China Beach Holidays
Hainan's tropical sands, the South China Sea, and thousands of kilometres of Pacific coastline. Get flights and travel tips for your China trip.
€1 = ¥7.72
Today
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Weather in China
Fri
Sat
Sun
SPF level in China
Autumn
SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 15
Entry requirements for China
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
China is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport with you as police conduct random checks and do not accept printed copies.
Be aware of common scams like the 'tea tasting' or 'massage' scam in popular tourist areas where you can be overcharged and threatened.
Never leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers due to risks of drink spiking and sexual assault.
Take care of your belongings at major tourist sites and other busy places where petty crime can occur.
Avoid physical altercations as penalties can include fines or detention regardless of who was initially responsible.
Bonus tips:
Check your accommodation has working fire and carbon monoxide alarms as safety standards can differ.
Familiarise yourself with QR code risks as QR code phishing is a common method used by scammers.
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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 the 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 China from the UK, dial 00 86 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
No. 11 Guanghua Lu, Jianwai Diplomatic Residence Compound, Beijing, 100600
Phone
+86 (10) 5192 4000
Website
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
Beijing Capital International Airport
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
Recent updates
Safety
Drones are now strictly regulated. You must check registration and use rules with the Civil Aviation Administration of China before travel.
Beaches in China
No beaches listed for China yet.
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.