Beijing Expats Chat

An English-speaking Telegram chat for people living in or moving to Beijing.

English only · Free · ModeratedOpen since Oct 2026

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Who it's for

Made for English teachers and students in Beijing. Also known as Peking.

Common questions in this chat

Can I enter China visa-free and for how long?

Citizens of a list of countries (about 45-48, depending on source) can enter for up to 30 days visa-free for tourism, business, visits and transit, under a policy extended to 31 Dec 2026. The list changes, so check your passport on the Chinese embassy or National Immigration Administration site before booking. Other nationalities need a visa from a Chinese embassy. Source: hr.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/qzfw/Visa/202511/t20251104_11746850.htm (also discover.passportindex.org/policy-and-regulations/china-extends-visa-free-entry-to-46-countries-until-end-of-2026/). Checked: 2026-10.

What if I move flats in Beijing - do I have to tell the police again?

Yes: you generally must register again within 24 hours after changing accommodation or after getting a new exit-entry document. Ask the new landlord for their ID and property certificate, which many police stations want for apartment registrations. Keep the registration form; banks and the residence permit office may ask for it. Source: olachina.org/china-temporary-residence-registration/. Checked: 2026-10.

What deposit and payment terms do Beijing landlords ask?

A common pattern is one month's rent as deposit and three months paid in advance (called ya yi fu san), though terms vary by landlord and agent. Get a written contract, a receipt for every payment and a copy of the landlord's ID and property certificate. Agents typically charge a fee, so ask before viewing. Source: wellcee.com/en/rent-apartment/15631197014182819. Checked: 2026-10.

What is the 240-hour transit visa-free policy for Beijing?

If you are passing through China to a third country and hold a ticket onward, many nationalities can stay in designated regions including Beijing without a visa, for a long fixed window (240 hours). Eligibility, the entry points and the onward-ticket rules are set by the National Immigration Administration and change; check it before you fly. It is for transit, not for settling in. Source: yahoo.com/news/chinas-240-hour-transit-visa-021508371.html (Reuters/Xinhua). Checked: 2026-10.

Do I have to register with the police when I arrive in Beijing?

Yes: within 24 hours of arriving you must register your temporary accommodation (Article 39 of the Exit-Entry Administration Law). Hotels do it for you at check-in. In a rented flat or a friend's place you register at the local police station (paichusuo), usually together with the host, bringing your passport and the landlord's ID and property document. Re-register after moving. Source: china-briefing.com/news/temporary-residence-registration-in-china-a-guide-for-foreign-residents-and-visitors/. Checked: 2026-10.

Chat rules

  1. No spam. No ads, promo or referral links without a moderator's OK.
  2. Nothing illegal or dangerous: no escorts, drugs, scams, fake documents.
  3. No forwards from channels while you're new — write your own words.
  4. Respect each other. No insults, discrimination or harassment.
  5. English only so everyone can follow.
  6. Stay on topic: life in Beijing — housing, visas, work, health, events, tips.
  7. Report, don't argue: reply to the message with /report and moderators will look.

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