Tanggu Tianjin, China Travel Guide
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter mainland China. The type of a travel visa needed depends on your trip's purpose. The L Visa (Tourist Visa) is the most common. You typically need confirmed flight bookings (round-trip) and hotel reservations covering your entire stay, or an invitation letter from a resident in China. The invitation letter must specify your travel details and relationship to the inviter.
The application process typically calls for an online form, an appointment at a Chinese Embassy or Visa Application Service Center (CVASC), submission of documents in person, biological data (fingerprints), and fee payment. IVisa and VisaHQ offer services to assist with visa applications.
Visa application fees differ based on nationality, number of entries, and processing speed. Upon arrival at Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) or Tianjin Port, provide your passport and valid visa to immigration officers. Officials collect your fingerprints again as part of the entry process. Be ready to answer questions about your travel purpose and itinerary. Maintain a calm and polite demeanor.
General tourist visits to Tanggu/Binhai New Area do not need any special permits beyond the standard Chinese visa. If you visit restricted areas elsewhere within China (e.g., Tibet), separate permits become necessary. For Tanggu, a regular tourist visa suffices for all common attractions.
Check eligibility for specific nationalities.
Some visa-free transit policies exist for specific nationalities at certain ports of entry, including Tianjin Binhai International Airport.
Always check current policies to see if your nationality and itinerary qualify.
Standard health declaration forms.
Upon entry, you may need to complete standard health declaration forms about recent travel history and health status.
No specific vaccinations are mandatory for entry. Consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations.
Securely store documents online and offline.
Make digital copies of your passport, visa, and all travel documents. Store these securely online and on your phone.
This backup plan is helpful if your originals are lost or stolen.
The official currency of China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB). The exchange rate fluctuates; for budgeting, expect approximately 1 USD to equal 7.2 CNY. Check current rates before your trip. You can exchange currency at the airport, major banks (bring your passport), or some upscale hotels (rates may be less favorable). ATMs are easy to find and accept international cards; let your bank know you are traveling plans. WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate the payment landscape; link international credit cards to these apps for smoother daily transactions.
Tipping is not a common practice in mainland China. Service charges may be included in high-end establishments, but additional tipping is not expected. Utilize the metro and local buses extensively for affordable transport. Eat at local eateries, noodle shops, and street food stalls for genuine tastes at lower costs. Inquire about bundled tickets for multiple attractions. Visiting during the shoulder or low season brings lower prices for accommodation and Flights. Rely on WeChat Pay or Alipay for transactions to avoid potential foreign transaction fees and secure better rates.
CNY 200-400 (USD 28-56) including hostel, street food, public transport, and free activities.
CNY 500-1000 (USD 70-140) including 3-4 star hotel, mid-range restaurants, public transport/occasional taxis, and several paid attractions.
CNY 1500+ (USD 210+) including 5-star hotel, high-end dining, private transport, and exclusive experiences.
Hostel dorm: CNY 80-150; Budget hotel: CNY 200-400; Mid-range hotel: CNY 400-800; Luxury hotel: CNY 800-2000+.
Street food: CNY 10-30; Casual local restaurant: CNY 50-150; Mid-range: CNY 150-300; Fine dining: CNY 300+.
Your health and safety on your trip are important. Review the recommendations to ensure a secure and comfortable journey.
No specific vaccinations are mandatory for entry. Consult a medical professional before travel for recommended vaccinations.
Keep these contacts readily available for any situation.
