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Hotel Check-In Guide

Booking name, passport registration, late arrival, deposits — the stuff that trips people up at the front desk.

When to read

Before booking the first night, then again before landing.

What it covers

Rules and services change. For anything important — entry, transport, payment, hotels, telecom — double-check with official sources before you travel.

Booking nameThe #1 hotel check-in problem for foreigners: the name on the booking doesn't match the passport. Get this right and everything else is easy.SourcesNational Immigration AdministrationRead detailsPassport check-inHotels in China are required by law to register foreign guests. They need your physical passport — not a copy, not a photo. No exceptions.SourcesNational Immigration AdministrationRead detailsLate arrival messageFlights get delayed. Immigration lines are long. A quick message to the hotel keeps them from giving away your room or marking you as a no-show.SourcesNational Immigration AdministrationRead detailsDeposit and payment backupMany hotels ask for a deposit or pre-authorization at check-in. It's usually ¥200–500. Have more than one way to pay it.SourcesState CouncilBank of ChinaNational Immigration AdministrationRead details