Dave provides a crucial update for ecommerce sellers on traveling to China post-COVID. He details new visa and customs procedures, increased flight costs, and cultural shifts, offering practical advice for those looking to source, manufacture, or attend trade shows in China amidst these changes.
Key takeaways
Old Chinese visas may still be honored, but be prepared for a potentially complex new visa application process.
Anticipate significantly higher flight costs and limited availability for travel to China; book well in advance.
A mandatory online customs declaration is now required for both entry and exit from China; familiarize yourself with this process to avoid delays.
Assess the current relevance and scale of Chinese trade shows before planning a trip, as their efficacy for ecommerce sourcing may have changed.
Be aware of subtle cultural and operational shifts within China that could impact business interactions and daily experiences.
While COVID tests, vaccinations, and masking might not be strictly mandated, carrying necessary documentation and being prepared for potential health checks is advisable.
Ensure you have up-to-date information on entry requirements, as these can change rapidly, impacting travel plans and business logistics.
Dave talks about his recent experience traveling back to China after three years of lockdown, from airport and visa requirements, things to do for ecommerce sellers, and cultural shifts. China, the factory of the world, has once again opened its doors to foreigners after several years of lockdowns and COVID restrictions. Fortunately for EcomCrew listeners, Dave just came back from his first trip to China post-COVID, and he'll be sharing some of the biggest changes you want to take note of when planning your own trip down south soon. This episode will cover things like China's current rules regarding old and new visas, practical tips for navigating customs and other travel requirements, and a few changes you might notice when in China. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 01:23 – China has started honoring old visas; How to secure new visas 04:09 – Flights to China are extremely expensive 05:57 – You need an online customs declaration when entering/exiting China 08:37 – Need-to-knows about COVID tests, vaccinations, and masking 11:15 – Should you head over to China for trade shows in the Spring? 13:26 – Big changes for foreigners traveling to China over the past three years 20:04 – Odd and fun things you'll notice when heading back to Chi
