4.1 What should I know before booking a hotel in China?

Background

For international travelers in China, booking a hotel is not always as straightforward as in other countries.
A key regulation to be aware of is: not all hotels in China are authorized to host foreign guests.

While recent policy changes have made things easier, understanding how to find and book the right hotel is still essential to avoid being turned away at check‑in.

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1. Core issue: Why can't all hotels accept foreign guests?

• Legal background
  Under China's Exit and Entry Administration Law, hotels must register foreign guests with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of check‑in.

• Historical licensing system
  In the past, only hotels with a special "foreign guest license" (涉外资质) were allowed to host foreigners.
  Many smaller hotels and guesthouses did not have this license and were therefore unable to accept international guests.

• 2024 policy update
  Official guidance now states that hotels should not refuse foreign guests solely on the grounds of lacking this license.

• Reality on the ground
  Despite the policy change, some hotels – especially smaller or less experienced ones – may still:

  • Be unfamiliar with the registration process
  • Lack English-speaking staff
  • Be cautious about potential complications
    As a result, they may still decline foreign guests.

Bottom line

The safest approach is to proactively book hotels that clearly accept foreign guests, rather than assuming all hotels will.

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2. Solution: How to find and book suitable hotels

Recommended platform: Trip.com

• Default filtering
  Most hotels listed on Trip.com can accept foreign guests.
• Clear policies
  Hotel detail pages often state: "Guests from all countries/regions are welcome."
• Guest reviews
  Check recent reviews from international travelers to confirm the hotel has hosted foreign guests without issues.

Other platforms

• Booking.com and Agoda
  These also list hotels that can host foreigners, though Trip.com often has better inventory and pricing for China.

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3. Different hotel types and what to watch for

1. International and high-end chains

   • Examples: Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Accor, Hyatt
   • 100% safe – they always accept foreign guests.

2. Budget chain hotels

   • Examples: Home Inn (如家), Hanting (汉庭), 7 Days Inn
   • Not all locations can host foreigners – you need to verify each property.

3. Boutique hotels, guesthouses and hostels

   • Varies widely – always confirm in advance.

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4. Verification steps before booking

1. Use Trip.com to search for hotels.
2. Read recent English or international traveler reviews.
3. (Recommended) Contact the hotel directly or ask Trip.com customer service to confirm:

   "Can you accept guests with foreign passports?"

This simple step can save you a lot of trouble at check‑in.

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5. Check-in process

Once you arrive at the hotel:

• Present your passport
  You must show your original passport at check‑in.

• Registration
  The hotel will scan your passport (information page and visa/entry stamp page) and upload it to the PSB system.

• Deposit
  Most hotels require a deposit (ranging from ¥100 to several thousand yuan, depending on the hotel category).
  You can usually pay by:

  • International credit card
  • Alipay or WeChat Pay (if you have them set up)
  • Cash
    Always keep your deposit receipt.

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Final recommendation

To avoid any unpleasant surprises:

• Book through Trip.com or other international platforms that clearly indicate foreign guest eligibility.
• Check recent reviews from international travelers.
• Verify with the hotel or platform if you have any doubts, especially for budget chains or smaller properties.

With a bit of preparation, finding suitable accommodation in China is straightforward and stress‑free.