Hotel Regulations and Booking Tips in China
When you travel to China, one thing that often surprises foreign visitors is that not every hotel is allowed to host guests with foreign passports. By law, hotels must have a special license called “foreigner reception qualification” before they can check you in and upload your details to the public security system.
Here’s what you need to know before booking accommodation in China:
1. Documents Required at Check-in
- All guests must show a passport or valid ID when checking in.
- Foreign travelers must present the original passport for real-name registration.
- Most hotels will keep a copy of your ID or passport to record your stay.
⚠️ Important: Some small guesthouses, inns, or homestays are not legally allowed to host foreigners. Even if you booked online, you may be turned away at the front desk.
If you’re planning to stay in an Airbnb in China, always contact the host first to confirm they can legally accept foreign guests.
2. Best Platforms for Booking Hotels in China
Here are the platforms that make it easier for foreigners to find hotels that accept passports:
| Platform | Suitability | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Booking.com ★★★★★ | Very reliable | Has an English interface and a filter option for “Foreigner Friendly Hotels.” Most listed properties have the license. |
| Agoda ★★★★★ | Widely used in Asia | Easy to confirm with customer service whether foreigners are accepted. |
| Trip.com (Ctrip International) ★★★★★ | Best local coverage | As a Chinese platform, it has the most complete data. You can leave notes or ask customer service to double-check. |
| Hotels.com / Expedia ★★★★☆ | International options | Great for medium to large cities; easy-to-use interface. |
| Airbnb ★★★☆☆ | Limited reliability | Some hosts have the license, but always confirm in advance to avoid rejection. |
3. How to Confirm if a Hotel Accepts Foreign Guests
- Check hotel descriptions and reviews: On Trip.com or Booking.com, some listings will explicitly state “This property can accommodate guests with foreign passports.”
- Read reviews: Search for keywords like “foreigner,” “passport,” or to see other travelers’ experiences.
- Contact the hotel before booking: A quick message such as “Can you accept foreign guests with a passport?” will save you trouble.
- Choose higher-star hotels: 4-star and 5-star hotels almost always have the license. Budget chains like Jinjiang Inn, Hanting, and Home Inn sometimes do, but check in advance.
- Use Trip.com customer service: Their Chinese staff can call the hotel directly and confirm for you—much easier than trying yourself.
4. Extra Travel Tips (Avoiding Problems)
- In small towns or rural areas, most guesthouses cannot accept foreign passports.
- Country inns and homestays on Airbnb rarely have the license—always double-check the listing.
- At check-in, your passport will be scanned, and your photo will be uploaded to the police registration system.
- If you’re rejected on arrival, contact the booking platform immediately. They can usually move you to a nearby licensed hotel for free.
- Good to know: Most Chinese hotels provide free toothpaste, toothbrush, slippers, and a comb, and they’re replaced daily when your room is cleaned.
