Local travel

Authorities restrict travel by foreigners in China.

If you plan to travel outside of major tourist areas, check that the area is 'open to foreigners'. For example, restrictions apply near military installations and some border areas.

Travel and living conditions vary greatly between cities and less developed rural areas.

In rural areas, you may have trouble accessing these services:

banking

internet

landline phone

mobile phone

Quarantine

Quarantine rules vary throughout different parts of China. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of China for details.

See Health.

Driving permit

All drivers must hold a valid Chinese driver's licence.

Foreign driver's licences and International Driving Permits aren't valid in mainland China.

Long-term residents can apply for a Chinese driver's licence at their local Vehicle Management Office.

If you're going to China on a visa with less than 90 days validity, you may be able to get a provisional driver's licence. This will be valid for the length of your visa.

If you're hiring a car in China, check driving licence requirements with your car-hire company.

Age and health restrictions apply, and vary depending on the class of driver's licence.

Road travel

Travel by road is dangerous because of:

poorly maintained roads

aggressive driving

You're 4 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in China than in Australia.

More information:

Motorcycles

To ride a motorcycle, you must hold a valid Chinese motorcycle licence.

Australian motorcycle licences and International Driving Permits (IDP) issued for motorcycles aren't valid in mainland China.

Rules for applying for a motorbike licence, including a provisional motorcycle licence, are similar to those for cars. Contact your local Vehicle Management Office.

You don't need a licence to ride an electric bike.

Check your insurance covers you for riding all types of motorised bikes.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only licensed taxis or limousine services with a good reputation, preferably those arranged through your hotel.

Always insist that the meter is used.

Most taxis in China don't have seatbelts.

Taxi drivers may swap legitimate RMB100 notes for fake notes. They will then return the fake note and refuse to accept it as payment because it’s counterfeit.

Ridesharing apps are widely used in major Chinese cities.

Public transport

Tour operators, public buses and ferries might not meet safety standards, especially in rural areas.

Transport operators may not:

provide adequate safety equipment

maintain vehicles and equipment

have safety precautions in place

Always use available safety equipment, such as lifejackets or seatbelts.

If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

More information:

Air travel

Many airlines have temporarily reduced or stopped flights to China. Further travel restrictions can come into effect at short notice.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check China's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Contact your airline or travel agent for up-to-date information on domestic and international flights and transport options.

More information: