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Departure Guide
Complete guide for leaving China
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Stage 12: Leaving China
Departure steps, tax refunds, airport info, and collecting memories
1
3 Days Before: Final Preparations
Confirm all bookings, arrange transport, and complete tax refund claims.
3 days before departure
- 1.Confirm flight booking and check-in online
- 2.Arrange airport transfer
- 3.Apply for VAT refund at stores (up to 15 days before)
- 4.Check hotel checkout time
- 5.Confirm luggage weight limits with airline
- 6.Notify hotel of late checkout if needed
2
1 Day Before: Packing & Check-out
Pack belongings, settle bills, and prepare for departure.
1 day before departure
- 1.Complete packing and check against checklist
- 2.Confirm passport and visa validity
- 3.Settle hotel bills (check for hidden charges)
- 4.Return borrowed items to hotel
- 5.Confirm airport transfer time
- 6.Check weather for travel day
3
Day of Departure: Airport Transfer
Travel to airport with sufficient time for all procedures.
3 hours before international flight
- 1.Leave hotel 2-3 hours before flight
- 2.Verify airport name matches ticket
- 3.Keep passport and ticket easily accessible
- 4.Check traffic conditions before leaving
- 5.Have hotel address in Chinese for driver
- 6.Keep hotel business card for return journey
4
At Airport: Check-in & Security
Complete airline check-in and airport security procedures.
2-3 hours before flight
- 1.Proceed to check-in counter (international departures)
- 2.Present passport and boarding pass
- 3.Check luggage and get boarding pass
- 4.Proceed through emigration (exit check)
- 5.Go through security screening
- 6.Find departure gate and wait
5
Duty-Free Shopping
Make the most of duty-free shopping opportunities.
After security, before boarding
- 1.Check duty-free price against destination prices
- 2.Purchase alcohol and cigarettes within limits
- 3.Buy luxury goods if price advantage exists
- 4.Check electronics for savings
- 5.Use leftover RMB for purchases
- 6.Compare airport vs downtown duty-free prices
6
Boarding & Departure
Board your flight and begin journey home.
30-45 minutes before departure
- 1.Listen for boarding announcements
- 2.Have boarding pass and passport ready
- 3.Board according to group/zone
- 4.Stow luggage properly overhead or under seat
- 5.Keep passport accessible for flight
- 6.Complete arrival card if required
⏰ Important Reminders
- •International flights: arrive at airport 3 hours before departure
- •Check passport validity - must be valid for 6+ months beyond travel dates
- •Verify visa exit dates - overstay fines are approximately 500 CNY/day
- •Keep boarding pass and receipts for expense tracking