When China Called: Entry Part 1
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| Paifang at Great Mosque of Xi’an, Photo Credit: Mohamed Hakim |
Getting to terminals at the Philadelphia airport is relatively intuitive. First, I checked in my luggage, which I spent hours researching the TSA website for guidance on. Thankfully I wasn't asked to off load anything due to restrictions nor weight, which unpleasantly cost me green bills in the past. Then, I waited for some time before going through a security checkpoint. There, I noticed a family dressed in hiking attire. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of adventure they're awaiting... Eventually, I went through the security checks. Fortunately, I wasn't drafted for extra checks this time either. Incidentally, thinking back on my pre-Americanization days, I can't help but wonder if the color of my skin was what qualified me for extra checks... Anyhow, once through, it's just a matter of following signs to your terminal.
Upon landing in Beijing, I was asked to fill out a customs card, form, provided by airport staff gesturing foreigners into the foreign visitors’ line. The card is two parts. The first is for arrival information like flight number, personal information like date of birth, and intended place of stay. The other part includes the same personal information fields and departure information but will be returned to you for safe keeping. Keep this part of the card close.
Losing the card returned to you by the customs officer means that you will find yourself delayed at the airport when it is time for your return trip.
My understanding is that on most in bound flights, flight attendants can provide said card so you may complete it during your flight, prior to your landing in China.
Before going through customs however, on my way from the plane, airport staff pointed to kiosks along the wall. You must use one of the automated kiosks, counters, available to input some information and do finger printing, regardless of whether or not you did your finger printing at an embassy to get your visa. Fingerprints are used at the customs desk to verify your identity along with a face scan. Have your Invitation Letter handy. After completing the entry procedure, you may collect your luggage. If you have a transfer flight, you can head to the transfers terminal to get onto domestic flights.
I found the transfer procedure interesting because although I landed for a transfer, I had to proceed as if I was planning to stay in Beijing. I went, all the way, out of the passengers' area, through the arrivals gate, and into the airport lobby before I was able to go back to to my transfer flight.
Landing in China came with an emotional baggage, the type you wouldn't want. I read books about the etiquettes of the country and other travel guides before my trip, yet I found myself worrying about how much of it I would remember. I certainly did not remember the kiosk procedure which I did definitely read about for example (2016 DK Eyewitness Travel guide, p. 613). I didn't even know how much of the little Mandarin I learned would come in handy. And, in the middle of it all, I started to question my ability to remember... as I, myself, question what brought me here in the first place!
