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服务：落地之后的一切Services: everything after you land
签证入境、手机卡与网络、支付、看病、报警、快递、外卖、办事窗口——这些事在深圳都很快，前提是你知道入口在哪里。这一页按「你什么时候会需要它」来组织。Visas, SIM cards, payments, healthcare, reporting a loss, couriers, food delivery, government counters — everything in Shenzhen moves fast, once you know the entry point. This page is organised by when you will actually need it.
签证与入境
先确认你的证件路径
中国的入境政策这两年变化频繁，而且不同类型之间差别很大。请以中国驻当地使领馆或国家移民管理局的最新公告为准。
普通签证类别（常见几种）
- M 字商务贸易活动，最常用于商务访问、洽谈、参展
- L 字旅游观光
- F 字交流、访问、考察等非商业性活动
- Z 字工作，需先取得工作许可
- S / Q 字探亲访友，分短期与长期
- 申请渠道中国驻外使领馆或中国签证申请服务中心
具体材料清单、有效期与停留期由使领馆按个案核定，请按官方要求准备，不要以中介说法为准。
免签与过境免签（会变动，务必核实）
- 单方面免签对部分国家持普通护照人员，经商、旅游、探亲、交流、过境可免签停留不超过 30 天
- 政策期限多数国家的试行期限至 2026 年 12 月 31 日，个别国家不同
- 过境免签符合条件的 54 国人员，从中国过境前往第三国（地区），可免签停留不超过 240 小时
- 适用口岸全国 24 个省（区、市）的对外开放口岸；深圳宝安国际机场口岸、蛇口港口岸在列
- 停留区域须在规定区域内活动，从广东入境时停留范围为广东省
过境免签要求持有确定日期及行程的联程客票，且前往第三国（地区），不能原路返回。入境目的不属于免签范围（如工作、学习、采访）的人员仍需事先办妥签证。
免签国家名单、停留天数、过境免签的适用口岸与停留区域都可能随时调整，本页所示的期限与范围只是撰写时的状态。出行前请以中国驻当地使领馆公告、国家移民管理局官网或 12367 热线的最新答复为准。不要根据一篇旧攻略决定是否办签证。
港澳台同胞
香港、澳门居民持港澳居民来往内地通行证（回乡证），台湾居民持台湾居民来往大陆通行证（台胞证）往来内地。证件需在有效期内，并注意签注或有效期限的具体要求。
外国人住宿登记
在旅馆住宿的，旅馆会代为办理住宿登记并报送公安机关；在旅馆以外的住所（如朋友家、短租公寓）居住，须在入住后 24 小时内由本人或留宿人向居住地公安机关办理登记。目前已可通过国家移民管理局政务服务平台在线办理，未按规定办理会被警告并可处罚款。
出入境热线
12367 是国家移民管理局的 7×24 小时多语种人工咨询热线，签证、停留、住宿登记、口岸通关等问题都可以先打这个号码确认。
海关与检疫要点
| 事项 | 要点 | 说明 |
|---|---|---|
| 个人自用物品 | 进境居民旅客与非居民旅客各有免税额度 | 额度与商品类别会调整，超出自用合理数量需申报并可能征税，以海关总署公告为准 |
| 携带现金 | 人民币与外币现钞超过规定金额须申报 | 未申报被查获可能面临处罚；大额资金建议使用银行转账或银行卡 |
| 处方药 | 自用合理数量，建议携带处方或医生说明 | 含麻醉、精神药品成分的药物管制严格，务必提前确认 |
| 动植物产品 | 肉类、蛋奶、新鲜水果、种子、土壤等通常禁止携带入境 | 燕窝、部分海产品等也有具体限制 |
| 烟酒 | 有免税限量 | 超量需申报纳税 |
网络与通讯
落地当天就能上网
手机卡
中国移动、中国联通、中国电信在机场、市区营业厅和部分便利店设有服务点。购买需出示护照做实名登记，即办即用。短期停留可选预付费套餐或旅游卡，通常包含流量与少量通话时长。
营业厅办理一般比机场便宜，但需要排队；机场柜台胜在落地即得。
eSIM 与国际漫游
若手机支持 eSIM，可以直接购买境外运营商的旅行 eSIM 套餐，无需换卡。本国运营商的国际漫游也可以使用，价格通常更高但最省事。两种方式都不占用中国手机号，因此无法用于需要短信验证码的注册。
Wi-Fi 与公共网络
酒店、咖啡馆、商场、机场和地铁普遍提供 Wi-Fi，但多数需要手机号接收验证码登录。公共网络稳定性差异较大，重要会议建议自带移动热点或使用手机热点。
网络速度
深圳的 5G 覆盖和固网速度都处于中国前列，市区下载与视频通话体验普遍良好。地铁隧道内信号覆盖也在持续改善。
跨境访问
部分境外网站和服务在中国内地无法直接访问。请遵守中国法律法规，不要使用非法手段接入网络。如果工作高度依赖特定境外服务，出发前应与团队确认替代方案，或把需要联网完成的任务安排在抵达前完成。
号码与验证
很多本地 App 注册需要中国手机号。若行程较长，办一张本地卡会显著提升便利度；短期停留则可以用境外号码配合邮箱注册大部分服务。
支付与金钱
扫码是这个城市的第一语言
在深圳，一部能扫码的手机就是钱包。现金仍然合法且被接受，但你需要为少数场景做好准备。
微信支付 / 支付宝绑定境外卡
- 支持卡种Visa、Mastercard、American Express、JCB、Discover 等主要国际卡组织
- 绑定方式在 App 内进入支付设置，添加银行卡，按提示完成验证
- 手续费境外卡消费通常在一定金额以内免收额外手续费，超出部分按比例收取，规则以平台公告为准
- 额度单笔与年度累计额度由平台规则限定，具体以 App 内说明为准
- 场景地铁乘车码、便利店、餐厅、菜市场、打车、共享单车
建议出发前在本国完成绑定与实名认证，落地即可使用。首次绑定有时需要人脸识别或短信验证。
现金、刷卡与取现
- 现金人民币现金合法且必须被接受，但小店、摊贩可能没有零钱找零
- 境外卡刷卡高星级酒店、大型商场、机场、连锁品牌普遍支持；小店和街边摊基本不支持
- ATM 取现主要银行网点、机场、商圈都有 ATM，多数支持境外卡，单笔限额和手续费由发卡行与银行共同决定
- 汇率以发卡行的结算汇率为准，通常优于机场兑换点
- 发票需要报销时主动索取发票，商家会开具电子发票发送到邮箱
离境退税
境外旅客在贴有退税标识的商店购物，同店同日的退税物品金额达到起退点即可申请退还增值税，一般商品退税率约 11%。起退点已下调至 200 元，现金退税限额提高至 2 万元，「即买即退」服务已推广至全国，可在购物现场先领取退税款。
退税需在离境时向海关申报验核，商品须保持未开封使用状态，并留意离境期限要求。具体规则以国家税务总局与海关总署公告为准。
防诈骗提示
- 没有任何政府机关或银行会通过电话要求你转账到「安全账户」。
- 不要在陌生人提供的链接里输入银行卡号、密码或验证码。
- 机场、车站的「热心代办」「特价包车」多为高价陷阱，建议使用正规打车 App。
- 街头「扫码送礼品」可能用于套取个人信息，谨慎参与。
- 接到自称使领馆、快递公司、公安的来电，先挂断，再通过官方号码回拨核实。
医疗与健康
看病不难，难在找对入口
医院类型与选择
- 公立三甲综合实力强、费用低，但挂号与排队需要耐心
- 国际医疗部部分大型公立医院设有国际医疗中心，提供英语服务与预约制门诊
- 港资 / 合资医院服务流程接近国际习惯，英语沟通更顺畅，费用较高
- 私立诊所适合常见病与轻症，等候时间短
- 急诊拨打 120，救护车按就近原则送医
- 药店连锁药店遍布各社区，常见感冒药、退烧药、肠胃药可直接购买
保险与费用
境外旅行医疗保险建议覆盖门诊、住院与紧急转运三项。多数中国医院要求先自付后理赔，直付服务只在部分国际部或私立机构可用，出发前请与保险公司确认网络医院名单。
就诊时保留好病历、费用清单和发票原件——理赔几乎一定需要这三样。需要英文诊断证明时，直接在国际医疗部或医务科申请。
深圳气候湿热，11 月虽转凉但昼夜温差可达 7—8°C，室内空调寒冷，容易着凉。冬季流感高发，人多场所建议戴口罩。随身备常用药：退烧止痛、肠胃药、抗过敏药、创可贴与个人处方药，并保留原包装。
安全与求助
记下这几个号码
生活服务
把日常交给 App
快递
顺丰、京东、菜鸟驿站构成深圳的快递网络。寄件可以在 App 下单，快递员上门取件；收件若不方便当面签收，可放到小区驿站或智能柜，凭取件码自取。酒店礼宾通常可以代收包裹。
外卖
美团与饿了么覆盖极广，从早餐肠粉到深夜火锅都能送，通常 30 分钟送达。需选择中文界面或使用翻译功能，并绑定可用的支付方式。送到酒店时把外卖放前台是最稳妥的做法。
打车
网约车是主流，价格透明、可选车型；传统巡游出租车打表计价，起步价 10 元含 2 公里，之后每公里 2.6 元，23:00—06:00 加收 30%，等候每分钟 0.8 元。地铁在高峰期通常比打车快。
洗衣
酒店一般提供当日或次日送洗服务。社区洗衣店按件计价，部分门店提供 24 小时自助洗衣与烘干，适合长住旅客。
便利店与营业时间
7-Eleven、美宜佳、全家等连锁便利店密度高，多数 24 小时营业，可以买水、饭团、充电宝和交通卡。大型商场通常 10:00—22:00 营业，餐厅午餐 11:30—14:00、晚餐 17:30—21:30。
饮用水
深圳自来水出厂水质达标，但本地人普遍不直接饮用，习惯烧开或购买桶装水、瓶装水。酒店房间一般配有电热水壶，房间自来水烧开后饮用是常见做法；瓶装水在便利店约 2—5 元。
厕所与母婴室
地铁站、商场、公园均有公共厕所，商场与交通枢纽普遍设有母婴室。景区与新建公厕多配备无障碍卫生间。
无障碍设施
深圳地铁多数车站配备无障碍电梯与轮椅坡道，新建设施标准较高。老城区部分街道人行道较窄，轮椅通行体验一般。需要协助时可向车站工作人员求助。
吸烟规定
深圳的室内工作场所、室内公共场所和公共交通工具内全面禁烟，学校、医院、公园、体育场馆等室外区域也有具体限制。违规吸烟被劝阻不改的罚款 50 元，拒不改正罚 200 元，阻碍执法罚 500 元。投诉电话为 12345。
语言沟通
把手机变成同传
深圳是移民城市，普通话通行无阻；但英语的普及度集中在年轻人、酒店、机场和外企。准备一个翻译 App，比背几句短语更解决问题。
英语普及度与心态
酒店前台、机场、高档商场与三甲医院国际部通常能用英语沟通；出租车司机、菜市场摊主、小区便利店店员与外送骑手多半不能。不必担心，深圳人对「用手机翻译」这件事极其习以为常，几乎不会有人不耐烦。
把翻译 App 的语音与拍照功能放在首屏，是最实用的一条建议。
常用翻译工具
- 拍照翻译：菜单、路牌、药盒说明书
- 语音对话：打车、点餐、问路
- 离线词包：网络不稳时仍可用
- 把酒店地址写中文小卡片，给司机看最快
双语应急短句
给司机、店员或警察看这句话，通常就能解决问题。建议截图保存在相册。
| 场景 | 中文（给对方看） | 英文 |
|---|---|---|
| 打车 | 请送我到这个地址，谢谢。 | Please take me to this address, thank you. |
| 打车（费用） | 请问大概多少钱？可以扫码支付吗？ | Roughly how much will it cost? Can I pay by QR code? |
| 点餐 | 我不吃辣，请不要放辣椒。 | I do not eat spicy food — please no chilli. |
| 点餐（素食） | 我是素食者，不吃肉、鱼和鸡蛋。 | I am vegetarian — no meat, fish or eggs. |
| 点餐（过敏） | 我对花生过敏，吃到会有生命危险。 | I am allergic to peanuts — it is life-threatening. |
| 问路 | 请问地铁站怎么走？大约要走几分钟？ | How do I get to the metro station? How many minutes on foot? |
| 购物 | 可以刷卡吗？可以退税吗？ | Do you take credit cards? Is tax refund available? |
| 就医 | 我发烧了，请问最近的医院在哪里？ | I have a fever. Where is the nearest hospital? |
| 就医（买药） | 我需要退烧药和感冒药，不要处方也能买吗？ | I need a fever reducer and cold medicine — do I need a prescription? |
| 报警 | 我的包被偷了，我需要一份报警回执。 | My bag was stolen. I need a police report. |
| 报警（护照） | 我的护照丢失了，请问去哪里报案？ | I have lost my passport. Where can I file a report? |
| 求助 | 请帮我打电话报警，我不会说中文。 | Please help me call the police — I do not speak Chinese. |
| 紧急医疗 | 请帮我叫救护车，这里有人晕倒了。 | Please call an ambulance — someone has fainted here. |
| 通用 | 我不会说中文，请用手机翻译跟我沟通，谢谢。 | I do not speak Chinese — please use a translation app with me, thank you. |
政务服务
办事窗口与线上入口
i深圳 App
深圳的官方移动政务门户，整合了社保、公积金、出入境预约、交通、医疗挂号、生活缴费等服务。部分区级专区已推出英文版，外籍人士常用功能包括住宿登记、签证预约与政务大厅排队取号。
政务服务中心
市、区两级政务服务中心提供「一窗受理」，出入境、税务、社保、市场监管等业务集中在同一大厅。建议先在线上预约取号再前往，可以省下大量排队时间。携带护照原件与相关证明材料。
境外人士服务专窗
部分区级政务服务中心设有国际化服务专区或外语窗口，为外籍人才与企业提供双语咨询与一站式办理，覆盖签证停留、工作许可、税务与银行开户等事项。
投诉与建议
12345 是全市统一的政务服务与投诉热线，已整合多条部门热线；也可以通过深圳市政府门户网站在线提交诉求，或使用 i深圳 App 的政民互动入口。
旅游投诉
涉及旅行社、导游、景区、酒店的消费纠纷，可拨打 12345 或通过全国旅游服务热线反映。保留订单截图、支付记录与沟通凭证，处理速度会明显加快。
需要带什么
几乎每一件事都要护照原件。建议再带一份护照资料页与签证页的复印件、酒店登记单或居住证明、以及相关申请表格，多数窗口不提供现场打印。
官方渠道（请直接访问核实）：深圳市政府门户 sz.gov.cn ｜ APEC 2026 中国年官网 apec2026.cn ｜ 国家移民管理局出入境服务热线 12367 ｜ 深圳市政务服务与投诉热线 12345 ｜ i深圳 App ｜ 深圳地铁 szmc.net ｜ 深圳机场 szairport.com ｜ 铁路 12306。
时效说明：本页涉及的签证与免签政策、海关免税额度、退税规则、支付手续费与额度、公共设施开放安排均可能调整。请以官方最新公告为准。本站为独立整理的信息指南，非官方发布。
答疑
服务类常见问题
我可以在深圳用境外银行卡扫码支付吗？
可以。微信支付和支付宝都支持绑定境外发行的 Visa、Mastercard、American Express、JCB 等卡，绑定后即可在深圳绝大多数场景扫码消费。通常在一定金额以内免收额外手续费，超出部分按平台规则收取。建议出发前完成绑定与实名认证，落地当天就能用。
没有中国手机号，能用微信和支付宝吗？
可以注册和使用，境外号码即可接收验证码。但部分功能（如某些小程序的实名核验、本地生活服务）可能要求中国手机号。若行程超过一周，办一张本地预付费卡会明显方便。
现金在深圳还通用吗？
人民币现金是法定货币，商家必须接受。实际使用中，连锁店、商场、酒店、地铁客服中心都没有问题；但街边摊、菜市场和小店可能没有足够零钱找零，个别商家会建议你扫码。建议随身保留少量现金应对小额场景。
看病需要预约吗？可以直接去急诊吗？
普通门诊在三甲医院通常需要提前在线预约，现场挂号往往排不到热门科室。国际医疗部多采用预约制并提供英语服务，等候时间更短。急诊无需预约，直接前往或拨打 120；危急情况医院不得拒诊。
外国人一定要办住宿登记吗？
要。在旅馆住宿的由旅馆代为登记；住在旅馆以外住所（朋友家、短租公寓等）的，须在入住后 24 小时内由本人或留宿人向居住地公安机关办理登记。目前可通过国家移民管理局政务服务平台在线办理，效力等同于现场办理。未按规定办理会被警告并可处罚款，也会影响后续签证申请。
护照丢了，最快要多久才能出境？
取决于补发证件的速度。第一步是到派出所报案并取得报案证明，第二步向本国使领馆申请补发护照或紧急旅行证件（通常需要数个工作日），第三步到公安机关出入境管理部门办理相应出境手续。免签入境者凭入境记录与使领馆证明可依法办理出境。建议第一时间把证件复印件和照片准备好，能省下不少时间。
遇到消费纠纷该找谁？
先与商家协商，同时保留订单、支付记录与聊天记录。协商不成可拨打 12345 政务服务与投诉热线，或通过深圳市政府门户网站在线提交诉求。涉及旅行社、导游、景区的旅游纠纷同样可以通过 12345 或全国旅游服务热线反映。
深圳的饮用水能直接喝吗？
自来水出厂水质达标，但本地居民普遍不直接饮用，习惯烧开后喝或购买桶装水、瓶装水。酒店房间一般备有电热水壶，烧开饮用是最常见的做法。瓶装水在便利店约 2—5 元一瓶，餐饮场所通常会提供免费茶水。
Visas & entry
Work out your document route first
China's entry policies have changed frequently in recent years, and the differences between routes are significant. Always check the latest notice from your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate, or from the National Immigration Administration.
Common visa categories
- MCommercial and trade activity — the usual choice for business visits, negotiations and trade fairs
- LTourism
- FNon-commercial exchange, visits and study tours
- ZWork — requires a work permit first
- S / QVisiting family and friends, short and long term
- Where to applyA Chinese embassy or consulate, or a Chinese Visa Application Service Center
Document checklists, validity and permitted stay are assessed case by case by the mission. Follow the official requirements, not what an agency tells you.
Visa-free and transit-without-visa (subject to change — always verify)
- Unilateral waiverFor ordinary-passport holders of certain countries: business, tourism, family visits, exchange and transit, for stays of no more than 30 days
- Scheme expiryFor most eligible countries the trial runs to 31 December 2026; a few differ
- Transit waiverEligible nationals of 54 countries transiting China to a third country or region may stay up to 240 hours without a visa
- Eligible portsOpen ports across 24 provincial-level regions; Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport and Shekou Port are included
- Permitted areaYou must remain within the designated area — entering via Guangdong limits you to Guangdong province
The transit waiver requires a confirmed onward ticket with a set date to a third country or region; you cannot return the way you came. If your purpose is outside the waiver (work, study, news reporting), you still need a visa in advance.
The list of visa-waiver countries, the permitted length of stay, and the eligible ports and areas for the transit waiver can all be adjusted at any time. What is shown here reflects the position when this page was written. Before you travel, confirm against your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate, the National Immigration Administration website, or the 12367 hotline. Never decide whether you need a visa based on an old blog post.
Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents
Hong Kong and Macao residents travel on the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents; Taiwan residents use the Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents. The permit must be valid, and you should check the specific endorsement or validity requirements for your document type.
Accommodation registration
If you stay in a hotel, the hotel registers you with the police. If you stay anywhere other than a hotel — a friend's flat, a serviced apartment — you or your host must register with the local public security office within 24 hours of moving in. This can now be done online through the National Immigration Administration service platform. Failure to register attracts a warning and a possible fine.
Immigration hotline
12367 is the National Immigration Administration's 24/7 multilingual helpline. Visas, permitted stay, accommodation registration and border clearance questions can all be checked there first.
Customs and quarantine essentials
| Item | Key point | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Personal effects | Inbound travellers have a duty-free allowance | Allowances and eligible categories are adjusted from time to time; amounts beyond reasonable personal use must be declared and may be taxed. Follow the General Administration of Customs notices |
| Cash | Renminbi and foreign cash above set thresholds must be declared | Undeclared excess found at the border can lead to penalties; large sums are better moved by bank transfer or card |
| Prescription medicine | Reasonable personal quantity; carry the prescription or a doctor's note | Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances are tightly controlled — confirm before you travel |
| Plants and animal products | Meat, dairy, eggs, fresh fruit, seeds and soil are generally prohibited | Specific restrictions also apply to items such as birds' nests and some seafood |
| Tobacco and alcohol | Duty-free limits apply | Anything above the limit must be declared and taxed |
Connectivity
Get online the day you land
SIM cards
China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom have counters at the airport, service halls in town and some convenience stores. You need your passport for real-name registration, and the card works immediately. For short trips, prepaid or tourist packages with data and a little voice credit are the usual choice.
City service halls are usually cheaper than the airport but involve queuing; the airport counter wins on convenience.
eSIM and international roaming
If your phone supports eSIM, you can buy a travel data plan from an overseas carrier and avoid swapping cards altogether. Your home carrier's roaming also works — pricier, but the least effort. Neither gives you a Chinese phone number, so neither can receive the SMS codes some local registrations require.
Wi-Fi and public networks
Hotels, cafés, malls, the airport and the metro all offer Wi-Fi, but most require a phone number to receive a verification code. Reliability varies a lot on public networks; for anything important, use your own hotspot.
Network speed
Shenzhen has some of the best 5G coverage and fixed-line speeds in China. Downloads and video calls in the city generally feel fast, and mobile signal inside metro tunnels continues to improve.
Cross-border access
Some overseas websites and services are not directly reachable from mainland China. Comply with Chinese law and do not use illegal means to get online. If your work depends heavily on a specific overseas service, agree a fallback with your team before you fly, or finish anything that needs it beforehand.
Numbers and verification
Many local apps ask for a Chinese mobile number. On a longer stay, a local SIM noticeably improves daily life; on a short trip, an overseas number plus an email address is enough for most services.
Payments & money
The QR code is the first language of this city
In Shenzhen, a phone that can scan is a wallet. Cash remains legal and accepted, but a few situations need planning.
WeChat Pay / Alipay with an overseas card
- CardsMajor international schemes including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB and Discover
- HowIn the app, open payment settings, add your bank card and complete verification as prompted
- FeesTransactions under a set amount usually carry no extra fee; above it, a percentage applies. Check the platform's current rules
- LimitsPer-transaction and annual caps are set by the platform — see the in-app terms
- WhereMetro QR codes, convenience stores, restaurants, wet markets, taxis, shared bikes
Set the card up and complete identity verification before you leave home. First-time binding sometimes requires facial recognition or an SMS code.
Cash, cards and ATMs
- CashRenminbi notes are legal tender and must be accepted, but small vendors may not have change
- Foreign cardsAccepted at high-end hotels, large malls, the airport and chain brands; rarely at small shops or street stalls
- ATMsWidely available at bank branches, the airport and shopping districts; most accept overseas cards. Per-withdrawal limits and fees depend on both banks
- Exchange ratesSet by your issuing bank — normally better than airport exchange counters
- InvoicesAsk for a fapiao if you need to claim expenses; most businesses issue electronic invoices by email
Departure tax refund
Overseas visitors shopping at stores displaying the tax-refund sign can claim a VAT refund once the same-day total at one store reaches the minimum threshold. The general refund rate is around 11%. The threshold has been lowered to RMB 200, the cash refund cap raised to RMB 20,000, and "refund on purchase" has been rolled out nationwide, letting you collect the refund in store.
You still need to declare and have the goods verified by customs when leaving China, keep them unused and packaged, and observe the time limit between purchase and departure. Detailed rules follow the State Taxation Administration and General Administration of Customs notices.
Fraud warnings
- No government body or bank will ever phone you and ask you to transfer money to a "safe account".
- Never enter card numbers, passwords or verification codes on a link a stranger sends you.
- "Helpful fixers" and "bargain private cars" at airports and stations are usually overpriced traps — use a proper ride-hailing app.
- Street "scan this code for a free gift" offers can be harvesting personal data. Be cautious.
- If someone claims to be from an embassy, a courier company or the police, hang up and call the official number back yourself.
Health
Care is available — the trick is picking the right door
Types of facility
- Public tertiary hospitalsStrong across the board and inexpensive, but registration and queues need patience
- International medical departmentsSeveral large public hospitals run international centres with English-speaking staff and appointment-based clinics
- Hong Kong-invested and joint-venture hospitalsProcesses closer to international norms and smoother English communication, at higher cost
- Private clinicsGood for minor and common complaints, with short waits
- EmergenciesCall 120; ambulances take you to the nearest suitable hospital
- PharmaciesChain pharmacies are everywhere; common cold, fever and stomach remedies are available without a prescription
Insurance and costs
Travel medical insurance should cover outpatient care, hospitalisation and emergency evacuation. Most Chinese hospitals expect payment up front and reimbursement afterwards; direct billing is available only at some international departments and private providers, so confirm your insurer's network hospitals before you travel.
Keep the medical record, itemised bill and original invoice — claims almost always need all three. For an English-language diagnosis certificate, ask the international department or the hospital's medical affairs office.
Shenzhen is hot and humid; November cools down but the day-night range can reach 7–8°C and indoor air conditioning is cold, so it is easy to catch a chill. Influenza peaks in winter, so consider a mask in crowded places. Carry the basics: fever and pain relief, stomach medicine, antihistamines, plasters and any personal prescription drugs in their original packaging.
Safety & help
Save these numbers
Everyday services
Hand daily life to the apps
Couriers
SF Express, JD and the Cainiao network cover Shenzhen. Book a pickup in the app and a courier comes to you; if you cannot sign in person, parcels go to a neighbourhood collection point or smart locker and you collect with a code. Hotel concierges will usually receive parcels on your behalf.
Food delivery
Meituan and Ele.me have enormous coverage, from breakfast rice rolls to late-night hotpot, usually delivered within 30 minutes. You will need the Chinese interface or a translation tool, plus a working payment method. Having your order left at the hotel front desk is the reliable option.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Ride-hailing is dominant, with transparent pricing and vehicle classes. Metered street taxis start at RMB 10 for the first 2 km, then RMB 2.6 per km, with a 30% surcharge between 23:00 and 06:00 and RMB 0.8 per minute of waiting. At peak times the metro is usually faster.
Laundry
Hotels generally offer same-day or next-day laundry. Neighbourhood laundries charge per item, and some shops offer 24-hour self-service washing and drying, which suits longer stays.
Convenience stores and hours
7-Eleven, Meiyijia, FamilyMart and similar chains are dense and mostly open 24 hours for water, snacks, power banks and transport cards. Shopping malls typically run 10:00–22:00; restaurants serve lunch around 11:30–14:00 and dinner around 17:30–21:30.
Drinking water
Shenzhen's tap water meets the treated-water standard, but locals generally do not drink it straight — they boil it or buy bottled water. Hotel rooms usually have a kettle, and boiling tap water is normal practice. Bottled water costs roughly RMB 2–5 in a convenience store.
Toilets and baby rooms
Public toilets are available in metro stations, malls and parks, and baby-care rooms are common in malls and transport hubs. Newer facilities and scenic-area toilets usually include accessible cubicles.
Accessibility
Most Shenzhen metro stations have lifts and ramps, and newer buildings apply higher standards. Pavements in older parts of town can be narrow, which makes wheelchair travel less comfortable. Station staff can assist when needed.
Smoking rules
Smoking is banned in all indoor workplaces, indoor public places and on public transport in Shenzhen, with further restrictions in outdoor areas of schools, hospitals, parks and sports venues. The fine is RMB 50 on the spot for smoking where prohibited; RMB 200 for refusing to stop; RMB 500 for obstructing enforcement. Complaints go to 12345.
Language
Turn your phone into an interpreter
Shenzhen is a city of migrants, so Mandarin works everywhere. English is concentrated among younger people, hotels, the airport and international companies. A translation app solves more than memorised phrases ever will.
How far English gets you
Hotel front desks, the airport, upmarket malls and international medical departments usually handle English. Taxi drivers, market vendors, convenience store staff and delivery riders generally do not. This is not a problem: people here are entirely used to communicating through a phone, and nobody will be impatient with you for it.
The single most useful tip is to keep voice and camera translation on your home screen.
What to use translation for
- Camera mode: menus, road signs, medicine boxes
- Voice mode: taxis, ordering food, asking directions
- Offline packs: still work when the signal is poor
- Have your hotel address written in Chinese on a card — showing a driver is fastest
Bilingual emergency phrases
Show the Chinese line to a driver, shop assistant or police officer and the problem usually resolves itself. Screenshot this table.
| Situation | Chinese (show this) | English |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 请送我到这个地址，谢谢。 | Please take me to this address, thank you. |
| Taxi — fare | 请问大概多少钱？可以扫码支付吗？ | Roughly how much will it cost? Can I pay by QR code? |
| Ordering food | 我不吃辣，请不要放辣椒。 | I do not eat spicy food — please no chilli. |
| Ordering — vegetarian | 我是素食者，不吃肉、鱼和鸡蛋。 | I am vegetarian — no meat, fish or eggs. |
| Ordering — allergy | 我对花生过敏，吃到会有生命危险。 | I am allergic to peanuts — it is life-threatening. |
| Directions | 请问地铁站怎么走？大约要走几分钟？ | How do I get to the metro station? How many minutes on foot? |
| Shopping | 可以刷卡吗？可以退税吗？ | Do you take credit cards? Is tax refund available? |
| Medical | 我发烧了，请问最近的医院在哪里？ | I have a fever. Where is the nearest hospital? |
| Pharmacy | 我需要退烧药和感冒药，不要处方也能买吗？ | I need a fever reducer and cold medicine — do I need a prescription? |
| Police report | 我的包被偷了，我需要一份报警回执。 | My bag was stolen. I need a police report. |
| Lost passport | 我的护照丢失了，请问去哪里报案？ | I have lost my passport. Where can I file a report? |
| Asking for help | 请帮我打电话报警，我不会说中文。 | Please help me call the police — I do not speak Chinese. |
| Medical emergency | 请帮我叫救护车，这里有人晕倒了。 | Please call an ambulance — someone has fainted here. |
| General | 我不会说中文，请用手机翻译跟我沟通，谢谢。 | I do not speak Chinese — please use a translation app with me, thank you. |
Government services
Counters and online entrances
The iShenzhen app
Shenzhen's official mobile government portal, bringing together social insurance, housing fund, immigration appointments, transport, hospital bookings and utility payments. Some district sections already offer English. The functions foreign residents use most are accommodation registration, visa appointments and queue tickets for service halls.
Government service centres
Municipal and district service centres operate a "one window" model, grouping immigration, tax, social insurance and market regulation business in a single hall. Book a queue ticket online before you go and you will save a great deal of waiting. Bring your original passport and supporting documents.
Foreign resident service desks
Some district service centres run international service zones or foreign-language counters offering bilingual advice and one-stop processing for foreign talent and companies, covering visa and stay matters, work permits, tax and bank account opening.
Complaints and suggestions
12345 is the city's unified government service and complaints hotline, having absorbed a number of departmental lines. You can also submit a request online through the Shenzhen government portal, or through the civic-interaction section of the iShenzhen app.
Tourism complaints
For consumer disputes involving travel agencies, guides, attractions or hotels, call 12345 or use the national tourism service hotline. Keep order screenshots, payment records and chat logs — it visibly speeds up handling.
What to bring
Almost everything requires your original passport. Bring photocopies of the data and visa pages, a hotel registration slip or proof of address, and the relevant application forms — most counters cannot print for you.
Official channels (verify directly): Shenzhen government portal sz.gov.cn ｜ APEC 2026 China Year apec2026.cn ｜ National Immigration Administration hotline 12367 ｜ Shenzhen government service and complaints hotline 12345 ｜ iShenzhen app ｜ Shenzhen Metro szmc.net ｜ Shenzhen Airport szairport.com ｜ rail bookings 12306.
On currency of information: visa and visa-waiver policies, customs allowances, tax-refund rules, payment fees and limits, and the opening arrangements of public facilities can all change. Always check the latest official notice. This is an independent guide, not an official publication.
Q&A
Common service questions
Can I pay by QR code with an overseas bank card in Shenzhen?
Yes. Both WeChat Pay and Alipay support linking overseas-issued Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JCB cards, after which you can scan and pay almost anywhere in the city. Transactions below a set amount normally carry no extra fee; above it a percentage applies under the platform's rules. Set the card up and complete verification before you travel so it works on day one.
Can I use WeChat and Alipay without a Chinese phone number?
Yes — you can register and use both with an overseas number for SMS verification. Some functions, such as identity checks inside certain mini-programs and some local life services, may require a Chinese number. If you are staying more than a week, a local prepaid SIM makes life noticeably easier.
Is cash still usable in Shenzhen?
Renminbi cash is legal tender and merchants must accept it. In practice, chain stores, malls, hotels and metro service centres are all fine; street stalls, wet markets and small shops may not have enough change and will often suggest you scan instead. Keep a small amount of cash for small transactions.
Do I need an appointment to see a doctor? Can I just turn up at emergency?
Outpatient appointments at tertiary hospitals normally need to be booked online in advance, and walk-in registration often cannot get you into popular departments. International medical departments mostly work by appointment and provide English-speaking staff with shorter waits. Emergency departments need no appointment — go directly or call 120; hospitals may not refuse urgent care.
Do foreign nationals really have to register their accommodation?
Yes. If you stay in a hotel, the hotel registers you. If you stay anywhere other than a hotel — a friend's flat, a short-term rental — you or your host must register with the local public security office within 24 hours of moving in. This can now be done online through the National Immigration Administration platform, with the same legal effect as registering in person. Failing to register attracts a warning and a possible fine, and can affect future visa applications.
If I lose my passport, how soon can I leave the country?
It depends on how fast your documents are replaced. First file a report at a police station and get the written acknowledgement; second, apply to your embassy or consulate for a replacement passport or emergency travel document, which usually takes several working days; third, complete the relevant exit procedure at the exit-entry administration. If you entered visa-free, your entry record plus the embassy document is normally sufficient to exit lawfully. Preparing photocopies and photos in advance saves a lot of time.
Who do I complain to about a consumer dispute?
Talk to the business first and keep the order, payment record and chat history. If that fails, call the 12345 government service and complaints hotline, or submit a request online through the Shenzhen government portal. Tourism disputes involving agencies, guides or attractions can also go through 12345 or the national tourism service hotline.
Is Shenzhen tap water drinkable?
Treated tap water meets the standard, but locals generally do not drink it straight — they boil it or buy bottled water. Hotel rooms normally have a kettle, and boiling is the usual approach. Bottled water costs around RMB 2–5 in a convenience store, and restaurants usually provide free tea.