Check foreign-guest registration
Not every apartment or homestay can register foreign guests. Ask the host directly: “Can you register foreign guests at the local police station?” If they hesitate, book a hotel instead. An unregistered stay can cause problems with visas and fines.
Read the listing carefully
Check the exact address, floor, elevator, Wi-Fi, kitchen, washing machine and house rules. Look at recent reviews and photos. Ask for a video walkthrough if the listing is new. Confirm the total price including cleaning fee and deposit.
Check-in and deposit
Use the platform’s payment and messaging; avoid paying the full amount to a personal account. At check-in, inspect the apartment and meter readings. Keep the deposit receipt and take photos before/after.
Reality check
A beautiful apartment can still be unable to register foreign guests; ask first.
Local tip: Pay through the platform and keep the chat on-platform.
Step by step
- Ask about foreign-guest registration.
- Verify address and recent reviews.
- Confirm total price/deposit/cleaning fee.
- Pay through the platform.
- Inspect and photograph on arrival.
- Register your stay if required.
Typical costs
| Item | Cost / note |
|---|---|
| Apartment night | US$40–150 |
| Cleaning fee | US$10–30 |
| Deposit | Refundable; varies |
Prices are indicative and change. Confirm with the official provider before paying.
Documents to prepare
- Passport
- Booking confirmation
- Host contact
- Address in Chinese
Common mistakes
- Paying a deposit to a personal account
- Not checking registration
- Ignoring house rules
- No photos of condition
If things go wrong
- If the host cancels, use the platform’s cancellation protection.
- If the flat does not match, photograph everything and report immediately.
FAQ
Is Airbnb legal in China?
Short-term rentals operate in a grey area; the key issue is foreign-guest registration. Confirm with the host and local police.
Can I get a refund if the host cancels?
Platform policies vary; keep messages and escalate to support.
Accommodation: the field guide
The main accommodation risk in China is not quality; it is registration. A hotel or host that cannot register foreign guests can turn a cheap booking into an expensive problem.
Confirm foreign-guest status
Ask the hotel or host directly: “Can you register foreign guests at the police station?” Keep the answer in writing. International and business hotels usually can; small guesthouses and private flats may not. If you book through a platform, use one that filters for foreign-guest acceptance.
Registration and deposits
At check-in, the hotel scans your passport and registers your stay. Check the name spelling and departure date. Some hotels ask for a cash or card deposit; keep the receipt. In a private rental, you may need to register at the local police station within 24 hours.
Choosing an area
Stay near a metro station and a cluster of restaurants, not just the cheapest room. In Beijing, the Third Ring is convenient; in Shanghai, Jing’an or the Former French Concession; in Guangzhou, Zhujiang New Town or Yuexiu. Read recent reviews for noise, Wi-Fi and hot water.
Quick checks
- Foreign-guest policy confirmed in writing
- Passport registration checked at check-in
- Deposit receipt kept
- Metro and food nearby
- Cancellation policy understood
Printable checklist
Print this page or save it as a PDF. Tick each item before you go.
- Passport
- Booking confirmation
- Host contact
- Address in Chinese
- Ask about foreign-guest registration.
- Verify address and recent reviews.
- Confirm total price/deposit/cleaning fee.
- Pay through the platform.
- Inspect and photograph on arrival.
- Register your stay if required.
This guide is a practical summary, not an official or legal document. Rules and prices change. Use the official links below, and confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Last verified 2026-10-29. China Handbook is independent and not affiliated with any government. Information is provided for general guidance only.