The Ministry of Foreign Affairs classifies overseas safety risks into four levels, with the highest level labeled “Do Not Travel.” As of September 15,…
Cost
It’s free. Simply browse the Chinese Consular Service website — it takes just a few minute…
Benefit
The Ministry publishes safety advisories ranked from low to high risk: “Exercise Caution,”…
There is only one main hotline to call for help in an emergency. Inside China, dial 12308; abroad, call +86-10-12308. Since this hotline launched, it …
Cost
No cost at all. Saving two numbers and writing one copy down takes just a few minutes.
Benefit
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs operates a 24-hour global emergency hotline for consular p…
If you’re arrested abroad, what consulates can do is verify your situation locally, demand fair and lawful treatment, visit you, and attend court hear…
Cost
No cost at all. It only takes a few minutes to clearly understand these boundaries.
Benefit
When you’re detained, consulates can take several concrete actions. They can check your si…
Medical expenses incurred abroad must be paid out of pocket. Domestic medical insurance rarely covers such costs, and embassies or consulates will not…
Cost
A short‑term travel insurance policy covering overseas medical needs typically costs anywh…
Benefit
Without adequate coverage, overseas medical treatment, extended hospitalization after trau…
Offers with unrealistically high monthly salaries, no educational or experience requirements, no formal contracts, instructions to gather at a border …
Cost
No money is required. The hard part is turning down what seems like a great job offer.
Benefit
Authorities have made it clear how to handle these cases. Recent statements note that peop…
The annual cash withdrawal limit of 100,000 RMB for overseas use applies to all bank cards registered under your name, including supplementary cards. …
Cost
There is no direct cost. Estimate how much cash you’ll need before you travel, then rely o…
Benefit
This rule is set out in the Notice on Regulating Large-Scale Cash Withdrawals via Bank Car…
If your passport is lost, the embassy or consulate can issue a travel document allowing you to return home, provided you can prove your identity. Havi…
Cost
No cost involved. Simply take a few photos before you depart.
Benefit
When a passport is lost, foreign embassies or consulates can issue a travel document for r…
Online services offering “international driver’s permits” hold no legal validity in mainland China. Such permits are merely translations recognized am…
Cost
No cost at all. Simply check local regulations before you travel.
Benefit
An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is essentially a translation of a driver’s license,…
Starting September 15, 2026, agencies handling visa applications, study abroad programs, or immigration must register with immigration authorities. Pr…
Cost
There is no cost. Simply ask whether the agency is registered, and keep any written docume…
Benefit
In 2018, China abolished the licensing requirement for private immigration agencies, meani…
Issuing an invitation letter or application documents on someone else’s behalf with false information makes the issuer legally liable. Individuals fac…
Cost
No monetary cost. The hard part is politely declining such a request in person.
Benefit
Anyone who issues an invitation letter must ensure its contents are truthful. The original…
If a traveler goes missing overseas, their family can turn to Chinese diplomatic missions for help. These missions provide relatives with local police…
Cost
No cost at all. Simply send a message before you leave.
Benefit
When a Chinese citizen goes missing abroad, family members may seek help from Chinese dipl…
Common prescription and over-the-counter medicines (such as ADHD medication, psychiatric drugs, codeine cough syrup, or cold medicines containing pseu…
Cost
Free. Involves spending 15–30 minutes checking the official health/customs website of your…
Benefit
International regulations on personal pharmaceutical imports vary drastically. For instanc…
Enlarge illustration