Every time you head back to China, there are a ton of details to sort out — especially if it's your first time. Missing something important is easy. Here's a consolidated guide based on years of experience.
Choosing Your Flight
Departing from Berlin (BER) usually involves a layover. Common routes:
- Direct via Frankfurt / Munich: Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) and Air China (via Beijing) are the most reliable options, with a flight time of about 10-11 hours.
- Middle East / Turkey layover: Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Emirates (via Dubai) — typically €100-200 cheaper, with layovers of 2-4 hours. Good if you're not in a rush.
Booking 6-8 weeks in advance gives you the best value. If you buy last-minute (1-2 weeks before), prices can double during peak seasons (before Chinese New Year, summer holidays).
Luggage and Departing Germany
Germany has no strict exit baggage checks (except for standard aviation rules like liquids over 100ml in carry-on). Checked luggage limits follow your airline's policy — economy class usually allows 23kg per piece. Check in advance to avoid overweight fees.
Entering China: Customs
- Duty-free allowance: ¥5,000 per person (check the latest customs regulations before you travel, as limits may change).
- Prohibited items: Fresh fruits and vegetables, live plants and seeds, fresh meat (including cooked/smoked meat — the rules on cured meat are unclear).
- Cash declaration: You must declare if you carry more than USD 5,000 (or equivalent in other currencies).
Worth bringing back from Germany: Aspirin/Ibuprofen from Apotheke (Ratiopharm brand is reliable), high-cocoa dark chocolate (Lindt / Ritter Sport), and dm drugstore products (Balea skincare line).
Student Residence Permit: Things to Know
- Make sure your residence permit is valid for the entire time you're away, including the day you return to Germany.
- If your permit is about to expire, renew it before you leave.
- If you stay outside Germany for more than 6 consecutive months, some types of residence permits automatically expire (check your specific permit terms, or ask the Ausländerbehörde (ABH) if unsure).
- Keep your German bank account and phone number active while you're away, so you can use them immediately when you return.
Wrapping Up in Germany Before You Leave
If you're going back for a short period (1-3 months): notify your landlord, pause or downgrade some subscriptions. If you're leaving long-term (over 6 months): do an Abmeldung (address deregistration), terminate your rental contract and all subscriptions. Check with your health insurance provider before canceling your German coverage.
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