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According to the 144-hour visa rule, passengers traveling to....

An overseas visitor pays using his smartphone. Travelers visiting China and seeking to use payment apps now have 16 languages to choose from. Alipay's latest smartphone app supports 15 languages besides Chinese – English, French, German, Spanish, Malay, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Turkish, Indonesian, Korean, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese. After downloading the app and linking to an international bank card, overseas visitors will be able to pay like a local. Previously, they had to access the digital payment tool and lifestyle service using a built-in auto-translation feature covering 15 foreign languages. According to the National Immigration Administration, around 17.3 million foreign visitors entered China between January and July, a 130 percent year-on-year increase. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, their average spending per day stood at 3,459 yuan (US$480) in 2023. Alipay has also recorded a surge in spending from international tourists in line with the nationwide data. The spending of international visitors in China using Alipay increased by eight times in the first half of this year compared with a year earlier.

Using Alipay in China || You can now link your foreign bank to Alipay to pay for things in China. Follow this step-by-step guide to find out how.

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No need to discard security-restricted items even if you are in a hurry!

Everything you need to know to visit Tibet — permits, routes \x26amp; smart workarounds that make it easier than you think.

Tips for high-speed trains passangers→

Amap, the mapping and local services platform under Alibaba Group, officially rolled out the multilingual version of its map service on July 9, making navigation across China more accessible for international users. In addition to Chinese and English, the platform now supports 14 new languages: Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Thai, Japanese, Korean, Turkish, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Malay, Indonesian, and Vietnamese. Founded in 2002, Amap initially offered services only in Chinese. In January this year, it became the first domestic platform to introduce an English-language version designed specifically for international users. The updated multilingual version now provides translated names and descriptions for tourist attractions, restaurants, hotels, and other key destinations. This helps international users better understand and explore their surroundings. It also features Amap's full suite of navigation services for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users, allowing international visitors to navigate Chinese cities as easily as locals. In addition, the map includes an English-language ride-hailing interface. Users can book rides from various providers with one tap and view key details like pickup locations and fare estimates in English. The latest multilingual version of Amap is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Source | Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office

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暑期来临 不少外国朋友来到中国 开启了“China Travel” 但境外驾驶证在中国境内 并不能直接使用 中国这么大 景点这么多 不开车真的很不方便 怎样才能换领中国驾驶证 实现“驾驶自由”呢？ How to exchange for a Chinese driver's license？ The photo shows that two foreign teachers from Wuhan Yangtze International School successfully obtained their Chinese driver's licenses at Wuhan Immigration Service Center. 让我们看看境外驾驶证件换领中国驾驶证所需要的具体材料和办事流程吧! Let's take a look at the specific materials and procedures needed for overseas driving license renewal! 在中国停、居留期限3个月以上的外国人因生活需要，可持境外驾驶证换领中国境内正式驾驶证。 Foreigners who have stayed or resided in China for more than 3 months can apply for a formal driving license in China out of necessity with an overseas driving license. 护照原件（或外国人永久居留身份证）+复印件 Original and copy of passport or Foreign Permanent Resident IDCard 居留许可及境外人员住宿登记表（持外国人永久居留身份证无需提供登记表） *注：外国人可停留期限需大于90天 Residence Permit, Accommodation Registration Form for Visitors from Overseas (Registration Form is not required for those who hold Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card). * Foreigners are permitted to stay for more than 90 days. 境外驾驶证原件+复印件 非中文描述的境外机动车驾驶证应提供驾驶证翻译文本（加盖翻译公司公章）、翻译公司营业执照复印件（加盖公章）或公证机构公证的中文翻译文本。 A translated copy of the driving licence (stamped with the official seal of the translation company), a copy of the business licence of the translation company (stamped with the official seal) or a Chinese translation notarised by a notary public shall be provided for overseas driving licences which are not described in Chinese. Physical examination report of the driver . 问答Q&A Q：How many languages are provided in the driver's test? How long does the test last? 答：科目一考试现有包括英语、法语、俄语、日语、德语、韩语、阿拉伯语等在内的15种语言可供选择。考试限时45分钟。 A: The driver's test is available in 15 kinds of languages,including English,French,Russian,Japanese,German,Korean,Arabic,etc.The text is limited to 45 minutes. Q:How many points does it take to pass the subject 1 test? ? How many times can I take the exam? What if I fail the exam? 答：科目一考试成绩90分及以上为合格。单次预约共有两次考试机会，两次成绩均不合格需再次缴费申请预约考试。 A: The driver's test is qualified if the score is more than 90 points.You are given 2 opportunities in a single appointment. If you fail the test twice, you need to pay again to apply for another appointment. Q:Who can get the driving license without taking the test? 答：根据中国与比利时、阿联酋、法国、塞尔维亚等国家签署的机动车驾驶证互认换领协议，持有该四国驾驶证的人员可在中国境内免试换领驾驶证。 A:According to the agreements on mutual recognition and renewal of motor vehicle driving licenses signed between China and Belgium,the United Arab Emirates,France,Serbia and other countries,people holding the driving licenses of these four countries can renew their driving license without a test. 对入境短期停留的，可申领有效期为3个月的临时驾驶许可;停居留时间超过3个月的，可申请有效期不超过1年的临时驾驶许可。 For those entering the country for a short stay, a temporary driving permit with a validity period of 3 months may be applied for;For those whose stay or residence period exceeds 3 months, a temporary driving permit with a validity period of no more than 1 year may be applied for. 供稿：湖北武汉市移民事务服务中心 编辑：陈净萱 陈昱安 终审：国家移民管理局新闻中心 转载请注明来源：国家移民管理局

Shanghai Pudong Int\x26#39;l Airport will begin 24-h border and security services for int\x26#39;l departures starting from July 1.

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Source: OT-Team(G), 中国新闻网 To better assist international travelers and residents, the Shanghai City 12367 immigration service hotline has expanded its multilingual support, now offering services in five languages. The Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection announced recently that its 12367 immigration service hotline has received more than 256,000 calls since its launch in April 2021, maintaining a 100% on-time resolution rate. “In order to further facilitate the entry and exit of foreign nationals, we have expanded the language support on the 12367 hotline,” said Xu Xiaoyun, a spokesperson for the service platform. “In addition to Chinese and English, the platform now also offers services in Russian, Japanese, and Korean. Callers can choose their preferred language through the automated voice menu based on their needs.” Xu added that the service has also extended beyond the phone line: “We regularly visit local communities and port enterprises to provide in-person guidance on immigration policies, aiming to improve convenience for individuals and businesses alike.” During the China International Import Expo (CIIE), a special hotline channel titled the “CIIE Service Line” will be launched. Additionally, a dedicated immigration policy consultation booth will be set up in the expo’s comprehensive service area to offer round-the-clock assistance on entry-exit procedures for international participants. Launched in April 2021, the 12367 platform operates 24/7, handling inquiries from both domestic and international travelers regarding immigration policies, customs procedures, and border inspection services. So far this year alone, the hotline has provided consultation and support services to over 5,000 foreign nationals.

New effort for assisting passengers in luaggage transfer.

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Source: OT-Team(G), 厦门税务 The Xiamen Taxation Bureau has released an Operation Guide for Instant Departure Tax Refund on Purchase.

An option to make your life and travel easier in Beijing.

Source: OT-Team(G), 红网 Hunan Province recently unveiled the Eight Measures to Optimize the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Environment for Foreign Nationals in Hunan. The measures, effective from June 1, 2025, will remain in force for five years. 1. Streamlining Entry Procedures Hunan will leverage visa exemption policies, including mutual visa waivers, unilateral visa exemptions, and 144-hour transit visa waivers, to ease entry for qualified foreign professionals. The National Immigration Administration’s 12367 service platform will provide 24/7 multilingual consultation. Airports will enhance foreign-language signage and services through staff training, volunteer recruitment, and smart translation devices. Major airports will establish "Comprehensive Service Centers for Overseas Visitors" to offer one-stop assistance. A dedicated section on the Xiangyiban super mobile app will guide foreigners through identity verification, immigration registration, accommodation, mobile payments, transportation (including English maps and navigation), medical appointments, and ticket bookings. Business visa services will be optimized: local enterprises may invite frequent business visitors and their families for five-year multi-entry M visas (180 days per stay). Short-term visitors can apply for port visas at Changsha Huanghua and Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airports, with extensions available for eligible applicants. 2. Optimizing Work Procedures Hunan will expand the "one-stop" service pilot for foreign workers, simplify work permit applications, and integrate health checks, work permits, and residence permits under a unified processing system. Work permits and social security cards will also be merged for efficiency. 3. Improving the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem The province will bolster international talent innovation bases and startup incubators, offering office space, legal consultancy, and funding. Business registration will be streamlined with online verification and multi-certificate integration. Foreign exchange services will be enhanced, and intellectual property protection for foreign-funded firms will be strengthened. 4. Enhancing Daily Convenience Hunan plans to develop international communities, cultural streets, and regular exchange events. Foreigners meeting requirements may purchase commercial housing, with subsidies for talent apartments. Bilingual rental services and standardized lease contracts will be promoted. Payment convenience will improve with expanded foreign card (UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard) acceptance, duty-free shops, and easier tax refunds. Telecom services will optimize multilingual support, and ticket booking will accommodate passports and permanent residence IDs. 5. Upgrading Medical Services Private medical institutions catering to foreigners will be encouraged, while public hospitals may open international clinics with multilingual booking and "green channels" for high-end talent. Insurance partnerships will simplify medical billing for expatriates. 6. Strengthening Communication Channels Feedback mechanisms will be established for policy formulation. Regular talent-enterprise matchmaking events will be held, and permanent residency applications for top foreign talent will be expedited, with family members eligible for joint applications. 7. Ensuring Education Access International high school programs will improve, and schools for expatriate children will be better coordinated. Language support and cultural adaptation courses will help foreign students integrate. 8. Increasing Incentives Provincial-level foreign expert projects will offer higher rewards, including up to RMB 1 million in subsidies for eligible top-tier talent. The "Xiaoxiang Friendship Award" will recognize outstanding foreign experts, who may also be nominated for national honors. At least 15% of provincial foreign expert funding will target young professionals.