Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Customs Regulations
Chinese customs generally pay tourists little attention. 'Green channels' and
'red channels' at the airport are clearly marked. You are not allowed to import
or export illegal drugs, or animals and plants (including seeds). You can take
Chinese medicine up to a value of ¥300 when you depart China.
Duty free, you're allowed to import:
» 400 cigarettes or the equivalent in tobacco products.
» 1.5L of alcohol.
» 50g of gold or silver.
» A camera, video camera and similar items for personal use only.
As well:
» Importation of fresh fruit and cold cuts is prohibited.
» You can legally only bring in or take out ¥6000 in Chinese currency, although
there are no restrictions on foreign currency (but declare any cash exceeding
US$5000 or its equivalent in another currency).
Objects considered antiques require a certificate and a red seal to clear cus-
toms when leaving China. Anything made before 1949 is considered an an-
tique, and if it was made before 1795 it cannot legally be taken out of the
country. To get the proper certificate and red seal, your antiques must be in-
spected by the
State Administration of Cultural Heritage
(Guojia Wenwu Ju;
www.sach.gov.cn
,
Chinese only; 010-5988 1572; 10 Chaoyangmen
Beidajie)
in Beijing.
Discount Cards
Seniors over the age of 65 are frequently eligible for a discount, so make sure
you take your passport when visiting sights as proof of age.
An International Student Identity Card (ISIC; €12) can net students half-price
discounts at many sights (but you may have to insist).
