Hotel check-in
Hotels check you in on your passport and register you with the police. Visa-free travellers are not exempt.
Ask how the deposit is taken — wallet, foreign card, or cash — before they hold a large amount.
Keep the hotel address in Chinese. You will need it for cars, maps, and the arrival card.
Smoking
China's national hygiene rules ban smoking in indoor public places.
In Beijing, city rules ban smoking indoors in public places and workplaces.
Confirm the hotel's smoking policy for your room when you book.
Last checked 2026-10-13
National Health Commission: Implementing Rules of the Public Places Hygiene Regulations, Art. 18 (Chinese) · Beijing government: Beijing Tobacco Control Regulations (amended 2021), Art. 9 (Chinese)
FAQ
Do hotels register foreigners with the police?
Yes. Hotels check you in on your passport and register you with the police. Official: Entry-Exit law brief. Last checked: 15 Aug 2026.
Do visa-free travellers still need passport check-in?
Yes. Visa-free travellers are not exempt. Hotels still check you in on your passport and register you with the police.
How is the hotel deposit taken?
Ask how the deposit is taken — wallet, foreign card, or cash — before they hold a large amount. This page does not publish a fee.
Why keep the hotel address in Chinese?
Keep the hotel address in Chinese. You will need it for cars, maps, and the arrival card.
Q Checked replies land here after they are sourced.
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