Dali Yunnan, China Travel Guide
L Visa (Tourist Visa): The most common visa type for travelers. An invitation letter or confirmed flight and hotel bookings are useful for your application. F Visa (Non-commercial visit): Apply for this visa for exchanges, study tours, or other non-commercial activities. An invitation letter from a relevant Chinese entity is useful. M Visa (Business Visa): Use this visa for commercial and trade activities. An invitation letter from a Chinese business is useful.
Application Process: Begin on the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) website specific to your country. Submit your application form, documents, and biometric data (fingerprints) at a CVASC branch or Chinese Embassy/Consulate. Appointments are usually useful. Standard processing typically takes 4 working days. Plan to apply well in advance, ideally 1-2 months before your travel dates.
Visa fees change by nationality and visa type. US citizens typically pay more due to reciprocity agreements. Upon arrival, present your passport and visa. Fingerprints are typically needed for most foreign visitors aged 14-70. Customs declarations may be needed.
Generally, no special permits are needed for travel to Dali for tourism. However, specific restrictions or permits might apply to certain border areas or remote regions of Yunnan. As of early 2024, no specific vaccination requirements exist for entry into China for most nationalities.
External resources
For your peace of mind
The official currency is Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY or RMB), symbol ¥. ATMs are widely available in Dali Old Town and Xiaguan, accepting international cards (Visa, Mastercard). Look for banks like Bank of China, ICBC. Digital payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate payment methods in China. Most businesses prefer or exclusively accept these. It is highly recommended to set up one of these apps before or upon arrival. You can link them to international credit cards. Cash is accepted but is less common for daily transactions. A Travel money belt can secure cash and cards.
Eat Local: Choose street food stalls and small, local eateries instead of tourist-oriented restaurants. Use Public Transport: Utilize the local bus network. E-bike Rentals: Renting an e-bike for exploring Erhai Lake is a cost-effective and enjoyable way to see the area. Bargain: Try bargaining in local markets for souvenirs. Avoid Peak Seasons: Traveling during shoulder or low seasons can significantly lower costs. Drink Tap Water (Boiled): Most accommodations provide boiled water in thermos flasks. Carry a Reusable water bottle to refill, or a Filtered water bottle for safety.
140 - 360 RMB (~$20-$50 USD)
410 - 930 RMB (~$57-$130 USD)
1110 - 2800+ RMB (~$155-$390+ USD)
No specific vaccinations are needed for entry into China. However, some are recommended.
Awareness of potential health issues helps preventative action.
Dali is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare.
