Where to Stay in China: Hotels, Check-In, and Registration
Choosing the right accommodation in China can seem daunting for first-time travelers. Knowing which hotels accept foreigners and understanding the check-in and police registration processes will help ensure a smooth stay.
Booking Hotels in China
For an easy experience, use platforms like Trip.com, Booking.com, or Agoda. These sites offer English support, accept foreign credit cards, and provide a wide selection of hotels that cater to international guests. Always save your booking confirmation and the hotel's name and address in Chinese for showing to taxi or DiDi drivers.
Which Hotels Accept Foreigners
The requirement for hotels to have a special license to host foreigners was removed in 2024. However, some small or budget hotels might still refuse foreign guests due to outdated systems. To avoid issues, favor international hotel chains or higher-tier accommodations, especially in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. If you're unsure about a small hotel's policy, call ahead or check reviews on international booking sites.
Check-In Process and What to Expect
When checking in, present your passport, which must match the name on your booking. Expect a refundable deposit, either as a card hold or cash, which you'll get back upon checkout. Reception will scan your passport to register you with the local police, a normal procedure for all foreign guests. Keep your room key-card handy as it often operates room and lift power.
Police Registration Requirements
Foreigners must register their address with local police within 24 hours of arriving in a new city. Staying in a hotel, hostel, or guesthouse simplifies this, as they handle the registration upon check-in. If staying in a private home, like a rental or with friends, you'll need to register yourself at the local police station, unless online registration is available in cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
What to Expect in Chinese Hotel Rooms
Most hotel rooms in China provide a free electric kettle, as tap water isn't safe to drink — boil it or use bottled. Firm mattresses are the norm. Towels are standard even at budget hotels, but free disposable toiletries are increasingly limited: cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen ban hotels from stocking them by default to cut waste, so pack your own toothbrush and toothpaste (or just ask reception, where they're free on request). The star rating system is inconsistent, so rely on recent reviews to gauge quality.
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