Travelling in China
Practical advice for New Zealand travellers, from entry rules to paying for a bowl of noodles.
Visas and entry
New Zealand passport holders can currently visit China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business visits or visiting family. The policy is reviewed by the Chinese government periodically, and we confirm the entry rules for every departure.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date you leave China. On arrival you complete an arrival card and have your fingerprints taken at immigration.
Payments and apps
China runs on mobile payments. Alipay and WeChat Pay both accept New Zealand Visa and Mastercard cards, and setting them up takes a few minutes before you leave. Your specialist sends step-by-step instructions with your travel documents.
Cash in Chinese yuan is still accepted almost everywhere and is useful for markets and small purchases. Card payments work in most international hotels.
Staying connected
Roaming with a New Zealand provider or a travel eSIM gives you data from the moment you land. Some services used in New Zealand, including Google and many social media apps, are restricted on Chinese networks. Roaming and most travel eSIMs are not affected in the same way.
Health and insurance
No vaccinations are compulsory for entry from New Zealand. Check with your GP about routine vaccinations at least six weeks before you travel, and bring any prescription medicines in their original packaging.
Comprehensive travel insurance is required for all travellers. Some itineraries include high-altitude destinations such as Shangri-La and Jiuzhaigou, so let your specialist know about any medical conditions.
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable seasons for most regions, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Autumn is especially beautiful in Jiuzhaigou and Huangshan.
Avoid the first week of May and the first week of October if you can. These national holidays are the busiest travel periods in China.
Common questions
Do New Zealanders need a visa for China?
New Zealand passport holders can currently enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism. Your passport needs at least six months of validity after your return date and a blank page. Entry rules can change, so we confirm the requirements again before every departure.
Can I use my New Zealand credit card in China?
Larger hotels and some shops accept international cards, but most everyday payments in China are made with Alipay or WeChat Pay. Both apps now accept New Zealand Visa and Mastercard cards. Bringing some Chinese yuan in cash is also useful.
Will my phone work in China?
Most New Zealand mobile plans offer international roaming in China. Alternatively, a travel eSIM can be installed before you leave. Some websites and apps commonly used in New Zealand are restricted in China, which your specialist will explain before departure.
Is China safe for New Zealand travellers?
China is generally a safe destination for visitors, with low levels of street crime in the cities on our itineraries. Your guide is with the group throughout the trip, and the Auckland team can be reached at any time.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical costs, cancellation and personal belongings is required for every traveller on our group tours.
What is the best time to visit China?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring mild weather to most regions. Summer is hot and humid in much of the country, and the national holidays in early May and early October are the busiest travel periods.
Have a question that is not answered here? Ask a specialist.