken by over 70% of Chinese. Other than Mandarin there are six major Chinese dialects, as well as numerous local dialects.Pinyin refers to the standardized Romanization system used to represent the pronunciation of Chinese characters; it is used throughout China on signs. Simplified Chinese characters are written the same across Mainland China despite being pronounced differently in each dialect. For business purposes, it is important to provide contacts with bilingual business cards, usually with Chinese characters on one side, English on the other. Titles and company names should be translated with care into Chinese to ensure a positive meaning.
Cantonese is often spoken in southern China and Hong Kong.
Health
Western-style medical facilities with international staff are available in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and a few other large cities. Many other hospitals in major Chinese cities have so-called VIP wards (gaogan bingfang). These feature reasonably up-to-date medical technology and physicians who are both knowledgeable and skilled. Most VIP wards also provide medical services to foreigners and have English-speaking doctors and nurses.Most hospitals in China will not accept medical insurance from the United States, with the exception of the following hospitals:
• Beijing United Family Hospital,
• Beijing Friendship Hospital,
• International Medical Center in Beijing,
• Peking Union Medical Center, and
• Shanghai Family Health United.
Travelers will be asked to post a deposit prior to admission to cover the expected cost of treatment. Hospitals in major cities may accept credit cards for payment. Even in the VIP/Foreigner wards of major hospitals, however, American patients have frequently encountered difficulty due to language, cultural, and regulatory differences. Physicians and hospitals have sometimes refused to supply American patients with complete copies of their Chinese hospital medical records, including laboratory test results, scans, and x-rays. All Americans traveling to China are strongly encouraged to buy foreign medical care and medical evacuation insurance prior to arrival. Travelers who want a list of medical facilities in China that will treat foreigners can access that information at the Embassy’s website. Information for consular districts can be accessed by clicking “locations” in the upper right-hand corner of this site.
Ambulances do not carry sophisticated medical equipment, and ambulance personnel generally have little or no medical training. Therefore, injured or seriously ill Americans may be required to take taxis or other immediately available vehicles to the nearest major hospital rather than waiting for ambulances to arrive. In rural areas, only rudimentary medical facilities are generally available. Rural clinics are often reluctant to accept responsibility for treating foreigners, even in emergency situations.Medical Insurance
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless on a reimbursable basis or if supplemental coverage is purchased. Furthermore, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for any medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S., or even to Hong Kong, may cost well in excess of $100,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Raffles Medical Clinic, UnitedHealthcare Global, and Heathrow Air Ambulance offer medical insurance policies designed for travelers.
Raffles Medical Clinic Beijing (Formerly Beijing International SOS Clinic)
Address: Suite 105, Wing 1, Kunsha Building, No 16 Xinyuanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100027, China
Telephone: (86 10) 6462-9112
UnitedHealthcare Global (Formerly MEDEX Assistance Corporation)Email: safetrip_info@uhcglobal.com
U.S. toll free:1-800-732-5309
International: 1-410-453-6380
Immediate assistance:
Email: assistance@uhcglobal.com
U.S. toll free: 1-800-527-0218
International: 1-410-453-6330
Address: 8501 LaSalle Road, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21286, USA
Heathrow Air Ambulance
Heathrow is an air evacuation service with offices in the United States and England. Travelers can pre-arrange air evacuation insurance and other emergency travel assistance. This service also has a business plan to assist foreigners who lack travel insurance.
Address: Heathrow Air Ambulance Service, 15554 FM, Suite 195 Houston, TX. 77095-2704.
Telephone: 1-800-513-5192
Fax: 1-832-934-2395.
E-mail: info@heathrowairambulance.com
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad.
Other Health Information
Air pollution is a significant problem throughout China. Travelers should consult their doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on them. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates have air quality monitors to measure PM 2.5 particulates as an indication of the air quality at the following website: http://www.stateair.net/
Poor sterilization practices are problems in China, contributing to transmission of diseases such as hepatitis, which is endemic in China. In order to protect themselves from blood and other tissue borne disease such as hepatitis and HIV, travelers should always ask doctors and dentists to use sterilized equipment and be prepared to pay for new syringe needles in hospitals or clinics. Tuberculosis is endemic in China.
Most roads and towns in Tibet, Qinghai, parts of Xinjiang, and western Sichuan are situated at altitudes over 10,000 feet. Travelers in these areas should seek medical advice in advance of travel, allow time for acclimatization to the high altitude, and remain alert to signs of altitude sickness.
In 2018, the State Department received medical confirmation that a U.S. government employee in China experienced a constellation of symptoms and findings similar to the affected U.S. government personnel and family members in Cuba, though it is unknown if the cause is the same. As a result of additional voluntary medical screenings, the Department had sent 15 individuals to the United States for further evaluation. Of those 15, 14 were found not to have a constellation of symptoms and objectives findings similar to that of the Havana Cohort. One individual is indeterminate. In the many months since the medical confirmation of symptoms in Guangzhou, the same constellation of symptoms has not been seen in anyone else in China. While the symptoms are similar to those personnel affected in Cuba, it is not known if the cause is the same.
While on travel in China, if the traveler experiences any unusual, unexplained physical symptoms or events, auditory or sensory phenomena, or other health concerns, they should contact their health care provider to determine whether a medical evaluation and/or treatment is advisable. Symptoms to be attentive for include dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, fatigue, cognitive issues, visual problems, ear complaints and hearing loss, and difficulty sleeping.
Prior to departing for China, travelers are advised to consult the CDC’s traveler’s health website, prior to departing for China.
Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays
Time throughout China is set to Beijing time, which is eight hours ahead of GMT/UTC. When it’s noon in Beijing it’s also noon in far-off Lhasa, Urumqi, and all other parts of the country. However, western China does follow a later work schedule to coincide with daylight hours.Business Hours
China officially has a five-day work week, although some businesses stretch to six days. Offices and government departments are normally open Monday to Friday between 8:30 AM and 5 PM, with some closing for one or two hours in the middle of the day.
Embassy Holidays for 2019
The Embassy is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are closed on the following American and Chinese holidays in 2019 and 2020:| Note | Holiday | Dates | Weekdays |
| *** | New Year’s Day | January 1 | Tuesday |
| * | Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday | January 21 | Monday |
| ** | Chinese (Lunar) New Year | February 4-7 | Monday-Thursday |
| * | Presidents’ Day | February 18 | Monday |
| * | Tomb Sweeping Day | April 5 | Friday |
| ** | International Labor Day | May 1 | Wednesday |
| * | Memorial Day | May 27 | Monday |
| ** | Dragon Boat Festival | June 7 | Friday |
| * | Independence Day | July 4 | Thursday |
| * | Labor Day | September 2 | Monday |
| ** | Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival | September 30-Oct 3 | Monday-Thursday |
| * | Columbus Day | October 14 | Monday |
| * | Veterans Day | November 11 | Monday |
| * | Thanksgiving Day | November 28 | Thursday |
| * | Christmas Day | December 25 | Wednesday |
**Chinese Holidays
***American and Chinese Holidays 2019 Embassy Holiday Schedule
Please note that this schedule is subject to change if the PRC government makes any adjustments to legally-recognized Chinese holidays.
Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings
Although travelers will notice that China Customs officials at the airports do not routinely subject baggage to careful inspection upon arrival, random searches are possible. China allows an individual to import 400 cigarettes (600, if they are staying more than six months), 100 cigars, two bottles of wine or spirits (verify current allowable quantity at the duty free shop before you purchase), and a reasonable amount of perfume. Cash amounts exceeding $5,000 (or equivalent in other foreign currency) should be declared.Chinese law prohibits the import of cold cuts and fresh fruit. There are limits on other items, such as herbal medicine, that can be taken out of the country. Rare animals and plants cannot be exported. Cultural relics, handicrafts, gold and silver ornaments, and jewelry purchased in China have to be shown to customs upon leaving China. If these items are deemed to be “cultural treasures” they will be confiscated.It is illegal to import any printed material, film, and tapes, etc. that are “detrimental to China’s political, economic, cultural, or ethical interests.” Tapes, books or DVDs that “contain state secrets or are otherwise prohibited for export” can also be seized on departing China.
Web Resources
U.S. Embassy BeijingU.S. Foreign Commercial Service, China
China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)
Chinese Ministry of Commerce
American Chamber of Commerce China (AmCham)
U.S.-China Business Council
Chinese Government
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