Laptops and Communists: Is it safe to bring files into China?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 11
Laptops and Communists: Is it safe to bring files into China?
I'm going to China on a trip that will involve both backroading and work. My laptop is generally essential equipment, but I'm worried about carrying personal files into China. Most everything I have is benign, but I have worked in Washington and other sensitive locales and might have some old notes that could read a little strange to a foreign security officer.
Wondering if any of you have experience with this.
Wondering if any of you have experience with this.
#2
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Brussels, EU
Posts: 279
Originally Posted by Jayou360
I'm going to China on a trip that will involve both backroading and work. My laptop is generally essential equipment, but I'm worried about carrying personal files into China. Most everything I have is benign, but I have worked in Washington and other sensitive locales and might have some old notes that could read a little strange to a foreign security officer.
Wondering if any of you have experience with this.
Wondering if any of you have experience with this.
#3
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,027
I travel a lot and on a diplomatic passport. So far it has happened three times that Chinese customs have disappeared in a little room with my laptop for about 10 minutes before giving it back to me. I carry all sensitive material on a hidden USB hard disk.
#4
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA
Posts: 36,062
I've travelled to China many times with my laptop. No one has ever looked at it (or anything else that I was carrying). As a rule, you will find entry into and exit from China somewhat faster, easier and more courteously conducted than entering or leaving the US.
#6
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Posts: 1,470
Gov't Travel Notices
Here is a link to the US State Dept Notice on China. I don't see anything about computer files, but there is a section on "Document Seizures":
"DOCUMENT SEIZURES: Chinese authorities have seized documents, literature, and letters that they deem to be pornographic, political in nature, or intended for religious proselytism. Persons seeking to enter China with religious materials in a quantity deemed to be greater than that needed for personal use may be detained and fined. Chinese customs authorities may seize books, films, records, tapes, and compact disks to determine if they violate Chinese prohibitions. Individuals believed to be engaged in religious proselytism or in conduct Chinese officials consider immoral or inappropriate have been detained and expelled."
Your profile does not indicate where you are from. If you have any concerns, I would urge you to contact your countries embassy in China or the equivilent of the US State Dept in your country for the latest information and warnings.
"DOCUMENT SEIZURES: Chinese authorities have seized documents, literature, and letters that they deem to be pornographic, political in nature, or intended for religious proselytism. Persons seeking to enter China with religious materials in a quantity deemed to be greater than that needed for personal use may be detained and fined. Chinese customs authorities may seize books, films, records, tapes, and compact disks to determine if they violate Chinese prohibitions. Individuals believed to be engaged in religious proselytism or in conduct Chinese officials consider immoral or inappropriate have been detained and expelled."
Your profile does not indicate where you are from. If you have any concerns, I would urge you to contact your countries embassy in China or the equivilent of the US State Dept in your country for the latest information and warnings.
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1MM, Delta Plat
Posts: 11,224
No problems. I have commuted and lived here and go through the border several times a year. Never a check. If you are concerned, move any files to a USB drive and pack it in your luggage.
#8
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: SNA, LAX
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Plat, Hertz P Circle
Posts: 1,628
I've not had any problems at all carrying laptops (yes, I carry two) in and out of China. In each visit, nobody has even bothered to look at them besides running them through the standard X-ray machines.
I have, however had a bad experience with Israel. One of the laptops did not pass a chemical swipe as I prepare to leave Tel Aviv. Now, this laptop has so far passed tests at LAX, CDG, and FRA on the same trip. TEL security took just about everything apart, but was still not satisfied. They kept the laptop and asked me to pack all accessories in checked luggage. The laptop arrived at my home 3 days later in a cardboard box without any packaging materials. It no longer works, and neither the airport nor airline will reimburse me for it.
I have, however had a bad experience with Israel. One of the laptops did not pass a chemical swipe as I prepare to leave Tel Aviv. Now, this laptop has so far passed tests at LAX, CDG, and FRA on the same trip. TEL security took just about everything apart, but was still not satisfied. They kept the laptop and asked me to pack all accessories in checked luggage. The laptop arrived at my home 3 days later in a cardboard box without any packaging materials. It no longer works, and neither the airport nor airline will reimburse me for it.
#9
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Portland
Programs: UA 1K, AK Gold 75K, etc. etc.
Posts: 1,660
Originally Posted by Jayou360
I'm going to China on a trip ... but I'm worried about carrying files into China. Wondering if any of you have experience with this.
#10
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: NY Metro Area
Programs: AA 2MM Yay!, UA MM, Costco General Member
Posts: 49,021
Only been to China once and certainly no problems with the laptop. However, if I had really sensitive government documents or even things that appeared to be really sensitive I would not take them into ANY foreign country with the possible exception of a few allied countries like NATO and SEATO. Once you are there you just arent in control and you cant predict what might happen on any given occassion.