Essential Chinese for Airport Travel and Immigration in China

Arriving in or departing from China can be an exciting yet potentially overwhelming experience, especially for first-time visitors. Airports and immigration procedures involve specific interactions where clear communication is key. While signs are often bilingual and staff in international areas usually have basic English skills, knowing some fundamental Chinese phrases can significantly ease your journey, help you resolve minor issues quickly, and demonstrate respect for the local culture. This guide covers the essential expressions you’ll likely need from touchdown to clearing immigration or preparing for departure.

Arrival: Immigration and Customs (入境 – Rùjìng)

The first major interaction involves clearing immigration and customs.

• Immigration Counter (边检 – Biānjiǎn):
  • 您好，请出示您的护照。(Nín hǎo, qǐng chūshì nín de hùzhào.) – “Hello, please show your passport.” (This is typically what the officer says to you).
  • 这是我的护照和入境卡。(Zhè shì wǒ de hùzhào hé rùjìng kǎ.) – “Here is my passport and entry card.” (Hand these over when requested).
  • 您来中国做什么？(Nín lái Zhōngguó zuò shénme?) – “What is your purpose for visiting China?” / “Why are you coming to China?”
    • Common responses:
      • 旅游 (Lǚyóu) – Tourism
      • 商务 (Shāngwù) – Business
      • 探亲 (Tànqīn) – Visiting family
      • 学习 (Xuéxí) – Study
  • 您在中国待多久？(Nín zài Zhōngguó dài duōjiǔ?) – “How long will you stay in China?”
    • Example response: 两周 (Liǎng zhōu) – “Two weeks.”
  • 您的最终目的地是哪里？(Nín de zuìzhōng mùdìdì shì nǎlǐ?) – “What is your final destination?”
• Customs Declaration (海关 – Hǎiguān):
  • 我需要填海关申报单吗？(Wǒ xūyào tián hǎiguān shēnbàodān ma?) – “Do I need to fill out a customs declaration form?” (Often, if you have nothing to declare, you can proceed through the green channel).
  • 我有需要申报的物品。(Wǒ yǒu xūyào shēnbào de wùpǐn.) – “I have items to declare.”
  • If asked about specific items:
    • 这是给朋友带的礼物。(Zhè shì gěi péngyǒu dài de lǐwù.) – “This is a gift for a friend.”
    • 这是我的个人用品。(Zhè shì wǒ de gèrén yòngpǐn.) – “These are my personal effects.”
    • 我带了一些药品。(Wǒ dài le yìxiē yàopǐn.) – “I brought some medicine.” (Be prepared to show prescriptions if asked, especially for larger quantities or controlled substances).

Common Questions and Useful Phrases

Throughout the arrival process, you might encounter these situations:

• If there’s a delay or you need assistance:
  • 不好意思，请问… (Bù hǎoyìsi, qǐngwèn…) – “Excuse me, may I ask…” (Polite way to start).
  • 可以说慢一点吗？(Kěyǐ shuō màn yìdiǎn ma?) – “Can you speak a little more slowly?”
  • 我不太明白。(Wǒ bù tài míngbái.) – “I don’t quite understand.”
• Finding Transportation:
  • 请问去市区怎么走？(Qǐngwèn qù shìqū zěnme zǒu?) – “How do I get to the city center?”
  • 有机场大巴吗？(Yǒu jīchǎng dàbā ma?) – “Is there an airport shuttle bus?”
  • 出租车在哪里排队？(Chūzūchē zài nǎlǐ páiduì?) – “Where do I queue for taxis?”

Departure: Check-in and Security (离境 – Líjìng)

The process for leaving China has similar touchpoints.

• Check-in Counter:
  • 我要办理登机手续。(Wǒ yào bànlǐ dēngjī shǒuxù.) – “I want to check in.”
  • 这是我的护照和机票。(Zhè shì wǒ de hùzhào hé jīpiào.) – “Here is my passport and ticket.”
  • 行李超重吗？(Xíngli chāozhòng ma?) – “Is my luggage overweight?”
  • 这个包可以随身携带吗？(Zhège bāo kěyǐ suíshēn xiédài ma?) – “Can I carry this bag on board?”
• Security Check (安检 – Ānjiǎn):
  • 请把液体拿出来。(Qǐng bǎ yètǐ ná chūlái.) – “Please take the liquids out.”
  • 请脱下外套。(Qǐng tuō xià wàitào.) – “Please take off your coat.”
  • 请过安检门。(Qǐng guò ānjiǎn mén.) – “Please go through the security gate.”

Cultural Tips and Practical Advice

• Prepare Documents: Have your passport, visa, boarding pass, and customs declaration form (if needed) easily accessible.
• Fill Forms in Advance: If possible, complete immigration and customs forms on the plane or using the airline’s app before landing.
• Stay Calm and Polite: Officers are usually efficient. A polite demeanor goes a long way.
• Photocopy Important Documents: Keep a digital and physical copy of your passport and visa separate from the originals.
• Know Your Itinerary: Be clear about your purpose of visit and duration of stay. Officers may ask.
• Declare Accurately: Declare all items honestly on your customs form to avoid penalties.

Familiarity with these essential phrases helps ensure a smoother passage through Chinese airports. While English assistance is often available, using even a few basic Chinese expressions can expedite simple interactions and make the process less stressful. For more practical guides on using Chinese in various life scenarios, explore our Chinese Knowledge Hub . Practicing these phrases beforehand, perhaps in a conversation setting, can boost your confidence when navigating the airport.