Quick Answer

Hotel check-in in China usually requires your original passport. Hotels register foreign guests’ accommodation information according to Chinese public security rules. The National Immigration Administration explains that when foreigners stay in hotels, hotels register accommodation information with local public security organs. For non-hotel stays, foreigners or hosts must complete registration formalities within 24 hours.

For most tourists, a normal hotel handles registration at the front desk. Your job is to bring the correct passport, booking details and payment method.

What to Prepare

  1. Original passport used for booking.
  2. Visa, entry stamp or entry record if requested.
  3. Hotel booking confirmation.
  4. Chinese hotel address and phone number.
  5. Payment method for room and deposit.
  6. Names of all guests.
  7. Contact number or email.

Step-by-Step Check-In

  1. Go to the front desk.
  2. Show passport and booking confirmation.
  3. Confirm room type, number of guests and dates.
  4. Complete any registration form.
  5. Pay or confirm deposit if required.
  6. Ask about breakfast, Wi-Fi, elevators and food delivery rules.
  7. Save hotel card/address before leaving the building.

Important Passport Notes

Bring the original passport, not only a photo. The name on your booking should match your passport as closely as possible. If your booking uses a nickname, front desk staff may need extra time to find it.

Can Foreigners Stay in Any Hotel?

Many hotels can host foreign visitors, but practical handling can vary by property, platform listing, city and staff experience. If a hotel seems unsure, show your passport and booking confirmation calmly. If the hotel cannot check you in, contact the booking platform or choose a larger/international hotel.

Payment and Deposit

Hotels may accept international cards, Alipay, WeChat Pay, cash or a combination, but acceptance varies. Ask in advance if your payment method matters. Keep a backup method for deposits.

Food Delivery and Address Help

Ask the hotel:

  • Can delivery go to the room?
  • Where should riders leave food?
  • What is the Chinese hotel address?
  • Can staff help speak to a taxi or delivery rider?

Common Problems

Booking name does not match passport

Show booking number and passport. Contact the booking platform if needed.

Hotel asks for a deposit

Use your backup payment method if one method fails.

Staff do not speak English

Use translation app and short phrases.

You arrive after midnight

Tell the hotel your arrival time before travel and keep the phone number ready.

Useful Phrases

I have a reservation.

我有预订。

This is my passport.

这是我的护照。

Can you write the hotel address in Chinese?

可以帮我写一下酒店中文地址吗？

Sources Checked

Last source check: 2026-05-27

  • NIA announcement on accommodation registration for foreigners

URL: https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147413/c196926/content.html

Supports: Hotels register foreigner accommodation with public security organs; non-hotel stays require registration within 24 hours, with online pilot channels described.

  • Regulations on filing accommodation registration — National Immigration Administration

URL: https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147423/n147478/n147715/c158241/content.html

Supports: Foreigners staying in places other than hotels must file accommodation registration with local public security organs.

  • Payment service guide for overseas visitors to China — The State Council, PRC

URL: https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202404/11/content_WS6617c858c6d0868f4e8e5f4d.html

Supports: Overseas visitors can use mobile payments, bank cards and cash; Alipay and WeChat Pay can link international cards including Visa and Mastercard; mobile payment limits and cash/card guidance are described.

Disclaimer

App interfaces, payment rules, station practices, hotel policies and local procedures may change. Treat this guide as a source-checked practical guide, then verify important details with the official service, your hotel, transport staff or your card issuer before relying on it in an urgent situation.