Customs inspection is a standard procedure at all international airports in China.
While many officers may speak some English, using simple Chinese phrases can help make the process smoother and faster.
✈ I am here for tourism.
Chinese: 我来旅游。
Pinyin: wǒ lái lǚyóu.
English: I am here for tourism.
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💬 Example:
A: What’s your purpose for coming to China?
A: 您来中国的目的是什么？
B: I am here for tourism.
B: 我来旅游。
💡 Tip:
This is the most common answer for foreign tourists when immigration officers ask about your travel purpose.
✈ I am staying at a hotel.
Chinese: 我住在酒店。
Pinyin: wǒ zhù zài jiǔdiàn.
English: I am staying at a hotel.
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💬 Example:
A: Where will you stay during your trip?
A: 旅行期间您住在哪里？
B: I am staying at a hotel downtown.
B: 我住在市中心的酒店。
💡 Tip:
Answer border inspection staff with this sentence when they ask about your accommodation arrangement.
✈ I have a return ticket.
Chinese: 我有返程机票。
Pinyin: wǒ yǒu fǎncéng jīpiào.
English: I have a return ticket.
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💬 Example:
A: Do you have proof of your departure from China?
A: 您有离开中国的凭证吗？
B: I have a return ticket.
B: 我有返程机票。
💡 Tip:
Tell customs officers this sentence to prove you will leave China before your visa expires.
✈ I have nothing to declare.
Chinese: 我没有需要申报的物品。
Pinyin: wǒ méiyǒu xūyào shēnbào de wùpǐn.
English: I have nothing to declare.
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💬 Example:
A: Do you have any goods to declare?
A: 您有需要申报的物品吗？
B: I have nothing to declare.
B: 我没有需要申报的物品。
💡 Tip:
Say this to customs staff if you carry no taxable, restricted or prohibited items.
✈ Where should I queue?
Chinese: 我应该排哪边的队伍？
Pinyin: wǒ yīnggāi pái nǎ biān de duìwǔ?
English: Where should I queue?
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💬 Example:
A: Excuse me, where should I queue for foreign passport holders?
A: 请问，外国人应该排哪边的队伍？
B: Please line up at the foreign visitor channel on the left.
B: 请在左边外国人通道排队。
💡 Tip:
Use this sentence at immigration to ask which line is for foreign travelers.
✈ Can you speak English?
Chinese: 你会说英语吗？
Pinyin: nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?
English: Can you speak English?
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💬 Example:
A: Can you speak English? My Chinese is very poor.
A: 你会说英语吗？我的中文不太好。
B: Yes, I can speak simple English to help you.
B: 我会一点简单英语，可以帮您。
💡 Tip:
Speak this first when you cannot express your needs clearly in Mandarin to airport staff.
Final Advice
Always prepare your passport, visa, and travel documents before reaching customs.
Clear communication and honesty will help you pass customs quickly and without issues.