Frequently Asked Questions

China Travel FAQ for Foreign Travelers Visiting Sichuan and Chongqing

Planning your first trip to China? If you are visiting Sichuan or Chongqing, you may have questions about visas, mobile payments, hotel check-in, high-speed trains, safety, driving rules and what to prepare before arrival.

This China travel FAQ for foreign travelers answers the most common questions international visitors ask before traveling to Chengdu, Chongqing and Southwest China.

Entry, visa, payment and transport rules may change, so travelers should always check official sources or ask a local travel expert before departure.

1. Do I need a visa to visit China?

Many foreign travelers need a visa to visit China, but some visitors may qualify for visa-free entry or visa-free transit depending on nationality, travel route, destination and length of stay.

China’s National Immigration Administration states that eligible citizens from 55 countries may use the 240-hour visa-free transit policy if they hold valid international travel documents and confirmed onward tickets to a third country or region. Eligible travelers may enter through designated ports and stay in approved areas for up to 10 days.

There is also a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for foreigners transiting through China to third countries or regions, provided they hold valid travel documents and onward international flight, ship or train tickets with confirmed seats, and do not leave restricted port areas unless permitted.

For Sichuan and Chongqing travelers, the key things to check are:

• Your nationality
• Your arrival airport or port
• Your onward travel route
• Your length of stay
• Whether your trip is tourism, transit, business or another purpose
• Whether Chengdu or Chongqing is included in the permitted stay area

2. Can foreigners use WeChat Pay or Alipay in China?

Yes. Foreign travelers can use mobile payment services in China, including Alipay and WeChat Pay, if they complete the required setup and link supported payment methods.

China’s official payment service guide for overseas visitors states that visitors have several payment options, including mobile payments, bank cards and cash. It also notes that foreign users can link international credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, to Alipay and WeChat Pay.

However, travelers should not rely on only one payment method. In practice, the best setup is:

• Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to an international card
• Some RMB cash for backup
• A foreign credit or debit card for hotels, airports or larger businesses
• A local guide or travel provider contact in case payment issues occur

Mobile payment is especially useful in Chengdu and Chongqing for taxis, metro tickets, restaurants, convenience stores, attractions and local snacks.

3. Is Sichuan and Chongqing safe for international travelers?

Sichuan and Chongqing are generally safe for international travelers, including first-time visitors, families and solo travelers. Major tourist areas such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Leshan, Mount Emei and Jiuzhaigou are commonly visited by domestic and international tourists.

That said, visitors should still follow normal travel safety practices:

• Keep your passport and valuables secure
• Carry a copy or photo of your passport and visa
• Use licensed taxis, official ride-hailing apps or arranged transfers
• Avoid unlicensed cars at airports and railway stations
• Save your hotel address in Chinese
• Keep emergency numbers available
• Check weather and road conditions before visiting mountain areas
• Use a local guide for remote or high-altitude routes

For western Sichuan, safety planning is more important because some routes involve high altitude, mountain roads, long driving distances and changing weather. For Chongqing, allow extra time for transportation because the city has many hills, bridges, tunnels and multi-level roads.

Useful emergency numbers in China include:

• Police: 110
• Ambulance: 120
• Fire: 119
• Traffic police: 122

4. Can I travel independently in China?

Yes, many foreign travelers can travel independently in China, especially in major cities such as Chengdu and Chongqing. High-speed trains, metro systems, hotels, airports and major attractions are well developed. However, independent travel in China can be challenging if you are not familiar with:

• Chinese-language apps
• Mobile payment setup
• Train ticket booking
• Hotel check-in with a foreign passport
• Local navigation
• Limited English in some restaurants, taxis and regional destinations
• Scenic routes in mountain areas

Independent travel works best for city stays in Chengdu and Chongqing. For destinations such as western Sichuan, Mount Siguniang, Kangding, Tagong, Daocheng Yading or remote photography routes, a private guide or car with driver is usually easier and safer.

A good middle option is semi-independent travel: book hotels and city time independently, but use local support for airport transfers, train tickets, food experiences, day trips and mountain routes.

5. Do hotels in China accept foreign passports?

Many hotels in China accept foreign passports, especially international hotels, major city hotels and hotels that regularly receive overseas guests. However, not every small hotel, guesthouse or local accommodation may be able to handle foreign passport check-in smoothly.

Foreign travelers normally need to show their passport when checking in. Hotels usually record passport and visa information as part of the accommodation registration process.

If you stay somewhere other than a hotel, such as a private apartment or a friend’s home, accommodation registration may still be required. China’s National Immigration Administration states that foreigners staying in lodgings other than hotels should file accommodation registration with local public security organs.

In 2026, China’s National Immigration Administration also announced online channels for accommodation registration for foreigners staying in domiciles other than hotels. The online channels include the NIA official website, the NIA 12367 App, the NIA 12367 WeChat mini program and the Alipay mini program, while offline registration remains available.

Practical tips:

• Book hotels that clearly accept foreign guests
• Make sure your booking name matches your passport
• Carry your passport when checking in
• Keep your hotel address in Chinese
• Ask your travel provider to confirm hotel suitability in advance

6. Can foreigners buy high-speed train tickets in China?

Yes. Foreign travelers can buy high-speed train tickets in China using their passport information. Tickets can be booked through official or third-party channels, depending on the traveler’s preference and payment setup.

China’s official guide notes that railway tickets can be purchased through the 12306 website or app, and payment can be made through Alipay, WeChat or UnionPay bank cards. It also notes that tickets can be purchased at railway station ticket offices, with cash and mobile payment options available.

For foreign travelers, the most important tips are:

• Use your passport name exactly as shown on your passport
• Bring the same passport used for booking
• Arrive early for security checks and boarding
• Check the correct railway station name
• Keep your train number and departure time clear
• Ask for local help if you are unfamiliar with Chinese train stations

For Sichuan and Chongqing, the Chengdu–Chongqing high-speed train is one of the easiest ways to combine both cities in one trip.

7. Can foreigners rent a car or drive in China?

Foreigners can drive in China only if they have the proper Chinese-issued driving permit or Chinese driver’s license. A foreign driver’s license or International Driving Permit alone is generally not enough for driving in mainland China.

For short-term foreign visitors, the most relevant option is usually a provisional driving permit or temporary motor vehicle driving permit. Beijing’s official guidance states that foreign vehicle drivers staying in China for a short period may apply for a provisional driving permit. If the stay is no more than three months, the permit can be valid for three months; if the stay is longer than three months, the validity can match the permitted stay period but cannot exceed one year.

For longer-term residents, foreigners with a valid overseas driving license may apply for a Chinese driving license corresponding to their original vehicle license type, subject to local requirements.

In practice, foreign travelers should check:

• Whether they qualify for a temporary driving permit
• Whether their foreign license needs a Chinese translation
• Whether the local rental company accepts foreign customers
• Whether the route is suitable for self-driving
• Whether insurance, road conditions and altitude risks are manageable

For Sichuan, self-driving can be attractive but is not always the best option. Western Sichuan routes may involve high altitude, mountain roads, changing weather and long distances. For most first-time visitors, a private car with local driver is safer and easier.

8. What should I prepare before arriving in China?

Before traveling to China, foreign visitors should prepare travel documents, payment tools, internet access, transport plans and local contact information.

A practical pre-arrival checklist includes:

• Valid passport
• Chinese visa or visa-free eligibility documents
• Flight tickets and onward travel details
• Hotel booking information
• Travel insurance
• Alipay or WeChat Pay setup
• Some RMB cash
• SIM card, eSIM or roaming plan
• Translation app
• China-compatible map or navigation tool
• Hotel address in Chinese
• Emergency contacts
• Local guide or travel provider contact
• Copies of passport, visa and itinerary
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes For Sichuan and Chongqing specifically, also prepare for:
• Spicy food
• Humid weather in Chengdu and Chongqing
• Mountain weather if visiting western Sichuan
• Metro and high-speed train travel
• Limited English in some local restaurants and smaller destinations

Good preparation makes the trip much smoother, especially for first-time visitors to China.