Travelling to China from New Zealand: Entry Requirements, Visa, and Travel Tips

China is a vibrant destination which appeals to adventurous travellers looking to soak up a fascinating culture and history, as well as nature lovers and people looking to dive into ultra modern city life. If you’re planning a trip to China there are a few things it really pays to get sorted before you fly. This guide looks at the paperwork and preparations needed for travelling to China from New Zealand, with practical China travel tips to make sure your trip goes smoothly. You can also learn more about the Wise card, an easy way to stretch your dollars when paying in foreign currencies.

China Entry Requirements for New Zealand Citizens

If you’re planning to travel to China from NZ as a tourist you may be able to enter the country without a specific visa - but you will still need your valid passport which should have 6 months or more to run, and at least 2 blank pages.

When entering China you’ll need to complete the China digital arrival card¹, and you may be asked at the border to show proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket for the end of your trip.

While you’re in China you must register your residence with the police within 24 hours. Your hotel will usually do this for you, but if you're staying with friends this is something you’ll have to arrange yourself.

The New Zealand government recommends you keep your passport on you at all times when in China, as police may undertake random checks².

Do New Zealand Citizens Need a Visa for China?

If you’re planning a trip as a tourist you can travel to China from New Zealand visa free for up to 15 days³, under a visa waiver scheme. This was scheduled to expire at the end of 2025, but has now been extended for a further year. Double check the visa rules before you book your trip - at the time of writing the visa free scheme is slated to run until December 31st 2026⁴.

If you’re going to China to work or study, or planning a long trip, you may need to arrange a suitable visa in advance of travel. Details of how to apply for your visa are available through the Chinese Embassy in NZ website.

Top Travel Tips for China

Traveling to a new country is exhilarating but can also be a little daunting. Before you leave, check out these China travel tips to help your trip go smoothly.

Navigating Payments in China

App based payments are extremely common in China, so you’ll need to sign up to a popular payment app like Wechat Pay⁵ or Alipay⁶ before you go. Both WeChat Pay (Weixin Pay) and Alipay allow you to add an international debit card to your account to spend while you’re in China. You can then use your preferred app to pay in stores and restaurants, either by scanning the merchant’s code or allowing the merchant to scan your in-app QR code.

Consider using a payment app with an international debit card from Wise, which offers mid-market exchange rates with low, transparent conversion fees. You can top up your Wise account in NZD and then spend using your preferred payment app with instant currency conversion as required.

Stay Connected with an eSIM

Having uninterrupted access to your data when you travel can make life a lot easier. Using your home telco’s roaming service can be pretty costly, but you’ll also be able to get an eSIM to access data in China. An eSIM is an electronic SIM which you can digitally install and activate without needing to remove any physical SIM you have in your phone. Most modern phones can use eSIMs, although some older models may not be compatible.

Look out for providers like Holafly⁷ which have eSIM packages from 1 - 90 days, with unlimited data so you can continue to use your phone just like you would at home. All eSIM providers also have details about phone compatibility so you can double check your device will be suitable.

Download Translation Apps

Having a translation app allows you to communicate clearly even if you don’t speak Chinese. You can translate to and from Chinese, and some apps like Google Translate also let you record a message verbally which is then translated so you can talk to people more easily.

While you can continue to use your Google Translate service in China, you’ll need a VPN which you must install before you travel to China. As an alternative you could also try Baidu⁸, a free to use translation app which you can use without a VPN, which is commonly recommended by travellers to China. Waygo⁹ is also well rated for use with your phone’s camera to translate signs and written messages.

Getting Around China

For transport within cities, having an app like Didi¹⁰ is a smart plan. Didi offers ride hailing services which you can arrange from your phone, and allows you to pay with a linked payment card in the app. When travelling longer distances within China you’ll need to plan your itinerary carefully - in some cases you may find that train travel is the most efficient option, but comparing journey times and costs is important.

Internet Access in China

Many popular western apps and websites are not available in China, thanks to the ‘Great Firewall’ which blocks access. This means that some of the services you use every day - such as Google, social media sites and YouTube - can only be accessed if you have a VPN on your phone. You’ll need to install the VPN before you arrive in China, and then keep it running when you want to use sites and apps which are blocked by the firewall.

Plugs and Voltage

The plug type used in China is usually the same Type I that’s used in New Zealand. However, it’s still a smart plan to have a universal adapter with you when you travel as some buildings may use alternative power outlets.

Best Time to Visit

China has typical northern hemisphere seasons, which means that the best time to visit depends a lot on what you plan to do and where exactly is on your itinerary. Spring and Autumn are common choices thanks to the milder weather - but it’s worth avoiding major Chinese holiday periods when places are more likely to be crowded, and booking hotels and activities may be trickier. This is particularly the case over the Chinese New Year (usually January or February) and Golden Week (October).

Keep Emergency Numbers Handy

If you’re unlucky enough to need help from the emergency services, the numbers required are as follows:

• Police - 110
• Fire services - 119
• Ambulance - 120

It’s also helpful to keep the contact information for the New Zealand consular services handy:

• New Zealand Embassy Beijing - +86 10 8532 7000
• New Zealand Consulate Guangzhou - +86 20 8931 9600
• New Zealand Consulate Shanghai - +86 21 5407 5858

You can register your travel plans on the New Zealand government’s Safe Travel website and you’ll then receive travel updates about your destinations, including advisories and information if there are any problems in the country while you’re there. Make sure to check the official sites for the latest information.

Respect Local Etiquettes and Customs

If you’re visiting temples in China it’s best to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Bear in mind that people may be worshiping, so being quiet and respectful while visiting is key. It's also good to know that you should use two hands when giving and receiving things - such as a business card.

Another common travel dilemma is about tipping. There’s not a tipping culture in China as such, although tips may be appreciated by guides and where you've experienced exceptional service.

Finally, the New Zealand government reminds travellers that China has extremely strict drug laws and may test foreign visitors in nightclubs or bars. You’re also reminded that social media in China may be monitored by the authorities.

Summary

China is a fantastic destination, which appeals to a broad range of travellers. With the current visa free entry policy extended through 2026, it’s a great time to travel to China from New Zealand. This guide covers some important and practical China travel tips to help you get prepared for your trip - download a few key apps to help your visit go smoothly, and then get ready to have a great time.

Link Wise to Alipay or WeChat Pay and Pay Like a Local

If you're heading to China, here's a smart way to spend overseas to keep costs down. The Wise card is a simple way to save up to 8x when you're spending internationally. You can spend in 150+ countries at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up NZD to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account in NZD and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to your desired currency. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

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