by Mark Heng

Important Documents

Singaporeans are eligible for visa-exempt entry, which permits a duration of stay up to 15 days, starting from the date of entry, and can enter and exit from China's ports open to foreigners. The main requirement is a passport valid for travel for six months after the period of their intended stay. Those who intend to extend their stay beyond 15 days can apply for a visa at the local Public Security Organ after entry into China, or at the Chinese embassy in Singapore.

Customs

Dangerous goods (flammable, explosive, corrosive, poisonous, radioactive, polymerisable, and magnetised materials), firearms, military/police equipment, knives, live animals, fresh perishable goods with distinct odours (e.g. seafood, durians, etc.) must not be carried into or out of China. 5,000 USD (or equivalent in any foreign currency) or 20,000 RMB can be brought in without additional documents. Up to 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars, and up to 1.5 litres of alcoholic beverages are duty-free either entering or exiting.

Departure Tax

When you depart China, there is a 90 yuan departure tax. Departure tax on domestic flights is 50 yuan. Fees must be paid in Chinese currency at a special airport tax desk before check in.

When To Go

Travelling to China is possible year-round, as long as you prepare for the season at hand. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) can be the best times to be on the road, to avoid the heat of summer (June to August) and chill of winter (November to February).

Airlines

From Singapore Changi Airport to Beijing-Capital: Singapore Airlines, Air China
From Singapore Changi Airport to Shanghai-Pudong : Singapore Airlines, China Eastern Airlines
Singapore Airlines flies from Singapore Changi Airport to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai.
Silkair flies from Singapore Changi Airport to Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Shenzhen, Xiamen.
Air China flies from Singapore Changi Airport to Beijing, Chengdu, Xiamen.
China Eastern Airlines flies from Singapore Changi Airport to Kunming, Nanjing, Nanning, Shanghai.
China Southern Airlines flies from Singapore Changi Airport to Guangzhou, Shenyang.
Jetstar Asia Airways from Singapore Changi Airport to Guilin, Haikou, Hangzhou, Shantou.
Tiger Airways from Singapore Changi Airport to Guangzhou, Haikou, Shenzhen.
Xiamen Airlines from Singapore Changi Airport to Fuzhou, Xiamen.