Quick Answer

Bring your original passport and confirmed booking to reception. Hotels handle accommodation registration for foreign guests; private-home stays follow a different process. Confirm deposits, breakfast, check-out time and any late-arrival arrangements with the actual property.

If this happens, do this

If the table extends beyond the screen, scroll sideways to read more.
Situation What to do next
The name differs from the passport Contact the booking provider to correct it; a different guest name can delay check-in.
Reception requests a deposit Ask the amount, accepted method, receipt and release/refund process before paying.
Staff are unsure about registration Ask for a manager or assistance from the relevant local authority.
You stay with friends instead Arrange non-hotel accommodation registration with the host; do not assume a hotel rule covers that stay.

Non-Hotel Accommodation Registration in China.

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.

Arriving after midnight

Confirm the booking night and late-arrival arrangement with the property before travel. An arrival after midnight may require a room booked for the preceding night to enter immediately. Use the late-arrival checklist, especially when your flight is delayed.

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?

A July 2024 notice from seven national departments says local authorities and booking platforms must not use qualification requirements to restrict accommodation providers from hosting overseas guests. Platforms and providers must not improperly publish notices refusing those guests. Ask a manager for help with registration; room availability and valid booking or identity-document requirements still apply. Show your passport and booking, and contact the booking platform if reception cannot resolve the issue.

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?

At reception, confirm this is the correct branch and ask staff for a usable Chinese address.

AMap route example. Check the Chinese place name, route mode and final destination.

AMap route example. Check the Chinese place name, route mode and final destination.

Image source: Shanghai International Services. Screenshot rights remain with the publisher. Reference example; screens can vary by device, account and app version. Dates and prices shown are not live.

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？

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.

Sources and review

Hotel-reception policy rechecked on 2026-09-30; other sources reviewed on 2026-09-10. These sources support the service or policy facts; the practical fallback steps are editorial guidance. This is not a recorded field test.