This declaration will generate a QR code that must be scanned when entering and exiting Shenzhen. You only need to enter your information once, before you reach the border, but only codes generated within the last 24 hours will work. Screenshots of old code are useless.
To get a new code, please resubmit your information or tap the refresh button.
“China has delicious sushi”: A Shenzhen restaurant with a mission
“China has delicious sushi”: A Shenzhen restaurant with a mission
2. Visa on arrival
This visa allows you to stay in Shenzhen (Shenzhen only) for 5 days, with the clock starting at 00:00 the day after your entry date.
There are five entry points into the city where visas on arrival can be processed: the four “ports” of Luohu, Huanggang, Fuyong, Shekou, and Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport.
The easiest option within Hong Kong is to take the MTR East Railway line to Lohu or Lok Ma Chau stations. There are visa offices for Luohu Station and Huanggang Port respectively. Reception hours for both are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
When you arrive, you will receive a numbered ticket, stand in line for a photo, and fill out an application form. When your turn comes, the immigration officer (they speak English) will ask you a few questions about your trip, take your passport, and give you another ticket.
If you wait a little longer, your passport will be returned to you. If possible, all pages of the visa should be attached.
The visa processing fee is 956 yuan ($130 USD) for US citizens, 304 yuan for British nationals, and 168 yuan for most other nationalities. Payment can be made via Chinese electronic payment app or credit card.
Visa on arrival is valid for one entry only.
6 tourist destinations that received the highest ranking from the Chinese government
6 tourist destinations that received the highest ranking from the Chinese government
3. Apps to download
Whether visitors from Hong Kong can use a regular SIM card in Shenzhen without additional roaming charges depends on the plan they use at home.
This is important because most vendors prefer digital transactions over paying with physical notes and coins.
The other is Dazhong Dianping, which translates to “public criticism” and can be used to read reviews of restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions. Although the Dazhong Ratings are in Chinese, it is not difficult to look up a destination’s ratings and see its photos.
Alipay or AlipayHK
Baidu map
Google Maps also works in Shenzhen, but some of the city addresses may be incorrect.
According to Google, the coordinate system used by China-based location apps is different from the rest of the world. Because Google is not a China-based company and does not have access to this system, the information on Google Maps may be outdated.
Google Translation
If you have problems communicating with people, this app will help you. Especially in conversation mode, it instantly translates her two spoken languages.
Should Hong Kong try to make the most of Shenzhen as a shopping and dining destination?
Should Hong Kong try to make the most of Shenzhen as a shopping and dining destination?
4. How to move
The city has over 1,000 bus lines and 16 subway lines.
Bus fares range from 2 yuan to 10 yuan. Shenzhen Tong IC cards (Shenzhen’s version of Hong Kong’s Octopus card) or AlipayHK’s EasyGo QR codes are accepted at bus tap-in points. IC cards can be purchased and charged at subway stations, convenience stores, and Shenzhen Street stores.
You can use the same payment methods on the subway, and transferring between lines is easy, with onboard announcements in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, and clear signage to guide you.
However, the easiest way to get around is by taxi. These are all over Shenzhen and very easy to pick up. The rides are much cheaper than in Hong Kong. The minimum fare is 10 yuan for the first 2 kilometers, and 2.60 yuan for each kilometer thereafter, with various additional fees.
Michelin-starred restaurant chef grows Western cuisine in Shenzhen
Michelin-starred restaurant chef grows Western cuisine in Shenzhen
5. Additional tips
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Please bring cash in case the electronic payment system does not work. Although Shenzhen is a largely cashless society, banknotes and coins are still accepted, although some vendors are more willing to accept them than others. Yuan notes can be withdrawn at ATMs and banks throughout Hong Kong, as well as at Lohu and Lok Ma Chau MTR stations.
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People are very friendly and happy to help, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
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Please bring a UV umbrella to protect yourself from the sun. Summers in Shenzhen are extremely hot and sunny, so for those accustomed to living on Hong Kong Island, the city may seem very spread out.
